Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer will lead end-to-end mechanical design efforts for innovative power generation and power distribution products, with a strong focus on new product development for data centers and microgrids. This role combines detailed 3D/2D design work, design-for-manufacturing collaboration, and client-facing technical support, enabling full product life cycle ownership from concept through commissioning.
Responsibilities
Perform detailed mechanical design using SolidWorks, including the creation of 3D models, 2D drawings, schematics, finite element analyses (FEAs), engineering calculations, and testing documentation.
Develop assembly drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and design change documentation to support manufacturing and product lifecycle management.
Ensure all mechanical designs meet applicable specifications, standards, safety requirements, and project scope, maintaining high quality and reliability.
Lead mechanical design efforts on assigned projects, taking ownership of technical solutions and providing guidance to other engineers and designers.
Review, check, and approve mechanical designs and drawing libraries to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with engineering best practices.
Identify mechanical and technical risks early in the design process and communicate them clearly to engineering leadership for mitigation.
Coordinate closely with operations, manufacturing, production engineering, and other departments to ensure design-for-manufacturing principles are applied and information flows smoothly.
Support onsite customer technical needs, including troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and resolution of mechanical issues in the field.
Select mechanical components and parts with careful consideration for cost, availability, and lifecycle factors such as obsolescence and long-term support.
Track design-related costs as projects progress and report status and variances to engineering and project management stakeholders.
Contribute to new product development efforts in power generation and power distribution, helping to expand product lines and support organic growth.
Provide client-facing engineering support, including participation in commissioning activities and service-related engagements when required.
Manage a project load of approximately one to two concurrent projects, maintaining schedules, deliverables, and design quality.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
5+ years of experience as a mechanical engineer in a manufacturing environment.
5+ years of hands-on experience with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
Strong proficiency with AutoCAD for mechanical drawings and documentation.
Expertise in new product development and mechanical design in power generation applications.
Experience with power distribution systems and protective relay-related mechanical design considerations.
Ability to perform and interpret FEAs, engineering calculations, and testing documentation for mechanical components and assemblies.
Demonstrated experience designing for manufacturing and collaborating with production and operations teams.
Ability to lead mechanical design efforts and review, check, and approve mechanical drawings and libraries.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for troubleshooting and root cause analysis in the field.
Capability to track and report design costs and project status to engineering and project management.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience supporting mechanical designs for data centers, including modular data center solutions.
Experience in microgrid-related mechanical design and integration.
Familiarity with mechanical considerations for power generation and power distribution equipment in industrial environments.
Comfort in client-facing roles, including onsite technical support and participation in commissioning activities.
Ability to balance work across office and shop environments, adapting to different phases of the design and build process.
Strong communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and clear risk and status reporting.
Interest in full product life cycle engineering, from concept through design, build, and field support.
Work Environment
This is a full-time role with a Monday-Friday schedule. The Mechanical Engineer works in both office and shop environments, depending on the phase of the design and build process, and may spend extended periods (up to several weeks at a time) in the shop during intensive build or testing phases. The role is client-facing and may require travel of less than 20%, including occasional trips for commissioning or service-related engineering support driven by the growing demand for modular data centers. Typical project load is one to two concurrent projects, allowing focused attention on design quality and thorough engineering support throughout the product life cycle.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $57.69 - $62.50/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 Houston,TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 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.
