Job Title: Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing components and complete industrial equipment from scratch, with a strong emphasis on aluminum extrusion systems, industrial ovens, and washers. The position centers on mechanical design using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, taking projects from initial concept through production while collaborating closely with production teams and supporting reengineering efforts for existing machinery.
Responsibilities
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Design mechanical components and complete industrial equipment systems from scratch, with a focus on automation and industrial machinery.
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Use SolidWorks extensively to create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and drawings for various machine components and systems.
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Utilize AutoCAD to develop system layouts, schematics, and detailed 2D drawings for industrial equipment.
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Familiarize yourself with existing products and equipment, then design new parts and assemblies that integrate into larger mechanical systems.
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Lead capital projects from concept through production, ensuring designs meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
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Design equipment such as aluminum extrusion machinery, industrial ovens, and washers for a variety of end customers, including aerospace and automotive industries.
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Spend approximately 70% of time on drawing and mechanical design work, producing accurate and complete documentation for manufacturing.
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Allocate approximately 30% of time to sourcing and selecting components such as motors, cylinders, servos, and other mechanical and automation elements.
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Support production teams during the build phase by answering technical questions and clarifying design intent and specifications.
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Participate in projects to reengineer and upgrade older machines, improving performance, reliability, and suitability for new applications.
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Edit and modify existing equipment designs to meet the needs of new and existing customers in fast-paced industrial environments.
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Interpret and read blueprints and technical drawings to ensure designs are accurate and align with customer and internal requirements.
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Collaborate with other engineers and team members to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with project goals.
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Apply knowledge of sheet metal, aluminum extrusion processes, and automotive industry requirements to develop robust mechanical solutions.
Essential Skills
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5+ years of experience designing industrial equipment or automation equipment from scratch.
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Strong mechanical design and mechanical engineering experience with a focus on machine design.
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Proficiency in SolidWorks, including 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed mechanical drawings.
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Proficiency in AutoCAD for system layouts and 2D drawing creation.
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Ability to read, interpret, and create blueprints and technical drawings.
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Demonstrated ability to select and specify components such as motors, cylinders, servos, and related mechanical and automation parts.
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Experience designing ovens, washers, and/or aluminum extrusion equipment.
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Understanding of the fast-paced nature of automotive tiered supplier environments.
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Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a closely related field.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Experience working with industrial equipment used in aluminum extrusion processes.
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Experience in sheet metal design and fabrication considerations.
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Exposure to aerospace and automotive end customers and their performance and quality expectations.
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Ability to collaborate effectively within a small engineering team and a family-owned business environment.
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Strong problem-solving skills for reengineering and modifying existing machinery.
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Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality design documentation.
Work Environment
This role is based in an office environment within a small, family-owned company of approximately 18 people, including a close-knit team of 3–4 engineers. Typical working hours are from 7:00 or 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the possibility of overtime during the week, generally around 5 hours and not consistently mandatory. The company takes pride in the projects it delivers and offers a supportive, collaborative culture. Benefits include 8 paid holidays and a minimum of 72 hours of paid time off.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Belding, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $36.06 - $43.27/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 Belding,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 7, 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.
