Job Title: Mechanical DesignerJob Description
The Mechanical Designer creates and develops detailed 3D models in SolidWorks with a primary focus on the design and development of chassis systems and components, including chassis cabs. This role collaborates closely with Electrical Designers and the shop floor to verify fit and function, ensuring that designs are accurately and effectively translated into high-quality physical builds.
Responsibilities
Create and develop detailed 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks for chassis systems, components, and chassis cabs.
Apply mechanical design principles to sheet metal components and assemblies to meet performance, manufacturability, and durability requirements.
Collaborate closely with Electrical Designers to ensure proper integration of mechanical and electrical systems within the chassis.
Work with shop floor personnel to verify fit and function, resolve design issues, and support accurate translation of models into physical builds.
Use GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) to define and communicate design intent on drawings and models.
Support the creation and maintenance of bills of material (BOM) for designed components and assemblies.
Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback to improve product quality and manufacturability.
Troubleshoot design and build issues by reviewing models, drawings, and physical assemblies and implementing corrective design changes.
Collaborate with other mechanical and electrical designers, functional leads, and mentors to align on workload, standards, and best practices.
Document design changes and ensure models and drawings remain accurate and up to date throughout the project lifecycle.
Essential Skills
Expertise in SolidWorks 3D modeling and assembly design.
Strong mechanical design skills with a focus on chassis systems and components.
Proficiency in sheet metal design, including forming, bending, and fabrication considerations.
Working knowledge and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
Ability to collaborate effectively with Electrical Designers and shop floor personnel.
Strong attention to detail to ensure designs meet fit, form, and function requirements.
Ability to interpret and create detailed mechanical drawings and 3D models.
Solid understanding of mechanical manufacturing processes and constraints.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience creating and managing bills of material (BOM) for mechanical assemblies.
Familiarity with air and hydraulic schematics and their integration into mechanical designs.
Experience in heavy truck or transportation chassis design.
SolidWorks certification such as CSWP (Certified SolidWorks Professional) is a plus.
Experience working on multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
Ability to learn from and collaborate with functional leads and mentors.
Work Environment
The Mechanical Designer works in an engineering building alongside a team of approximately 12 designers, including both mechanical and electrical specialists. The role is primarily office-based, working at a cubicle on design tasks in SolidWorks, with regular interaction on the shop floor to verify designs, ensure correct build execution, and troubleshoot issues. The environment centers on custom fire apparatus, heavy truck chassis, custom vehicles, and truck bodies, providing exposure to complex, real-world applications. The standard schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some periods of required overtime on Fridays. Overtime is compensated at 1.5 times the regular pay rate. Designers work closely with functional leads and mentors who provide guidance, training, and support on workload. The project offers contract stability, with current extensions through the end of the year and potential continuation into a subsequent phase, along with one week of vacation every six months on assignment and six major holidays off.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Charlotte,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 12, 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.
