Remote Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer Job Description We are seeking an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to design custom automated assembly equipment from concept through completion. In this hands-on role, you will develop equipment concepts, create detailed machine designs, and provide technical leadership throughout the design process to ensure high-performance, safe, and manufacturable automated systems. Responsibilities Design custom automated assembly machinery using SolidWorks, from initial concept through final detailed design. Develop complete mechanical designs, including layouts, assemblies, and detailed component models and drawings. Apply sound mechanical engineering principles to solve complex design and automation challenges. Evaluate and select appropriate mechanical components, subsystems, and materials to meet performance and reliability targets. Ensure all designs comply with performance, safety, quality, and manufacturability requirements. Modify and improve existing machine designs to address unique customer requirements and application-specific needs. Participate in formal and informal design reviews, clearly present design rationale, and incorporate feedback into final designs. Collaborate closely with controls, electrical, manufacturing, and project engineering teams to ensure seamless machine integration. Create accurate, complete engineering documentation, including detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings, within project timelines. Provide technical expertise and independent problem-solving support throughout the design and build process. Troubleshoot mechanical issues in prototypes or existing equipment and implement robust design improvements. Contribute effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment, managing multiple design assignments and priorities. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field is preferred. 6+ years of experience designing automated assembly equipment or special-purpose machinery. 4+ years of hands-on SolidWorks design experience, including complex assemblies and detailed component modeling. Strong proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and engineering drawings. Experience creating detailed manufacturing and assembly drawings that clearly communicate design intent. Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, automation systems, and machine components. Proven ability to independently manage complex design assignments with minimal oversight. Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in mechanical and automation applications. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment and meet demanding project schedules. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with automated assembly systems and custom machine design. Background in machine design and build, ideally within an automation-focused company. Exposure to robotics and motion control applications. Experience with pneumatic and servo-driven systems. Familiarity with Windchill or other PDM/PLM systems is preferred. Medical device industry experience can supplement PDM/PLM experience and is considered a plus. Ability to lead design efforts, support cross-functional teams, or review and guide others’ work. Comfort presenting design concepts and documenting design ownership from initial concept through execution. Work Environment This role operates in a dynamic, project-driven engineering environment focused on designing and building custom automated assembly machinery. You will work closely with controls, electrical, manufacturing, and project engineering teams, using SolidWorks and PDM/PLM tools such as Windchill to manage designs and documentation. The work involves both office-based design activities and collaboration with shop floor or build teams during machine integration and testing. The environment emphasizes technical ownership, cross-functional teamwork, and adherence to safety, quality, and manufacturability standards while delivering innovative automation solutions. Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Detroit, MI. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $49.00/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 remote position. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 15, 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.