Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Job Description The Mechanical Design Engineer designs, develops, and improves modular process equipment from initial concept through production. This hands-on role works closely with manufacturing to deliver reliable, production-ready equipment that balances performance, cost, manufacturability, and lead times. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of technically challenging projects and see designs progress from prototype through full-scale production within a collaborative, innovation-focused environment. Responsibilities

- Design and develop mechanical equipment and systems for manufacturing and production applications.
- Create, update, and maintain 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings using Autodesk Inventor.
- Develop complete design documentation, including specifications, drawings, and test plans.
- Drive equipment designs from prototype stages through to full production readiness.
- Support hands-on equipment builds, assembly, debugging, testing, and validation activities.
- Troubleshoot mechanical and equipment-related design issues and implement effective corrective actions.
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve equipment performance, reliability, robustness, and ease of assembly.
- Design equipment while balancing specifications, process requirements, layout constraints, cost targets, and lead times.
- Apply knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, solid mechanics, dynamics, and material selection to equipment design.
- Collaborate with machining and fabrication teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost-effective.
- Analyze system constraints and develop practical engineering solutions that meet operational requirements.
- Conduct equipment testing and validation to confirm designs meet quality, safety, and performance expectations.
- Support the duplication and standardization of equipment for consistent, scalable production.
- Collaborate closely with other engineering disciplines and manufacturing personnel throughout the development process.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers, supporting their development and project success.
- Take ownership of projects, manage multiple engineering priorities, and deliver results within agreed timelines.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives for existing equipment and mechanical designs.
- Work with chemical process equipment and related mechanical systems as part of design and development activities.

Essential Skills

- Bachelors or Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent relevant experience.
- 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, ideally focused on machine design and product development.
- Strong proficiency with Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling and mechanical design, including Autodesk Inventor 2016.
- Proven experience taking equipment or products from prototype through to production.
- Deep understanding of solid mechanics, pneumatics, hydraulics, and dynamics and their application in equipment design.
- Knowledge of material selection, machining, fabrication, and general manufacturing processes.
- Experience with equipment testing, validation, debugging, and troubleshooting in a production environment.
- Exposure to chemical process equipment and associated mechanical systems.
- Ability to incorporate cost, lead times, manufacturability, layout, and process requirements into equipment designs.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify system constraints and develop practical solutions.
- Hands-on mentality and comfort working directly with equipment during build, testing, and production phases.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in design documentation and project execution.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with multiple engineering disciplines and manufacturing teams.
- Ability and willingness to mentor and provide technical guidance to other engineers.
- Comfort taking ownership of projects and handling a significant level of responsibility.
- Eagerness to learn new processes and technologies and to share technical knowledge with the broader team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Experience performing structural calculations to validate mechanical designs.
- Experience in mechanical design for modular process equipment and complex machinery.
- Familiarity with a range of fabrication processes, including machining and welding.
- Demonstrated ability to support continuous improvement initiatives and implement design enhancements.
- Strong communication skills for documenting designs and collaborating across cross-functional teams.
- Interest in innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth within a collaborative engineering environment.

Work Environment This role operates in a hands-on engineering and manufacturing environment where engineers work closely with design and production teams throughout the equipment development lifecycle. The position involves a balanced mix of CAD and design work using Autodesk Inventor and direct involvement with equipment builds, testing, troubleshooting, and validation on the shop floor. The environment is collaborative and fast-paced, with a strong emphasis on problem-solving, continuous improvement, innovation, and taking ownership of projects. Team members benefit from a culture that values mentorship, technical excellence, and professional development, supported by competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Florence, AL.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $100000.00/yr. 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. Benefits include competitive compensation, comprehensive health benefits, paid time off, retirement savings options, professional development opportunities, and opportunities for long-term career growth.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Florence, AL.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Florence,AL. 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.