Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

A manufacturer in Otsego is seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and improve mechanical automated systems while supporting company objectives for quality, safety, and innovation. This role offers the opportunity to work on custom machines and automated equipment from concept through production launch, combining strong technical design skills with practical problem-solving. The position is open to a wide range of experience levels, from entry-level to senior, as long as the background in mechanical design and automation is relevant.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using CAD software, primarily SolidWorks and some Inventor.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, specifications, and documentation that support manufacturing and quality requirements.
• Support new product development initiatives from initial concept through production launch, ensuring designs meet performance and reliability goals.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing, quality, and operations teams to resolve technical challenges and improve designs for manufacturability.
• Conduct engineering calculations, tolerance analyses, and design validation activities to ensure robust and reliable mechanical systems.
• Manage engineering projects, including planning timelines, tracking budgets, and delivering results according to project objectives.
• Ensure mechanical designs comply with applicable industry standards, customer requirements, and safety regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and support to production personnel and other stakeholders during build, testing, and implementation of equipment.
• Perform or support engineering calculations, testing, and failure analysis, including the use of FEA tools, to improve product performance and reliability.
• Design custom machines and industrial equipment, including automated systems, for diverse applications such as food packaging and automotive industries.
• Work independently in managing your own project load while contributing to cross-functional teams when projects require collaboration.
• Utilize ERP and PLM systems to manage product data, documentation, and project information throughout the development lifecycle.

Essential Skills

• Mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment, with strong proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Experience designing custom machines or industrial equipment, including design from scratch.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, engineering schematics, and specifications accurately.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Familiarity with ERP and PLM systems for managing product and project information.
• Experience designing and developing new products that utilize automation and automated equipment.
• Ability to work independently and manage your own project load while meeting design and delivery expectations.
• Experience performing engineering calculations to support design decisions and validate mechanical performance.
• Experience with FEA analysis and failure analysis to evaluate and improve mechanical designs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering field, preferably mechanical engineering.
• Experience with engineering calculations, testing, and failure analysis (including FEA).
• Experience designing machines or equipment for the food packaging or automotive industries.
• background in new product development, from concept through production launch.
• Experience with conceptual design and machine design for automated equipment.
• Comfort working in a smaller, hands-on environment with direct communication and cross-functional collaboration.

Work Environment

This role is based in a smaller, well-maintained manufacturing facility in SW Michigan that focuses on automated equipment across a diverse range of industries. The mechanical engineering team currently consists of three Mechanical Engineers who collaborate closely with production leadership in a setting where leadership is highly hands-on and directly involved in day-to-day activities. The facility is up-to-date in terms of building maintenance and on-site technologies, providing modern tools and equipment to support design and development work. Engineers enjoy a balance of autonomy on individual projects and opportunities to work in cross-functional teams, supported by direct communication and a collaborative culture that can adapt to changing economic and market trends.

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

The pay range for this position is $36.05 - $45.67/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Otsego,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 3, 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.