Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Lead Mechanical Engineer leads cross-functional collaboration, provides technical support during production, and drives mechanical design activities from initial concept through final review. This role works directly with customers to present conceptual designs, conduct design reviews, and communicate project progress. The engineer plays an active role in Body In White (BIW) mechanical design, ensuring that all designs meet functional, performance, and manufacturability requirements while contributing to the successful execution of complex automation projects.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key member of the Mechanical Design Engineering team, contributing expertise and collaborating closely with colleagues across disciplines.
• Develop and design mechanical components, assemblies, and BIW elements such as geo fixtures, tooling, end effectors, and automated equipment.
• Lead mechanical design project teams, coordinating activities and ensuring alignment with project objectives, timelines, and quality standards.
• Oversee the creation of detailed engineering drawings and documentation in accordance with industry standards and internal guidelines.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams, addressing design-related issues and ensuring smooth and efficient production processes.
• Troubleshoot design and manufacturing issues by analyzing problems, identifying root causes, and implementing effective engineering solutions.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers, designers, and cross-functional team members, including electrical and controls teams, to ensure overall project success.
• Prepare and present mechanical designs to customers in regular review meetings, clearly communicating design intent, changes, and project status.
• Stay current with the latest mechanical engineering technologies, tools, and trends, continuously expanding technical knowledge and skills.
• Ensure that BIW and mechanical designs meet functional, performance, and manufacturability requirements for custom automation and automated test systems.
• Support debug activities, spending a portion of time on the floor resolving issues and validating designs during build and integration.
• Travel within the United States and Canada as needed to support customer installations, reviews, or project milestones, when required.
• Foster positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, and external stakeholders through clear communication and effective teamwork.

Essential Skills

• Experience in Body In White (BIW) Design (designing geo fixtures, tooling, end effectors and automated equipment)
• Experience in Mechanical design and preforming engineering calculations
• Experience leading mechanical design project teams
• Experience working with GM as either OEM or Tier 1 supplier
• Proficient in NX
• Ability to travel within the US and Canada

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with GM toolkit and GMD1 standards.
• Engineering degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline.

Work Environment

This role is within a global automation systems integrator that designs, builds, tests, and integrates custom automation solutions for diverse end markets. The organization focuses on solving complex industrial automation challenges that others struggle to address, with a mission to elevate the automation industry and become a trusted partner to its customers. The Lead Mechanical Engineer works as part of a large, multidisciplinary team of more than 80 professionals, including mechanical engineers, designers, controls engineers, electrical engineers, project managers, and applications specialists. The position reports into the mechanical engineering leadership structure and collaborates closely with the electrical and controls teams. The typical workweek is approximately 45 hours. About 75% of the time is spent at a desk performing design work in NX and preparing documentation, while about 25% is spent on debug activities, working hands-on with equipment to validate and refine designs. Occasional travel within the United States and Canada may be required for customer installations or key project milestones, although installations are rarely mechanical issues and are often supported by electrical teams. The environment is fast-paced and can be stressful due to tight timelines, but the culture emphasizes teamwork, practical problem solving, and maintaining a balanced, approachable atmosphere to help manage pressure. Team members gain exposure to cutting-edge custom automation and automated test systems, working on highly technical, one-of-a-kind projects that significantly enhance their skills and experience. The role is structured initially as a 6-month contract with the potential for right-to-hire after approximately 12 months based on business needs. Paid holidays and paid time off are included, and the position offers meaningful opportunities for professional growth within the automation industry.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bridgman, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/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 hybrid position in Bridgman,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.