Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Contract Design (Drawing Standardization)Job Description
This contract Mechanical Design Engineer role focuses on standardizing engineering documentation by converting existing drawings to U.S. standards. You will translate Japanese-language drawings into English, convert metric dimensions to U.S. units, and update Japanese Industrial Standards steel specifications to appropriate U.S. steel standards. Working hands-on with physical parts and assemblies, you will ensure that all drawings are accurate, complete, and fully manufacturing-ready while preserving the original design intent, fit, form, function, and quality requirements.
Responsibilities
Convert existing engineering drawings from Japanese standards to U.S. standards while maintaining original design intent, fit, form, function, and quality requirements.
Translate Japanese-language drawings and annotations into clear and accurate English engineering documentation.
Convert metric dimensions to U.S. standard units, ensuring dimensional accuracy and consistency across all drawings.
Update Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) steel specifications to equivalent or appropriate U.S. steel standards.
Work on-site with access to physical parts and assemblies to compare components against their drawings and verify alignment.
Evaluate existing components to identify discrepancies between physical parts and documented dimensions or materials.
Validate dimensional and material requirements and adjust drawings to account for differences between Japanese and U.S. material standards.
Produce accurate, complete, and manufacturing-ready engineering drawings suitable for U.S. manufacturing and operations.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to confirm that converted drawings are technically sound and consistent with organizational standards.
Report progress, issues, and technical findings to the Manager of Continuous Improvement and incorporate feedback into revised drawings.
Essential Skills
Professional experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on design and engineering drawings.
Ability to interpret and create mechanical drawings and specifications for manufacturing.
Proficiency in translating technical content from Japanese to English for engineering documentation.
Strong understanding of metric and U.S. customary units and the ability to accurately convert dimensions between them.
Knowledge of Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS) and corresponding U.S. steel and material standards.
Ability to compare physical parts and assemblies to drawings and identify dimensional and material discrepancies.
Attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, complete, and manufacturing-ready drawings.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to resolve inconsistencies between Japanese and U.S. material and dimensional standards.
Effective communication skills to collaborate with internal stakeholders and present technical findings clearly.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Background in mechanical engineering design within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
Experience working with international engineering standards and adapting designs for different regional requirements.
Familiarity with continuous improvement practices and documentation standardization initiatives.
Ability to work independently on-site while coordinating closely with cross-functional teams.
Work Environment
This is an on-site role in a manufacturing-focused environment, where you will work directly with physical parts and assemblies to verify and refine engineering drawings. You will report to the Manager of Continuous Improvement and collaborate closely with internal engineering, operations, and other relevant stakeholders. The work centers on producing technically sound, consistent, and manufacturing-ready drawings that support U.S. manufacturing and operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Arlington Heights, IL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $50.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Arlington Heights, IL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Arlington Heights,IL.
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.
