Job Title: Senior Mechanical EngineerJob Description
This Senior Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the development and customization of pan-and-tilt positioning systems and tripod products. You will support both custom product modifications and new product development, evaluating customer requirements, performing engineering analysis, selecting motion control components, and leading efforts from concept through validation and production support. The position is ideal for an engineer who enjoys combining analytical design work with hands-on testing of electro-mechanical systems and motion control assemblies.
Responsibilities
Evaluate customer requirements and translate them into clear mechanical and electro-mechanical design specifications.
Perform engineering analysis using first principles, including structures, heat transfer, statics, dynamics, and motor sizing, to recommend sound design choices.
Design and develop electro-mechanical assemblies and subassemblies for pan-and-tilt positioning systems and tripod products, rather than focusing solely on individual parts.
Allocate approximately 40% of time to testing and analysis, including selecting motors, drives, sensors, and encoders through performance calculations and hands-on testing.
Allocate approximately 30% of time to design and simulation, including CAD modeling (preferably in SolidWorks), structural analysis, and finite element analysis (FEA).
Allocate approximately 30% of time to supplier and manufacturing support, including electro-mechanical component selection, supplier interaction, and resolving production issues.
Develop and validate electro-mechanical systems, ensuring that precision motion control components such as encoders, motors, bearings, and supporting structures work together reliably.
Specify and execute relevant tests, including those associated with MIL-STD-810, to validate component and subsystem performance under environmental and operational conditions.
Lead projects from requirements elicitation through design, testing, production handoff, and after-sales support, ensuring technical integrity and timely delivery.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and suppliers, to address design for manufacturability, troubleshoot production issues, and support continuous improvement.
Support both new product development initiatives and custom product modifications to meet specific customer and application needs.
Document designs, analyses, test plans, and results clearly to support ongoing product development, quality assurance, and future design iterations.
Essential Skills
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent engineering discipline with adequate related experience.
5+ years of professional experience in a mechanical engineering role.
Proven experience designing and validating electro-mechanical systems, particularly those involving motion control components.
Strong technical thinking ability with a solid foundation in first principles, including structures, heat transfer, statics, dynamics, and motor sizing.
Familiarity with full system architecture of precision motion control systems, including encoders, motors, bearings, and structural elements.
Demonstrated ability to design assemblies and subassemblies, not just individual components, within complex electro-mechanical systems.
Comfort with hands-on testing and validation of mechanical and electro-mechanical systems.
Ability to perform performance calculations and interpret test results to inform design decisions.
Experience supporting supplier and manufacturing activities, including component selection and resolution of production issues.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
SolidWorks CAD experience, including 3D modeling and drawing creation for mechanical assemblies and subassemblies.
Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) for structural analysis and design validation.
Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for managing design files and engineering documentation.
Experience with motion control loop development for stepper and servo-based systems.
Knowledge of component and subsystem level validation methods and practices.
Project leadership experience, including guiding efforts from requirements elicitation through design, testing, production launch, and after-sales support.
Experience specifying and executing tests associated with MIL-STD-810 or similar environmental and durability standards.
Background in Aerospace, Automotive, Automation, or Industrial Equipment industries is preferred.
Experience in research and development and new product development environments.
Exposure to product testing, including mechanical and electro-mechanical performance evaluations.
Understanding of sensors, encoders, drives, motors, and other electro-mechanical components used in precision motion control systems.
Work Environment
The role centers on the development and customization of pan-and-tilt positioning systems and tripod products used in precision motion control applications. You will work in an engineering environment that combines office-based design and analysis with hands-on lab and shop floor activities. Typical tools and technologies include SolidWorks for CAD design, FEA software for structural analysis, and PDM systems for managing engineering data. You will regularly interact with motors, drives, sensors, encoders, and other electro-mechanical components during testing and validation. The position involves close collaboration with manufacturing and suppliers to support production, resolve technical issues, and ensure design intent is maintained. The environment supports project-based work in R&D and new product development, with a focus on rigorous testing, practical engineering solutions, and continuous improvement of motion control products.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Deerfield, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $55.00/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 Deerfield,IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 25, 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.
