Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the design and development of custom automated equipment and machines across multiple industries, with a primary emphasis on automation solutions for the RV sector and additional exposure to steel and medical applications. The position is heavily design-oriented, with approximately 7580% of the time dedicated to taking initial machine concepts and transforming them into detailed, manufacturable designs. The remaining time is spent on the shop floor, actively supporting the build and assembly of machines and work cells, providing valuable hands-on experience and a strong foundation for long-term growth in custom automation and mechanical engineering.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automated equipment and assembly machines from initial concept through detailed, manufacturable designs using SolidWorks.
• Work directly with customers to understand automation needs and develop new equipment or redesign existing systems to improve output, cycle time, and labor efficiency.
• Develop detailed designs for structures, brackets, mounts, and other mechanical components, including selecting required purchased components.
• Calculate and specify critical design parameters such as cylinder sizing, valving, forces, and other mechanical requirements.
• Utilize FEA to validate designs, ensure structural integrity, and optimize mechanical performance.
• Collaborate with engineering and production teams on project scope, priorities, deadlines, and execution to ensure equipment is completed on time and meets customer expectations.
• Spend approximately 25% of time on the shop floor supporting machine and work-cell builds, troubleshooting designs, and ensuring equipment is practical and manufacturable.

Essential Skills

• 5 years of machine design experience
• Solidworks experience
• Experience designing automated equipment/machines
• FEA experience

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering Degree
• Project Management experience
• Experience working with customers

Work Environment

The work environment is a smaller, laid-back yet highly productive custom automation setting where engineers collaborate closely with production to deliver turnkey automated equipment. The team has grown to approximately 25 people, including a group of six engineers, and operates with a strong cross-functional culture focused on getting machines and equipment out on time to customers. The company specializes in manufacturing, installing, and servicing custom automated equipment that addresses productivity, cycle time, labor optimization, and flexible labor challenges for local and industry-leading customers. The standard work week is based on 45 hours, providing a structured schedule while allowing for the variety that comes with project-based work. The setting offers broad exposure across RV, steel, and medical industries, and encourages engineers to wear multiple hats, combining design work with hands-on assembly to build deep expertise in custom machine design and automation.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Three Rivers, MI.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $45.68/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 Contract to Hire position based out of Three Rivers, MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026.

This is a fully onsite position in Three Rivers,MI.

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 : $38 - $46