Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer Job Description
The Mechanical Engineer will serve as the primary engineering resource on site, taking ownership of mechanical design activities from concept through production using SolidWorks and related CAD tools. This role focuses heavily on 3D modeling, creation of detailed drawings and Bills of Materials, and close collaboration with production and other departments to support ongoing product improvement and new product development. The position is ideal for a mid-level to early senior professional with approximately 47 years of mechanical engineering experience who is comfortable working independently while partnering with cross-functional teams.
Responsibilities
- Create and update detailed 3D solid models and engineering drawings from sketches, existing drawings, and electronic images using SolidWorks and related CAD tools.
- Prepare accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) for customer orders and develop modular BOM creation procedures to support efficient manufacturing.
- Support and process Engineering Change Orders (ECO) using Autodesk Vault Professional, ensuring timely and accurate implementation of design changes.
- Review the issue management system and follow up on related Engineering Change Orders to resolve design and production issues.
- Devise new design solutions to address engineering and production problems, improving product performance and manufacturability.
- Assist the ongoing Product Improvement team with daily design updates and customizations based on customer requirements.
- Support the Product Development team with new design concepts and engineering input to help build and launch new products.
- Collaborate closely with engineers, production staff, and other personnel to identify, define, and solve technical and process-related problems.
- Work and communicate effectively with other departments, bridging the gap between engineering and production to ensure smooth project execution.
- Contribute to team efforts by accomplishing related engineering and documentation tasks as needed.
- Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by following and enforcing standards, procedures, codes, and applicable regulations.
- Train on internal systems to make drawing changes and engineering updates when not actively assisting production, performing this as a secondary job function.
- Use Microsoft Office and ERP tools to document work, manage data, and support engineering and production processes.
- Perform other related engineering duties as requested, directed, or assigned to support overall business and production goals.
Essential Skills
- At least 5 years of hands-on SolidWorks experience, including 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation.
- Approximately 47 years of professional experience in mechanical engineering or mechanical design.
- Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
- Strong proficiency in 3D solid modeling and CAD-based design for mechanical systems.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic schematics.
- Experience creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOM) for manufactured products.
- Familiarity with Engineering Change Orders (ECO) and related processes.
- Ability to work independently as the sole on-site mechanical engineering resource while collaborating effectively with broader engineering teams.
- Basic knowledge of steel and aluminum manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, machining, and welding.
- Skill in sheet metal design, water piping, and hose routing.
- Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work within tight deadlines and handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a self-directed environment.
- Strong team orientation and willingness to collaborate across departments.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Vault Professional.
- Experience with AutoCAD for 2D and complementary design work.
- Experience with Visual ERP or similar enterprise resource planning systems.
- Knowledge of parametric modeling techniques, including use of assemblies, iParts, factories, and the ability to drive model dimensions through parameters or logical statements.
- Understanding and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
- Knowledge of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) concepts and tools is an advantage.
- Knowledge of hydraulic systems for mobile equipment is a plus.
- Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic schematics in a manufacturing or equipment environment.
- Familiarity with sheet metal design best practices and manufacturing constraints.
- Exposure to welding and machining processes within a manufacturing context.
- Experience working with issue management systems and structured change-control processes.
- Proven ability to contribute to both ongoing product improvement and new product development initiatives.
Work Environment
The Mechanical Engineer will primarily work in an office environment with frequent interaction with the shop floor to support production and validate designs. The role involves extensive use of SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk Vault Professional, AutoCAD, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems such as Visual ERP. Work typically takes place in a standard engineering office setting with regular visits to a manufacturing facility that includes sheet metal fabrication, machining, welding, and assembly operations. The position bridges engineering and production, requiring regular collaboration with production personnel, other engineers, and cross-functional teams. Standard business hours are expected, with flexibility as needed to meet project deadlines and support production needs. Appropriate professional or business-casual attire is expected in the office, with additional safety gear such as safety glasses, closed-toe shoes, and other required personal protective equipment when working on or visiting the shop floor.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/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 Milwaukee,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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.