Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer leads and supports the design, development, implementation, and analysis of technical and hardware products. This role applies strong analytical and reasoning skills to complex mechanical and structural design projects, conducts research to inform design decisions, and contributes to trade studies and capability analyses. The engineer develops detailed drawings using established configuration management principles, reviews technical documentation to ensure requirements are accurate and met, and assists in resolving engineering and design challenges. The position requires continuous collaboration within integrated product and technical teams and regular interaction with internal and external stakeholders to present technical reports, data, and recommendations while contributing to key project milestones.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and support the design, development, implementation, and analysis of mechanical and hardware products.
• Apply strong analytical and reasoning skills to complex structural and mechanical design projects.
• Perform research on requirements, capabilities, and operational effects and apply findings to assigned projects.
• Participate in the development of trade studies, analysis of alternatives, and capability analysis to guide design decisions.
• Support multiple engineering tasks and projects simultaneously while managing priorities effectively.
• Collaborate continuously as an active member of integrated product and technical teams.
• Develop detailed engineering drawings and models and apply standard configuration management principles.
• Create CAD-based designs in accordance with ASME Y14.100 guidelines and ASME Y14.5 GD&T principles.
• Review technical documentation, specifications, and requirements to verify accuracy and ensure project objectives are being met.
• Apply system design principles and assist in the identification and resolution of engineering and design problems.
• Prepare, deliver, and present technical reports, briefings, supporting data, and design recommendations to team members, customers, and leadership.
• Contribute to the completion of milestones and deliverables associated with specific projects and programs.
• Interact regularly with internal and external customers, team members, and management to clarify requirements and provide status updates.
• Incorporate digital engineering approaches and forward-leaning artificial intelligence techniques into rapid design and prototyping activities.
• Perform risk assessment and design tradeoff analyses related to climate control, shock absorption, and other performance requirements.
• Support new product development initiatives, including concept generation, 3D modeling, design prototyping, and design iteration.
• Apply knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in developing technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Support the practical application of engineering science and technology to the design, manufacture, integration, and test of hardware and related services.
• Provide strong customer service orientation in all interactions, ensuring responsiveness and clear communication.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field and 5-10 years of related mechanical or hardware design experience, with advanced degrees potentially qualifying for higher-level roles per contract guidelines.
• Proven structural, mechanical, and hardware design experience.
• Hands-on CAD experience, including engineering drawing development under ASME Y14.100 guidelines.
• Strong understanding and application of ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles.
• Proficiency with mechanical design and CAD tools such as CATIA, Creo, SolidWorks, and other 3D modeling software.
• Experience with mechanical engineering and mechanical design, including drafting and detailed drawing creation.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct research and perform analysis on requirements, capabilities, and operational effects.
• Strong analytical and reasoning skills with the ability to visualize processes, systems, and outcomes.
• Proven analytical and creative problem-solving abilities with a passion for solving complex engineering problems and providing workable solutions.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver technical briefings and reports.
• Ability to work collaboratively within integrated product teams and cross-functional technical groups.
• High level of self-motivation and direction, with keen attention to detail in all aspects of design and documentation.
• Strong customer service orientation and professional interaction with internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in the development of technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
• Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology, including principles, techniques, procedures, equipment, and tools used in the design, manufacture, integration, and test of hardware and related services.
• Proficiency with the MS Office Suite for documentation, analysis, reporting, and presentations.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with new product development, including concept design, prototyping, and iterative refinement.
• Experience in digital engineering and the use of model-based approaches to support design and analysis.
• Familiarity with incorporating artificial intelligence into rapid design and prototyping workflows.
• Ability to perform calculate analysis and risk assessment related to design tradeoffs, including climate control and shock absorption considerations.
• Experience with project management activities such as tracking milestones, coordinating tasks, and supporting integrated schedules.
• Exposure to design prototype launcher systems or similar complex mechanical assemblies.
• Capability to work effectively in both remote and onsite environments while maintaining strong communication and collaboration.

Work Environment

The role offers flexibility to work either remotely or onsite in Huntsville, Alabama. Onsite work takes place in a professional engineering environment that supports digital engineering tools, advanced CAD and 3D modeling software, and collaborative project work with integrated product teams. Remote team members engage through secure digital collaboration platforms, participate in virtual meetings and technical reviews, and contribute to design and documentation activities from their home office or preferred workspace. The environment emphasizes teamwork, continuous communication, and a strong customer-focused culture, with opportunities to work on complex hardware and mechanical systems from concept through test and integration.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80.00 - $150.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.