Demo

R&D Mechanical Designer

Actalent
Iowa, IA Contractor
POSTED ON 4/27/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/26/2026

Job Title: R&D Design Engineer

Job Description

Join our R&D team to design and develop innovative equipment solutions. You will create and evaluate proof-of-concept models to validate ideas for further development and present concepts and prototypes to internal teams, customers, or partners to refine product direction.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the R&D team to design and develop new equipment solutions.
  • Create and evaluate proof-of-concept models to validate ideas for further development.
  • Present concepts and prototypes to internal teams, customers, or partners to refine product direction.
  • Engage in floor and field testing with technicians during the development phase.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with vendors.

Essential Skills

  • Proficiency in Solidworks.
  • New product development experience
  • 1 year of experience with Solidworks.
  • Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with C , Python, or MATLAB is preferred.
  • Robotics, perception sensors, and control system experience are desirable.

Work Environment

The work is predominantly conducted in a cubicle environment with approximately 70% of the time spent using Solidworks and 30% on the floor engaged in testing or prototyping. As part of the R&D department, you will also spend time in testing fields. The company offers a family-oriented culture with opportunities for training, mentorship, and involvement in community activities. Benefits include paid holidays and two weeks of vacation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Iowa City, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $33.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Iowa City,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 13, 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

Salary : $31 - $33

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution. Compensation Planning
Enhance your organization's compensation strategy with salary data sets that HR and team managers can use to pay your staff right. Surveys & Data Sets
Employees: Get a Salary Increase
View Core, Job Family, and Industry Job Skills and Competency Data for more than 15,000 Job Titles Skills Library

Job openings at Actalent

  • Actalent Providence, RI
  • UX/UI Designer Job Description As a Senior UX/UI Designer, you will serve as the functional lead in the MedTech space, overseeing the UX and UI design of n... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Hampden, ME
  • Job Title: Cybersecurity Engineer The Cybersecurity Engineer will lead information security and regulatory compliance efforts in a highly regulated environ... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Northfield, NH
  • Electrical Engineer We are seeking a hands-on Electrical Engineer to support Quality and Test operations within a PCB and PCBA contract manufacturing envir... more
  • 1 Day Ago

  • Actalent Las Vegas, NV
  • Job Title: Architectural Designer Job Description We are a dynamic and growing architecture firm specializing in federal government projects, including Dep... more
  • 1 Day Ago


Not the job you're looking for? Here are some other R&D Mechanical Designer jobs in the Iowa, IA area that may be a better fit.

  • GAS Global Services Rapids, IA
  • Mechanical Designer JOB-10045625 Anticipated Start Date 5/11/2026 Location Cedar Rapids, IA Type of Employment Contract-to-Hire Employer Info They are Nort... more
  • 6 Days Ago

  • Donatech Corporation Marion, IA
  • Position would require the candidate to be a W2 employee of Donatech. US Citizenship Required. The Mechanical Designer supports the mechanical design, docu... more
  • 1 Month Ago

AI Assistant is available now!

Feel free to start your new journey!