Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a Part-Time/Full-Time Mechanical Design Engineer to support innovative new product development initiatives. In this role, you will design, prototype, and refine mechanical systems for products that integrate both mechanical and electronic components. You will work across the full product development lifecycle, from early concepts through prototyping, testing, and validation, in a collaborative, fast-paced, small-team environment where your contributions are highly visible and directly impact the final products.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and products using Fusion 360.
• Create and maintain accurate 3D models and detailed engineering drawings to support product development activities.
• Support product development from concept through prototype, testing, and validation stages.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative and practical mechanical design solutions.
• Participate in rapid prototyping efforts, including building and iterating physical prototypes.
• Support and participate in product testing activities and incorporate test results into design improvements.
• Evaluate product performance and recommend design changes to improve functionality, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles to optimize designs for efficient and repeatable production.
• Work on multiple development projects simultaneously while meeting project timelines and priorities.
• Support hands-on fabrication and prototype build activities as needed, including machining or assembly tasks.
• Assist with integrating electronic components into mechanical designs to ensure proper fit, function, and serviceability.
• Contribute to a collaborative engineering environment by sharing ideas, providing feedback, and participating in design reviews.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor"s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 2-5 years of experience in mechanical engineering, product development, or mechanical design.
• Proficiency with Fusion 360 for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Experience with product development and prototype design, including moving from concept to functional prototypes.
• Experience supporting rapid prototyping initiatives, including iterative design and testing.
• Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical-thinking skills applied to mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Ability to work onsite in Hillsborough, NC on a regular basis.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills for working effectively within a small engineering team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with SolidWorks for mechanical design and documentation.
• Medical device product development experience, including familiarity with regulated environments and documentation.
• Hands-on fabrication, machining, or prototype build experience using shop tools and equipment.
• Experience integrating electronics into mechanical products, including packaging and mounting of PCBs, wiring, and connectors.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) experience, including designing parts and assemblies for efficient production.
• Experience working in a small-team or entrepreneurial engineering environment.
• Interest in working on a variety of products and seeing designs progress from concept to reality.
• Motivation to contribute to innovative product development projects and take ownership of design outcomes.

Work Environment

This role is primarily onsite in Hillsborough, NC, with some potential for a hybrid arrangement when feasible. You will work in a collaborative, small-team engineering environment that emphasizes innovation, rapid iteration, and hands-on problem solving. The work involves regular use of CAD tools such as Fusion 360 (and potentially SolidWorks), as well as time in a workshop or lab setting for fabrication, machining, and prototype builds. You will be involved in the full product development lifecycle, from concept through prototyping and testing, and will see the direct impact of your work on real-world products. The environment supports a flexible part-time schedule and offers exposure to a variety of projects, including products that integrate mechanical and electronic systems and, in some cases, medical device applications. Attire is generally practical and suitable for both office and hands-on lab or shop work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hillsborough, NC.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $50.00/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 onsite position in Hillsborough,NC.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 22, 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.