Mechatronics Engineer

Summary

The Mechatronics Engineer will design, build, and refine electromechanical commissioning and test fixtures that support the full product lifecycle, from early prototyping through production-like builds and transfer to manufacturing partners. This role blends mechanical design, basic electrical integration, and hands-on lab work to create robust, repeatable test methods and technician-ready processes. You will work closely with design, test, and production teams in a fast-paced, startup-style environment to improve reliability, reduce setup time, and minimize user error across automated and industrial equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and build commissioning and test fixtures that integrate mechanical and electrical elements to standardize hookups, reduce setup time, and minimize user error.
• Define and document commissioning workflows, including setup steps, test sequences, acceptance criteria, and troubleshooting guidance.
• Develop and validate repeatable test methods such as smoke tests, functional checks, and calibration flows, and translate them into processes that run consistently across units.
• Create and maintain technician-ready documentation, including work instructions, checklists, visual guides, and fixture usage and troubleshooting notes.
• Support bring-up and early builds by identifying failure modes, recommending design-for-test improvements, and closing the loop with design teams.
• Prototype fixture concepts quickly, test them with technicians and other real users, and iteratively refine designs and steps until processes are stable and low-touch.
• Build fixtures or test setups that technicians and operators can run reliably, including providing clear documentation and training support.
• Perform hands-on design and debugging of electromechanical systems, including basic electrical measurements, connectorization, sensors and actuators, and power-up sequencing.
• Work in a lab and production-like environment to troubleshoot issues, validate test setups, and improve system reliability.
• As needed, support the transfer of fixtures and processes to contract manufacturers or remote teams by creating handoff packages, training materials, and acceptance checklists.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across the full product lifecycle, contributing to new designs, prototypes, and product development from scratch.

Essential Skills

• Hands-on ability to design and debug electromechanical systems, including basic electrical measurements, connectorization, sensors and actuators, and power-up sequencing.
• Experience building fixtures or test setups that are operated by technicians or operators, including the creation of documentation and training materials.
• Strong practical troubleshooting skills and comfort working in a lab and production-like environment.
• Ability to ramp up quickly on new systems, work onsite, and deliver clearly scoped outcomes with limited supervision.
• Mechanical engineering and mechanical design experience, including work with motors and sensor technology.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools for mechanical design and fixture development.
• Experience with mechatronics in contexts such as semiconductor equipment, automated equipment, robotics, industrial machinery, or test engineering.
• Experience in designing and building test fixtures and prototypes for electromechanical or automated systems.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with industrial automation components such as PLCs, motor drives, sensors, and safety circuits.
• Familiarity with industrial networking in automated or industrial equipment environments.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Test (DFT) principles, including production scaling considerations.
• Basic CAD skills and the ability to work effectively with fabrication vendors.
• Experience collaborating with contract manufacturing partners and creating comprehensive transfer packages.
• Exposure to startup or fast-paced product development environments where teams own the full product lifecycle, from concept and prototyping through production.
• Interest in robotics, industrial machinery, semiconductor tools, or other complex automated systems.

Work Environment

You will work primarily onsite in a lab and production-like setting, surrounded by automated and industrial equipment, prototypes, and test fixtures. The environment is hands-on and highly collaborative, with engineers and technicians working together across the entire product lifecycle rather than in a separate R&D group. You will use tools such as SolidWorks for mechanical design, basic electrical measurement equipment for debugging, and a variety of motors, sensors, actuators, and industrial automation components. The culture reflects a startup atmosphere with strong financial backing, offering the opportunity to help create new designs and products from scratch and to see your work move quickly from prototype to production. The workplace provides daily free lunch, catered meals twice a week, snacks, a beer fridge after hours, and a game room with activities such as ping pong tournaments, along with regular company swag, fostering a social and engaging environment alongside focused technical work.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Bedford, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/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 Bedford,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.