Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Description
This role focuses on designing conveyor systems, automated equipment, machines, and container handling solutions using SolidWorks. The Mechanical Design Engineer creates detailed 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings, working closely with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical systems with automation and electrical components. The position emphasizes optimizing designs for efficiency, manufacturability, and performance while ensuring compliance with client specifications, safety requirements, and industry standards. This is a strong opportunity to contribute to a growing portfolio of automation and material handling solutions with multiple product lines expected to expand in the coming years.
Responsibilities
Design conveyor systems, automated machines, and material handling equipment using SolidWorks, ensuring robust and efficient mechanical layouts.
Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and fully dimensioned technical drawings, including bills of materials (BOMs) and documentation suitable for manufacturing.
Collaborate closely with electrical and automation teams to integrate mechanical designs with control systems, servo drives, motors, robotics, and other automation components.
Conduct stress, load, and structural analysis to verify the functionality, reliability, and safety of mechanical systems and components.
Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly principles to simplify production, reduce costs, and improve maintainability.
Design components and systems for automated machinery, including conveyors, robotics, and container handling systems, ensuring smooth operation and integration.
Incorporate mechanical components such as gears, motors, bearings, drives, and pneumatic elements into cohesive system designs.
Create clear and accurate technical drawings and documentation, including the application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to communicate design intent.
Use SolidWorks Simulation or other CAE tools to analyze and solve complex mechanical problems and validate design performance.
Ensure designs comply with relevant industry standards and safety regulations, including applicable CE, UL, and other guidelines.
Provide technical support throughout the project lifecycle, from concept and design through fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
Troubleshoot mechanical and system issues on the shop floor, working hands-on with equipment to resolve problems and implement improvements.
Participate in on-site installation and commissioning of equipment at manufacturing facilities, supporting start-up, testing, and optimization.
Collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team, contributing to design reviews, continuous improvement efforts, and innovation initiatives.
Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced, project-driven environment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field.
Minimum of 3+ years of experience in mechanical design engineering, preferably focused on conveyor systems, automated equipment, or material handling solutions.
Experience designing conveyors, automated machines, and container handling systems for industrial applications.
Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assembly design, and drafting, including creating detailed models, assemblies, and technical drawings.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including kinematics, mechanics, and thermodynamics.
Hands-on experience with material handling systems, automated equipment, or logistics automation environments.
In-depth knowledge of gears, motors, bearings, drives, servo drives, and other mechanical components used in automation systems.
Ability to develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs) for complex mechanical assemblies.
Proficiency in creating technical drawings with GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to clearly communicate tolerances and fits.
Ability to analyze and solve complex mechanical problems using SolidWorks Simulation or other computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools.
Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM), assembly practices, and automation integration.
Knowledge of industry standards and safety regulations relevant to automated machinery, including CE and UL requirements.
Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, electrical, and controls engineers.
Detail-oriented approach with the ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
5 years of experience in mechanical design, preferably with conveyors and automated systems, is highly valued.
SolidWorks certifications are a plus and demonstrate advanced proficiency in modeling, assemblies, and drafting.
Experience working with robotics, including integration with automated conveyor and material handling systems.
Familiarity with structural analysis of frames, supports, and equipment structures for automated machinery.
Experience with pneumatics and their integration into automated equipment and material handling systems.
Exposure to automation technologies such as servo drives, motors, and control interfaces used in industrial equipment.
Experience working with industrial robotics platforms, including systems such as FANUC, is advantageous.
Demonstrated ability to support projects from concept through installation and commissioning, including on-site troubleshooting.
Strong organizational skills and the ability to document designs, changes, and lessons learned for future projects.
Interest in innovation and continuous improvement in mechanical design for automation and material handling.
Work Environment
This role is based at a site that designs and builds custom equipment for manufacturing facilities, with a strong focus on automation and material handling solutions. The engineering team includes approximately 15 controls engineers, along with dedicated electrical design/drafting and mechanical engineering professionals, creating a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The Mechanical Design Engineer will split time between office-based design work and hands-on activities on the shop floor, regularly interacting with equipment during build, testing, and troubleshooting. The position involves working with modern engineering tools such as SolidWorks, CAE/Simulation software, and standard office and engineering applications. The role requires comfort in a dynamic, project-driven setting where multiple product lines and custom solutions are developed in parallel. Travel of approximately 30-40% is expected to other manufacturing sites to support installation, commissioning, and optimization of custom equipment. The environment emphasizes teamwork, professional growth, and the opportunity to contribute to expanding product lines and long-term automation initiatives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of St. Charles, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $74.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: - Medical, dental & vision - Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital - 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available - Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) - Short and long-term disability - Health Spending Account (HSA) - Transportation benefits - Employee Assistance Program - Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in St. Charles,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 28, 2026.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
