Job Title: Mechanical EngineerJob Description
This role leads the mechanical design elements of new product development within a multi-disciplined engineering team, focusing on ruggedized electronic packaging for demanding environments. The Mechanical Engineer develops concepts, detailed designs, and test plans, and drives products from initial idea through prototype, verification, and transition into full production, using modern CAD/CAE tools and advanced manufacturing processes.
Responsibilities-
Lead mechanical design elements of new product development as a key member of a multi-disciplined design team, successfully executing all phases of the product design process from concept to production release.
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Support the definition of products and requirements to ensure solutions align with customer needs and system-level objectives.
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Develop detailed mechanical design specifications and comprehensive test plans to verify performance, reliability, and compliance with applicable standards.
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Create innovative conceptual mechanical designs that meet system requirements and support overall product strategy.
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Implement design concepts into production-ready product designs using the latest materials, processes, and manufacturing techniques while meeting cost and schedule targets.
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Design and analyze small, lightweight, ruggedized mechanical packaging and interconnects for electronic systems using advanced CAD/CAE tools.
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Develop and fabricate rapid prototypes, conduct verification testing, and support the transition of designs into full production, including collaboration with suppliers and manufacturing teams during start-up.
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Support research and development efforts and contribute to continuous process improvements in mechanical design and manufacturing.
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Complete assigned engineering tasks with high quality and on-time delivery, working effectively with minimal supervision.
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Effectively communicate design status, technical issues, risks, needs, and improvement ideas to management and cross-functional stakeholders.
Essential Skills-
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or equivalent; Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) preferred.
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6+ years of mechanical design experience.
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Strong knowledge of industry and defense-related standards and practices, including relevant military, international, and regulatory standards (such as MIL-STD, ANSI, FCC, UL, CE, RoHS, REACH, IPC, etc.).
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Proven ability to lead mechanical design elements of new product development within a multi-disciplined design team from initial conceptualization through production release and production transition with minimal supervision.
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Demonstrated experience and knowledge in designing electronics packaging products, including ruggedized enclosures and interconnects.
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Ability to analyze mechanical designs to ensure they meet technical requirements for performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
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Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to define problems, collect and interpret data, draw sound conclusions, and implement effective solutions.
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Ability to think creatively and develop innovative, out-of-the-box mechanical design concepts.
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Knowledge and experience in designing for various production manufacturing processes, including machining, casting, injection molding, flexible and rigid printed circuit boards (PCBs), and cabling/interconnects.
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Experience with configuration management and managing design artifacts such as bills of materials (BOMs), drawings, models, and documents through prototype and production releases using product lifecycle management/configuration management tools, ideally PTC Windchill.
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Experience designing products for low-, medium-, and high-volume manufacturing with a focus on low-cost solutions.
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Proficiency in CAD/CAE tools, ideally Creo/ProEngineer or SolidWorks.
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Experience using Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, Visio, and Project.
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Ability to design and deliver low size, weight, and power (SWaP) solutions that are cost-effective and capable of surviving harsh environments on and off the earth.
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Agility and innovation with a strong focus on quality and on-time delivery in a fast-paced product development environment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications-
Experience with electronic packaging design for tactical or mission-critical applications.
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Hands-on machining experience and demonstrated capability in design for machining.
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Experience designing for manufacturability and assembly across multiple production processes.
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Familiarity with design for regulatory and environmental compliance, including applicable safety and emissions standards.
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Experience supporting research and development initiatives and contributing to continuous improvement activities.
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Strong communication skills to effectively interface with cross-functional teams, suppliers, and leadership.
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Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while collaborating effectively within a multi-disciplinary team.
Work Environment
The role is based in a heavy engineering design and manufacturing environment where products are designed and manufactured in-house. The Mechanical Engineer works closely with cross-functional engineering, manufacturing, and supply chain teams, using advanced CAD/CAE tools and product lifecycle management systems in a fast-paced product development setting. The work involves hands-on interaction with prototypes and production hardware, as well as collaboration with production and test areas within a vertically integrated facility.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Germantown, MD.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $74.00/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 Germantown,MD.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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.
