Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms)

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer (Mechanisms) Job Description
This role focuses on the design, development, analysis, testing, and implementation of complex mechanical systems and hardware, with a strong emphasis on mechanisms, actuators, controllers, and mechanical assemblies. You will apply sound engineering principles to create innovative and reliable solutions, ensuring that all designs meet performance, safety, reliability, and manufacturability requirements. The position involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams throughout the full product lifecycle, from initial concept development through implementation, testing, and operational support, including contributions to future space exploration activities.
Responsibilities
- Support future space exploration activities by contributing to the design and development of complex mechanical systems and mechanisms.
- Work in a collaborative team environment to analyze requirements and develop robust design solutions for mechanical assemblies, actuators, and controllers.
- Design, develop, test, analyze, and implement technical products and systems, ensuring alignment with project and system-level requirements.
- Perform engineering design evaluations to verify feasibility, performance, and compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
- Produce detailed engineering drawings that conform to applicable industry and internal standards, including the use of GD&T.
- Perform dimensional tolerance analyses, including the evaluation of thermal effects and the application of GD&T principles.
- Conduct functional, structural, and thermal analyses as required to validate design performance and integrity.
- Support designs with hand calculations for fit, function, strength, and thermal response to ensure robust and reliable solutions.
- Prepare and present technical content at various design reviews, clearly communicating design intent, analysis results, and risk assessments.
- Generate and maintain design documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), reports, and other technical records required for project execution.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and test, to support new product development and composite manufacturing activities.
- Perform other reporting and engineering duties as required to support program and organizational objectives.
Essential Skills
- 5+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer working on complex mechanical systems and hardware.
- 5+ years of experience utilizing GD&T in the creation and interpretation of engineering drawings.
- 5+ years of experience using CREO for mechanical design and modeling.
- 5+ years of experience performing finite element analysis (FEA) to support structural and thermal assessments.
- Proficiency in mechanical design for mechanisms, actuators, controllers, and mechanical assemblies.
- Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs) for mechanical systems.
- Ability to perform dimensional tolerance analyses, including consideration of thermal effects.
- Ability to conduct functional, structural, and thermal analyses and interpret results to guide design decisions.
- Experience producing engineering drawings that conform to applicable standards, including ASME-related practices.
- Capability to perform hand calculations for fit, function, strength, and thermal response.
- Strong engineering fundamentals and the ability to apply sound engineering principles to new product development.
- Effective communication skills to prepare and present material at design reviews and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with NX for mechanical design and modeling is a plus.
- Experience with SolidWorks for mechanical design is a plus.
- Familiarity with stress and strain analysis and related mechanical behavior concepts.
- Experience with composite manufacturing processes and supporting IM products.
- Knowledge of ASME standards and practices for mechanical design and drafting.
- Prior involvement in supporting space-related or high-reliability engineering programs.
- Ability to work effectively in a contract-to-hire environment, demonstrating strong performance and collaboration over a 12-month period.
Work Environment
You will work in a combined office and shop environment, supporting IM products and engaging in both design and hands-on engineering activities. The role involves regular interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams and exposure to mechanical assemblies, actuators, controllers, and composite manufacturing. You can expect to use modern CAD and analysis tools such as CREO, FEA software, and potentially NX or SolidWorks as part of the daily workflow. The environment supports full product lifecycle activities, including concept development, design, analysis, testing, and implementation, in support of advanced engineering programs and future space exploration initiatives.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $45.00/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)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX. 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.