Job Title: Mechanical Designer
Job Description
This Mechanical Designer role focuses on the design and development of custom fixtures, tooling, ergonomic aids, and modifications to specialized automation equipment used in automotive manufacturing environments. Approximately 70% of the position centers on mechanical design using SolidWorks to create detailed 3D models, assemblies, fabrication drawings, bills of materials, and engineering documentation. The remaining portion involves close collaboration with manufacturing, assembly, project, and customer teams to support equipment builds, troubleshoot designs, and implement engineering changes. This role is well-suited to someone who enjoys a custom-engineering environment where every project is unique and who has experience designing tooling, fixtures, weldments, or custom machinery.
Responsibilities
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Design custom fixtures, tooling, ergonomic aids, and machine modifications using SolidWorks for specialized automation equipment.
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Create accurate 3D models, detailed fabrication drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and comprehensive manufacturing documentation.
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Modify and improve existing machine designs to meet customer specifications, production requirements, and quality standards.
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Work closely with project teams, manufacturing personnel, and customers to develop practical and effective engineering solutions.
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Support prototype builds, equipment assembly, and design validation activities on the shop floor and in the engineering office.
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Perform engineering change requests (ECRs) and design revisions throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring proper documentation and communication.
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Ensure all designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with internal quality expectations and customer requirements.
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Participate in design reviews and provide technical recommendations that drive continuous improvement of products and processes.
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Collaborate with controls teams, engineers, and sales personnel when needed to integrate mechanical designs with broader system requirements.
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Manage multiple projects in a high-paced, high-volume environment and meet demanding customer timelines.
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Work independently and proactively to resolve design issues, support fast machine turnover, and maintain productivity in a quick-turn environment.
Essential Skills
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3+ years of hands-on experience using SolidWorks for mechanical design, including 3D modeling and detailed drawing creation.
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3+ years of experience designing fixtures, equipment, or tooling in a manufacturing or automation environment.
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Strong mechanical design skills, with the ability to develop custom fixtures, tooling, weldments, and machinery components.
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Proficiency in creating detailed fabrication drawings, assemblies, bills of materials (BOMs), and engineering documentation.
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Ability to modify and optimize existing machine designs to meet specific customer and production requirements.
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Experience collaborating with manufacturing, assembly, and project teams to support builds and troubleshoot mechanical designs.
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Capability to perform engineering change requests (ECRs) and manage design revisions throughout the project lifecycle.
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Solid understanding of manufacturability, cost-effective design principles, and quality standards in mechanical engineering.
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Comfort working in a high-paced, high-volume environment with quick product turnover and demanding customer schedules.
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Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and maintain productivity while spending extended periods on the shop floor.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
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Preferred experience working with hydraulic and pneumatic systems in the context of custom machinery or automation equipment.
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Experience partnering with controls teams, engineers, or sales to integrate mechanical designs into complete automated solutions.
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CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) certification is a plus.
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CSWP (Certified SolidWorks Professional) certification is a plus.
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Mechanical engineering or a related discipline is beneficial.
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Comfort working in small, close-knit engineering teams where collaboration and communication are essential.
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Strong problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset when participating in design reviews and project discussions.
Work Environment
This role is based in a very small shop environment with approximately 5–6 desks in the engineering room and around 20–30 people in the company overall. The engineering office is generally quiet, with team members working in close proximity, which supports fast communication and collaboration. The company operates at a high pace with quick product turnover and high customer demand, and machines are delivered to customers at a very fast rate, resulting in a high-volume workflow. The position requires spending significant time on your feet to support prototype builds, equipment assembly, and design validation, and suits individuals who are highly independent, comfortable in a fast-moving environment, and eager to be involved in many aspects of the engineering and build process.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Jackson, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $32.00 - $42.00/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 Jackson,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 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.
