Mechanical Designer

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

The Mechanical Designer develops innovative mechanical concepts for new products with a strong focus on packaging and enclosures. This role combines hands-on 3D modeling, detailed documentation, and cross-functional collaboration to convert customer requirements into practical, manufacturable solutions. The position offers a flexible schedule, opportunities to work on cutting-edge prototype designs, and involvement from concept through production.

Responsibilities

• Design conceptual mechanical solutions for new products, with emphasis on packaging and enclosures for electronic systems.
• Develop detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools to support product development.
• Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams throughout the entire product lifecycle, from concept through production release.
• Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), engineering documentation, and quality and work instructions to support manufacturing and quality processes.
• Validate design specifications, engineering change orders (ECOs), and part documentation to ensure accuracy and compliance with requirements.
• Address and solve environmental design challenges, including thermal management, vibration, and other mechanical constraints.
• Translate customer requirements into practical, manufacturable mechanical designs that meet performance, cost, and quality targets.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines are met while maintaining high standards of quality and cost efficiency.
• Support testing activities by contributing to test planning, fixture design, and interpretation of test results as needed.
• Perform other related mechanical design and documentation duties as assigned to support the broader engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Associates degree in mechanical engineering.
• Two or more years of mechanical product design experience spanning research and design and production environments.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD tools for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) and document control systems.
• Strong knowledge of materials and fabrication techniques relevant to mechanical packaging and enclosures.
• Solid understanding of mechanical packaging of electronics, including layout, mounting, and environmental considerations.
• Familiarity with mechanical design principles and practices such as geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Strong analytical mindset with proven problem-solving skills for complex mechanical and environmental design challenges.
• High level of attention to detail in models, drawings, and documentation.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and quality expectations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in new product development, from concept through production release.
• Experience in mechanical engineering design for prototype and first-of-a-kind products.
• Comfort working with environmental design considerations such as thermal management and vibration.
• Ability to convert ambiguous or evolving customer requirements into clear mechanical specifications.
• Strong organizational skills for maintaining BOMs, documentation, and engineering records.
• Interest in working on innovative, cutting-edge projects that involve doing work that has not been done before.
• Flexibility to work part time or adapt to a four-day work week, depending on business needs.

Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based with regular visits to testing areas to support and observe product tests. You will work with modern CAD tools such as SolidWorks and utilize product lifecycle management and document control systems as part of the daily workflow. The schedule offers flexibility, including the option of a four-day work week and the possibility of part-time arrangements, depending on project requirements. The environment is fast-paced and innovation-focused, with an emphasis on prototype design and developing products that are new to the market.

This is a Contract position based out of Marion, IA.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $58.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Marion,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 19, 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.

Salary : $40 - $58