Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob Description
This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and developing world-class engineering solutions for fire apparatus, including systems installed on fire trucks that help save lives around the world. You will own the full product lifecycle-from research and development through design, testing and evaluation, manufacturing support, and aftermarket care and warranty support. In this position, you serve as a subject matter expert, providing technical guidance and support to internal teams and external customers while contributing to continuous improvement, safety, and lean manufacturing initiatives.
Responsibilities
Design, develop, and re-design new or existing products of moderate to complex nature, guiding them through release, build, and validation processes.
Participate in customer specification reviews and product planning meetings, proposing innovative solutions that meet customer, regulatory, and company requirements.
Conduct research and analysis of customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, and related data to evaluate feasibility, cost, and maintenance requirements for designs or applications.
Finalize design requirements and manage system interfaces, releasing complete engineering packages to Supply Chain and Operations.
Initiate and lead detailed cross-functional design reviews to ensure robust, producible designs that avoid interferences and comply with industry and company standards.
Develop plans to ensure compliance with applicable regulatory standards, adopted engineering standards, and good engineering practices, and review proposed changes to standards and policies.
Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to enable ergonomic, efficient, and productive manufacturing processes.
Fulfill customer requirements during design activities, taking into account design rules and all applicable interface points.
Define, interpret, and establish technical specifications based on customer requirements, engineering calculations, and layouts.
Create accurate 3D models and detailed drawing packages used to manufacture components, assemblies, and systems.
Create and manage indented Bills of Materials (BOMs) in adherence to company standards, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Develop and use engineering configuration tools and design automation to generate compliant and repeatable designs.
Hold cross-functional design reviews to solicit input from relevant disciplines and deliver robust designs that meet all requirements.
Define, lead, and execute cost-saving projects through value analysis/value engineering (VA/VE) initiatives.
Execute engineering changes through established processes, ensuring proper documentation and communication.
Provide troubleshooting guidance and technical support to Field Service and Manufacturing technicians for issues related to design, assembly, and performance.
Collaborate with Supply Chain and work directly with Tier II and Tier III suppliers to support sourcing, manufacturability, and product quality.
Perform technical calculations and analysis to support design decisions and validate performance against specifications.
Rapidly translate conceptual ideas into buildable models and designs, working both independently and as part of a team.
Develop detailed drawings, 3D models, and BOMs for parts and assemblies in a timely manner to support production schedules.
Contribute to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement activities in areas such as aerials, bodies, cabs, chassis, electrical systems, applications, plumbing, or systems.
Use Six Sigma, 8D, and 5-Why techniques to support root cause analysis and corrective actions for product and process issues.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in engineering with a minimum of 3 years of practical experience in a similar engineering position.
Expert proficiency in 3D CAD systems and tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent software.
Strong expertise in general drawing practices, 3D modeling, drafting standards, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
Extensive experience in fire apparatus design and documentation, with lean manufacturing expertise in three or more functional areas such as aerials, bodies, cabs, chassis, electrical, applications, plumbing, or systems.
In-depth knowledge of applicable regulatory guidelines, including NFPA, ULC, FAMA, DOT, FMVSS, and other relevant standards.
Demonstrated ability to rapidly translate concepts into buildable models and designs, both independently and as part of a team.
Proficiency in creating detailed drawings, 3D models, and bills of materials for parts and assemblies.
Strong analytical and hands-on engineering skills, including the ability to perform technical calculations and analysis.
Knowledge and practical use of drawing and drafting standards, including the application of GD&T and adherence to department policies.
Solid understanding of manufacturing processes, with emphasis on metal fabrication and assemblies.
Experience applying Design for Manufacturing (DFM) methodologies to deliver robust engineering packages that improve productivity in manufacturing.
Ability to provide troubleshooting guidance to Field Service and Manufacturing technicians.
Experience with Supply Chain activities and collaboration with Tier II and Tier III suppliers.
Ability to work independently, collaborate effectively, or lead functional teams as needed.
Versatile and flexible mindset with a willingness to adapt to changing priorities.
Experience using problem-solving methodologies such as Six Sigma, 8D, and 5-Why techniques.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Strong sheet metal design experience, particularly in 3D sheet metal modeling, is highly preferred.
Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks is highly preferred; experience with other 3D CAD software is also valued.
Experience with BOM creation and management in a manufacturing environment.
Familiarity with Epicor or similar enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems used in manufacturing.
Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma exposure or training.
Experience in fire apparatus industry standards and best practices.
Ability to initiate and lead cross-functional design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to balance customer requirements, regulatory compliance, and manufacturability in design decisions.
Work Environment
This position is fully on-site at a manufacturing and engineering facility focused on fire apparatus production. You will work closely with cross-functional teams in design, manufacturing, supply chain, and field service, using modern 3D CAD tools, configuration tools, and ERP systems to support the entire product development process. The role involves regular use of hands to finger, handle, or feel components and equipment, reaching with hands and arms, and frequent talking and hearing during collaboration and reviews. You will frequently stand, walk, and sit throughout the day, and occasionally climb, balance, stoop, kneel, or crouch when interacting with vehicles, assemblies, or shop-floor activities. The position requires regularly lifting and moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting and moving up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities needed include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus, supporting detailed design work and inspection of components. The environment emphasizes safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and offers exposure to the entire product development process along with opportunities for technical and professional growth and leadership responsibilities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Ephrata, PA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $34.62 - $44.23/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
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 Ephrata,PA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 18, 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.
