Machine Designer

The Machine Design Engineer designs custom industrial equipment from concept through completion, spending the majority of time creating new machinery in SolidWorks. This role owns the complete design lifecycle of projects, collaborates closely with project managers and customers, and ensures that equipment is functional, ergonomic, serviceable, and ready for successful runoff at the customer’s facility.

• Design custom industrial equipment and machinery from scratch using SolidWorks, creating detailed 3D models and drawings.
• Detail, check, and validate your own engineering work and, when needed, review and check the work of others for accuracy and completeness.
• Collaborate with project managers and customers from initial design concept through completion and runoff on the customer’s floor, ensuring requirements are fully met.
• Contribute to the manufacturing design process by working closely with Estimating, Controls, and Project Management teams to develop robust design concepts.
• Own and manage the complete design lifecycle responsibilities of assigned projects, from concept development to final documentation.
• Apply GD&T principles to develop effective fixturing solutions for parts used in assembly processes.
• Incorporate machine ergonomics, serviceability, and maintenance considerations into all designs to improve usability and long-term performance.
• Engineer structural components and validate designs using finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure strength, durability, and safety.
• Specify and select appropriate drive systems, actuators, sensors, motors, and related components that meet performance and cost requirements.
• Lead projects by defining what needs to be accomplished and proposing what the equipment and systems should look like to achieve project goals.
• Develop designs for a variety of applications, such as automotive component assembly (e.g., metal seat structures, palletization, spot welding, adhesive dispensing, screw driving) and consumer washing machine assembly (e.g., metal bending, snapping components together, fastener installation).
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with project schedules.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, and bills of materials, in accordance with company standards.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least 3 years of experience designing custom equipment from scratch.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and detailed mechanical design.
• Hands-on experience with machine design and custom equipment design in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Ability to specify and select drive systems, actuators, sensors, motors, and related mechanical and electromechanical components.
• Understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) for developing accurate and functional fixturing and assemblies.
• Ability to engineer structural components and validate designs using finite element analysis (FEA).
• Project management capabilities, including planning, organizing, and driving projects from concept through completion.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects by defining objectives and proposing effective design solutions.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to check and validate engineering drawings and models.

• Experience designing equipment for automotive component assembly, including palletization, spot welding, adhesive dispensing, and screw driving.
• Experience designing assembly equipment for consumer products such as washing machines, including metal bending, snap-fit assemblies, and fastener installation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including Estimating, Controls, and Project Management.
• Strong communication skills for working directly with customers throughout the design and runoff process.
• Ability to balance ergonomics, serviceability, and maintenance requirements with performance and cost considerations.
• Comfort working on multiple projects and managing priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

This role operates in a manufacturing and engineering environment with a typical start time between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. and a weekly schedule of approximately 48–52 hours. You will work closely with project managers, controls engineers, and estimating teams, using SolidWorks and standard engineering tools to design and support custom equipment. The environment is focused on collaboration, hands-on problem-solving, and seeing projects through to customer runoff. The position offers 2 weeks of paid time off and 6 paid holidays, reflecting a culture that values both hard work and time to recharge.

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

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $37.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.