Design Engineer

Job Title: Design Engineer

Job Description

This senior Design Engineer role leads the mechanical design of powertrain and component test systems from concept through production, while guiding a small team of engineers and collaborating closely with internal and external stakeholders. The position combines advanced CREO/CREO Simulate work, project and supplier management, and technical leadership to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that meet demanding performance, safety, and timing requirements.

Responsibilities

• Build collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to understand requirements and align on technical solutions.
• Evaluate customer specifications and develop, recommend, and present solutions to complex technical problems.
• Provide budgetary and timeline estimates for the design and manufacturing of test systems and related components.
• Lead and coordinate a team of approximately 2-5 Design Engineers across multiple concurrent projects.
• Allocate and manage workloads using both on-site and offshore engineering staff to meet project objectives.
• Mentor and coach team members to strengthen their engineering capabilities and support their professional development.
• Use CREO to design all mechanical aspects of powertrain and component test systems, ensuring robust and efficient designs.
• Use CREO Simulate to analyze and optimize designs for durability, performance, and cost.
• Conduct and/or oversee formal design reviews to validate concepts, manage risk, and ensure design quality.
• Perform necessary engineering analyses and initiate problem resolution activities to address design issues and drive cost reductions.
• Create, review, and check detailed production prints to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with standards.
• Obtain quotes, evaluate options, select suppliers, and submit orders for components and complete systems.
• Manage projects with suppliers to ensure quality, delivery velocity, and cost targets are met.
• Support the assembly and build process of test systems, providing hands-on guidance and resolving technical issues.
• Perform risk and safety assessments, including DFMEA, safety walks, and lock-out tag-out reviews.
• Create, maintain, and improve engineering standards, guidelines, and processes for the design team.
• Collaborate with global engineering service providers to extend team capacity and maintain consistent design quality.
• Work with suppliers to obtain quotes and procure products in alignment with project requirements.
• Travel up to approximately 10% to customer locations, supplier sites, and manufacturing facilities to support projects and relationships.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• At least 10 years of relevant mechanical design experience.
• At least 3 years of supervisory or project leadership experience.
• High level of proficiency with CREO and CREO Simulate for 3D design and analysis.
• Strong technical and analytical skills with the ability to solve complex engineering problems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience collaborating with global engineering service providers.
• Experience working with suppliers to obtain quotes and procure products.
• Proactive, flexible, and creative approach to addressing design and project challenges.
• Self-starter with strong multitasking skills and the ability to deliver results under demanding quality, cost, and schedule requirements.
• Mechanical design expertise related to powertrain or electric drivetrain systems.
• Ability to lead and mentor a small team of design engineers across multiple projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with machinery, heavy equipment, manufacturing processes, or welding.
• Powertrain and/or hydraulics design, analysis, or testing experience.
• Familiarity with a broad machine product line in an industrial or heavy equipment context.
• Experience with engineering systems and tools such as TC/IPEM, PRWB, REDI, DEFACTO, BIQ, and Design Reuse or similar platforms.
• Experience with NPI (New Product Introduction), CPI (Continuous Product Improvement), APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning), and CPPD processes and tools.
• Experience performing DFMEA and other formal risk assessment methodologies.
• Background in supplier project management, including quality, cost, and delivery performance.
• Experience supporting assembly and build of test systems or complex mechanical equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and improve engineering standards and processes.

Work Environment

The role operates in a professional engineering environment that combines office-based design work with periodic time on the shop floor and at customer or supplier sites. You will work extensively with CREO and CREO Simulate, as well as various engineering and product lifecycle management systems, to develop and manage designs. The position involves close collaboration with on-site colleagues, global engineering service providers, and suppliers, requiring clear communication and effective coordination across time zones. Typical work follows standard business hours, with some flexibility needed to support project deadlines and occasional travel of around 10% to customer locations, suppliers, and manufacturing facilities. When supporting assembly, testing, or site visits, appropriate safety practices and personal protective equipment are required in accordance with facility and project requirements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Mossville, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $37.00/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 Mossville,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.