Contract Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a mid-level Mechanical Design Engineer to support rapid product development across a wide range of industries. This highly hands-on role focuses on early-stage prototyping, fast iteration, and transforming concepts into functional physical products. You will work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where speed and adaptability are critical, using CAD, 3D printing, and functional models to bring ideas to life and support end-to-end product development from early research through prototyping.

Responsibilities

• Convert existing CAD designs, often originally created for casting or traditional manufacturing, into 3D-printable, prototype-ready models.
• Develop rough CAD and surface models quickly to support early-stage product concepts and design exploration.
• Build and iterate on physical prototypes using 3D printing, machining, and off-the-shelf components to validate form, fit, and function.
• Support electromechanical system development and integrate mechanical and electrical components into cohesive assemblies.
• Assist with wearables and soft goods integration, combining textiles and hardware into functional product solutions.
• Execute mechanical testing by following defined test methods, collecting accurate data, and reporting clear, actionable results.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design, research, electrical, and prototyping, to refine concepts and drive product decisions.
• Apply advanced CAD practices, including working with large assemblies, applying GD&T, and using PDM tools to manage design data.
• Contribute manufacturing and process insights to help guide the transition from prototype to production.
• Help lead and support complex engineering projects, balancing technical requirements with budget and timeline considerations.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 3+ years of experience in mechanical or product development engineering.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software, with the ability to create and modify complex mechanical designs.
• Advanced CAD expertise, including experience with large assemblies, GD&T, and product data management (PDM) systems.
• Deep mechanical design and product development background, covering concept development through prototyping.
• Hands-on experience with new product development and mechanical systems design.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and fabrication methods, including the transition from prototype to production.
• Experience designing injection molded parts and understanding their manufacturing constraints.
• Practical experience with rapid prototyping techniques, including 3D printing and machining.
• Ability to work effectively in ambiguous, early-stage development environments and adapt to fast-paced project needs.
• Experience with mechanical testing instruments and test execution, including data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with FEA analysis concepts and the ability to interpret results to inform design decisions.
• Capability to support and lead complex engineering projects, considering both technical performance and capital expenditure (CAPEX) impacts.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a consulting, design firm, or rapid product development environment.
• Exposure to consumer products, medical devices, or industrial equipment, with an understanding of industry-specific requirements.
• Familiarity with Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to support later-stage transition to production.
• Experience using AutoCAD and other CAD software tools alongside SolidWorks.
• background in mechanical engineering or a related technical discipline.
• Comfort working with GD&T to communicate design intent and tolerances.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, including casting and various fabrication processes.
• Ability to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams and communicate technical concepts clearly.
• Strong problem-solving mindset and a passion for building and iterating on physical prototypes.
• Interest in working on end-to-end product development, from research and design through engineering and prototyping.

Work Environment

This role operates in a fast-paced, high-impact engineering environment that emphasizes speed, execution, and practical problem-solving. You will work on full lifecycle projects—research, design, engineering, and prototyping—all under one roof, providing broad exposure and accelerated learning. The team culture values collaboration over ego, with low politics and a strong focus on the best ideas winning. Engineers have direct interaction with clients and contribute meaningfully to diverse projects across medical devices, consumer products, and industrial equipment. The environment is generally flexible and supportive, with a people-first approach and manageable work-life expectations. You will use advanced CAD tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, 3D printers, machining equipment, mechanical testing instruments, and various prototyping technologies in a hands-on, lab-oriented setting, working closely with a tight-knit, high-caliber engineering team that offers mentorship and visibility to leadership.

This is a Contract position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $50.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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 [email protected] 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.