Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing custom equipment in SolidWorks and overseeing assigned equipment design and build projects from concept through completion. The position combines detailed mechanical design, engineering analysis, and hands-on involvement with manufacturing and testing to deliver high-value solutions that meet specific customer application requirements. You will balance desk-based engineering work with regular interaction on the shop floor, ensuring that designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with project schedules and quality standards.
Responsibilities
Design custom and standard equipment based on a thorough understanding of customer specifications and specific application needs, using commonly accepted engineering practices and current industry standards.
Design mechanical systems and mechanisms such as pallet dispensers, slip sheet dispensers, pick and place systems, pallet conveyors, bucket elevators, pneumatic conveying systems, and screw feeders.
Perform hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate designs for stress and load conditions, primarily using SolidWorks Simulation.
Design and produce detailed schematics for hydraulic and pneumatic systems to support custom machinery and material handling solutions.
Utilize an ERP system to create, manage, and modify bills of materials (BOM) for all assigned projects, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
Work with engineering staff to provide engineering information and complete design documentation for manufacturing, and follow up as necessary to support proper, timely, and cost-effective manufacture of equipment.
Provide engineering expertise and support to machine design staff, collaborating on design improvements and resolving technical challenges.
Perform troubleshooting and problem-solving tasks on equipment during design, fabrication, assembly, and field installation phases.
Manage and oversee 5-10 projects at various stages (approval, design, manufacturing, testing), maintaining clear priorities and proactive communication.
Maintain proactive communication and customer contact as necessary to ensure that solutions meet application requirements and deliver high value.
Work with management to achieve department goals related to product quality, project schedule, and financial objectives.
Collaborate with all team members to maintain a positive, enjoyable, and professional work environment.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Approximately 5+ years of experience using SolidWorks
Proficiency in mechanical design and/or machine design.
Experience designing and producing schematics for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Proficient in FEA for stress and load analysis, preferably using SolidWorks Simulation.
Strong understanding and practical use of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Mechanical Engineering degree (noted as a strong preference and a nice-to-have when combined with relevant experience).
Experience in material handling systems, including dischargers, fillers, conditioners, and dumping solutions.
Experience in bulk material handling applications across industries such as pet products, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture.
Comfort working in a smaller company environment with close collaboration across engineering, drafting, and electrical teams.
Interest in working on custom machines and developing tailored solutions for diverse customer applications.
Willingness to continually develop skills and knowledge, including leveraging online learning platforms when available.
Work Environment
This role is based in a small, close-knit company of around 40 employees that designs and manufactures filling systems, dischargers, and other bulk material handling systems. The engineering team includes mechanical engineers, drafters, and electrical engineers, fostering a collaborative environment where cross-functional communication is encouraged. You will spend most of your time at your desk working in SolidWorks, performing FEA, and managing BOMs in the ERP system, while also regularly interacting with the shop floor during equipment build and testing phases. The typical work week is approximately 40-45 hours. You will initially support a Lift & Dump Drum Discharging System for indoor use and later work on a variety of material handling projects, including dischargers, fillers, conditioners, and dumping solutions for multiple industries. The culture emphasizes teamwork, a positive and enjoyable work environment, and opportunities to work on diverse custom machinery. Benefits include paid time off (10 days PTO), 6 standard holidays, and access to Udemy after six months for ongoing professional development.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Allegan, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $38.47 - $44.24/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 Allegan,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 10, 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 [email protected] 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.
