Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Senior Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Mechanical Engineer leads the planning, design, and execution of complex mechanical engineering projects within the fire apparatus industry. This role provides advanced technical expertise, serves as a design authority for assigned products and systems, and supports cross-functional teams through mentorship, problem-solving, and engineering leadership. The Senior Mechanical Engineer operates with a high degree of autonomy and actively contributes to continuous improvement, standardization, and innovation across products and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and execution of complex mechanical engineering projects in the fire apparatus industry from concept through production release.
• Serve as the primary design authority for assigned products, subsystems, and components, ensuring designs meet performance, safety, and reliability requirements.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, with a strong focus on mechanical design and sheet metal components.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) using tools such as Ansys to validate structural integrity, durability, and performance of designs.
• Create, review, and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and ensure accuracy and completeness of all associated engineering documentation.
• Lead and participate in design failure mode and effects analysis (DFMEA) to identify and mitigate design risks and improve product robustness.
• Support new product development initiatives by generating concepts, evaluating design alternatives, and driving designs through the product development lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, production, and other cross-functional teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with operational capabilities.
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to other engineers and team members, fostering knowledge sharing and engineering best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and standardization of design methods, tools, and processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex mechanical issues in existing products, working with cross-functional teams to implement effective corrective actions.
• Participate in project planning and project management activities, including estimating effort, tracking progress, and meeting schedule and quality targets.
• Support drafting activities by reviewing and approving drawings, ensuring compliance with standards and proper application of dimensions and tolerances.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related mechanical engineering discipline.
• At least 7 years of experience in a mechanical design engineering role.
• Minimum of 2 years of hands-on finite element analysis (FEA) experience.
• Strong proficiency in mechanical engineering principles and mechanical design practices.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Experience with AutoCAD for creating and modifying engineering drawings.
• Demonstrated experience with FEA tools such as Ansys for structural and performance analysis.
• Experience conducting and documenting DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis).
• Proven experience in new product development within a mechanical or manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on experience with sheet metal design and fabrication considerations.
• Ability to create, manage, and maintain bills of materials (BOMs).
• Strong drafting skills, including creating clear and accurate engineering drawings.
• Experience with FEA analysis and interpreting results to drive design decisions.
• Demonstrated project management abilities in an engineering context, including planning and coordinating engineering activities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working in the fire apparatus or similar heavy vehicle or equipment industry.
• Background in continuous improvement and standardization of engineering processes.
• Experience mentoring or providing technical leadership to other engineers or team members.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes involving sheet metal work and welding.
• Exposure to profit-sharing or performance-based environments that value innovation and efficiency.

Work Environment

The role operates primarily in an office environment with half-wall cubicles that create an open and collaborative atmosphere, encouraging communication and teamwork among engineers and other staff. The position also requires regular interaction with the manufacturing floor, which can be loud and dirty due to active sheet metal work and welding operations. The engineering team typically wears jeans and a polo or t-shirt along with steel-toe footwear to align with safety and practical requirements in the production area. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes vacation accrual beginning on the first day of employment, 10 paid holidays, health, dental, and vision coverage, and company-paid life insurance. Additional optional benefits include short-term disability, accident, cancer, critical illness, and hospital insurance, as well as a 401(k) plan with profit sharing, creating a supportive and rewarding work environment focused on employee well-being and long-term growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fremont, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $110000.00/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 Fremont,NE.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 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.