Mechanical Engineer

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing, prototyping, and validating mechanical systems in a hands-on engineering environment. You will develop detailed 3D models and drawings, fabricate prototype components, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to transform concepts into robust, manufacturable products. Success in this position requires moving quickly from concept to prototype, producing high-quality engineering documentation, and contributing to thoroughly validated product designs.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and assemblies using CAD tools with a strong focus on manufacturability, performance, and reliability.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings, including dimensions, tolerances, and specifications that support efficient production.
• Create and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and manage design revisions within product lifecycle management (PLM) systems.
• Build and iterate mechanical prototypes in a lab setting using standard machine shop equipment, including lathes, mills, drill presses, and basic fabrication tools.
• Collaborate closely with technicians and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot issues, refine designs, and support scaling from prototype to production.
• Support testing activities by helping to develop test plans, executing experiments, and analyzing results to validate mechanical performance.
• Participate in system integration efforts involving mechanical, electrical, and optical components, ensuring cohesive and functional assemblies.
• Apply design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles to improve product quality, reduce complexity, and enhance ease of assembly.
• Document design decisions, test outcomes, and engineering changes clearly and thoroughly to support traceability and continuous improvement.
• Contribute actively to a hands-on lab and prototype environment by maintaining equipment, promoting safe practices, and supporting team objectives.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent practical engineering experience that demonstrates strong mechanical design capability.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, including part modeling, complex assemblies, and the creation of detailed engineering drawings.
• Strong 3D CAD engineering skills with the ability to translate concepts into detailed, manufacturable designs.
• Hands-on experience using standard machine shop tools such as lathes, mills, drill presses, and basic fabrication equipment, with the ability to safely machine simple prototype parts.
• Experience working in a lab or prototype environment with a willingness to be highly hands-on.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate closely with technicians and manufacturing teams to support build, test, and integration activities.
• Experience working within product lifecycle management (PLM) systems such as Agile, Arena, or Duro to manage revisions and documentation.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA) principles and their application to real-world products.
• Ability to support the development and execution of test plans, perform experiments, and interpret test data to guide design decisions.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality engineering documentation and drawings.

• Familiarity with thermal design, including heat transfer fundamentals, thermal modeling, or administering thermal testing.
• Experience with optical or opto-mechanical systems, including basic optical alignment or designing enclosures and mechanisms that integrate optical components.
• Understanding of wiring and harness routing, as well as systems-level integration involving mechanical, electrical, and optical subsystems.
• Ability to write and execute detailed test plans, analyze experimental data, and generate clear and thorough test reports.
• Experience working in small, cross-functional teams where flexibility, communication, and initiative are highly valued.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, prototype-focused environment with evolving requirements and tight iteration cycles.

This role is based on-site, Monday through Friday, for approximately 40 hours per week with the possibility of occasional overtime to support project milestones and testing schedules. You will work as part of a smaller, collaborative team in a lab and prototype environment that includes access to standard machine shop equipment such as lathes, mills, drill presses, and fabrication tools. The setting emphasizes hands-on engineering, frequent interaction with technicians and manufacturing personnel, and close involvement in system integration activities. The environment supports a practical, safety-conscious approach to building and testing mechanical systems, with regular use of CAD, PLM tools, and test equipment as part of daily work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Kent, WA.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/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 Kent,WA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 16, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 : $60 - $80