Lead Mechanical Automation Design Engineer

A confidential organization operating in the advanced manufacturing space is seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to provide technical leadership for the design, development, and deployment of custom automated equipment and production systems. This role plays a critical part in guiding mechanical design efforts across complex projects while collaborating closely with controls, manufacturing, and external partners. The Lead Mechanical Engineer serves as both a hands-on technical contributor and a design authority, ensuring solutions are robust, manufacturable, and aligned with program requirements in regulated, safety-critical environments.

• Serve as mechanical design lead for assigned projects, providing technical direction and oversight from concept through deployment.
• Translate functional, performance, safety, and manufacturing requirements into effective mechanical system designs.
• Review and approve mechanical designs, drawings, and analyses to ensure compliance with requirements and design intent.
• Mentor and support mechanical engineers through design reviews, problem solving, and best-practice guidance.
• Develop and oversee 3D models, detailed drawings, and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Perform and review tolerance analyses, clearance evaluations, and fit-up assessments for complex assemblies.
• Apply engineering judgment to ensure structural integrity, reliability, and serviceability of mechanical systems.
• Guide component selection for actuators, motion hardware, and electromechanical devices in coordination with cross-functional teams.
• Partner closely with controls engineering to ensure seamless integration of mechanical and automation systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, supply chain, and vendors to support Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA).
• Act as a technical interface with suppliers, supporting specification development, reviews, and issue resolution.
• Lead or review engineering analyses, including Finite Element Analysis (FEA), to validate mechanical designs.
• Oversee engineering change activities, ensuring accurate documentation, configuration control, and timely implementation.
• Establish and uphold mechanical design standards, practices, and documentation quality.
• Provide technical leadership during equipment build, assembly, and system integration activities.
• Support on-site installation, commissioning, and troubleshooting of mechanical systems as required.
• Ensure mechanical content within operations, maintenance, and technical documentation is accurate and complete.
• Drive improvements to engineering tools, workflows, and design methodologies.
• Support quality system requirements and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
• Promote a culture of engineering rigor, accountability, and continuous learning.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 7 years of experience in mechanical system or machine design, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including experience in controlled CAD/PDM environments.
• Strong working knowledge of GD&T per ASME standards.
• Proven experience performing and reviewing tolerance stack-ups and mechanical analyses.
• Experience supporting structured engineering change management processes.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts to engineers, management, and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and ownership mindset.
• Proficiency with standard business and presentation tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

• Leadership experience on custom machinery or automation projects.
• Exposure to regulated manufacturing environments or formal quality management systems.
• Hands-on experience supporting equipment build, installation, and field commissioning.
• Familiarity with pneumatic systems, motion components, and electromechanical integration.
• Experience mentoring junior engineers or leading technical reviews.
• Ability to travel domestically on a limited basis.
• Authorization to work in the United States.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required background clearance, if applicable.
• Must be a U.S. Citizen.

The position is within a small custom automation company that supports custom automated equipment for large Aerospace & defense companies. The role offers a collaborative engineering culture that values learning and technical growth. Employees benefit from a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans, as well as employer-supported insurance and paid time off. The work environment is innovative, challenging, and rewarding, providing opportunities to work on complex, purpose-built engineering systems.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Arlington, TX.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/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 Arlington,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 31, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000 extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.

Salary : $45 - $65