Machine Design Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Automated Machinery

Job Description

This role focuses on the end-to-end mechanical design and development of custom automated equipment and machinery. You will own projects from concept through 3D modeling, detailing, fabrication support, assembly, commissioning, and ongoing production support. The position combines hands-on engineering with close collaboration across fabrication, machining, assembly, automation, and robotics teams to deliver robust, safe, and cost-effective automated solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop mechanical designs for automated equipment, machinery, and production systems, taking projects from concept through implementation.
• Create accurate 3D models, assemblies, and detailed manufacturing drawings for custom machines and components.
• Design structural and mechanical components including machine frames, weldments, sheet metal parts, and machined components.
• Perform tolerance analysis, engineering calculations, and formal design reviews to ensure performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Select appropriate mechanical components, actuators, and motion-control hardware to meet functional and performance requirements.
• Develop and maintain complete and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all equipment and assemblies.
• Work directly with fabrication, machining, assembly, and engineering teams to ensure designs are feasible, manufacturable, and clearly documented.
• Support equipment builds on the shop floor, including troubleshooting, testing, and assisting with startup and commissioning activities.
• Assist with the mechanical integration of robotic systems and tooling, including industrial robot arms and end-of-arm tooling.
• Incorporate manufacturability, reliability, cost effectiveness, and machine safety principles into all mechanical designs.
• Provide ongoing engineering support for equipment after implementation, including design improvements, modifications, and issue resolution.
• Manage multiple engineering projects simultaneously in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, meeting timelines and quality standards.
• Apply engineering change control processes to update designs, drawings, and documentation as needed.
• Contribute to equipment commissioning and validation activities to ensure systems meet performance and quality requirements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred, or equivalent technical experience in mechanical design and automation.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in mechanical design of electro-mechanical products, automation systems, or similar machinery.
• Total of 10+ years of mechanical design experience with machinery, automation, electro-mechanical equipment, or comparable systems.
• Strong knowledge of machine design principles and manufacturing processes, including sheet metal fabrication, welding, and machining.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD tools, preferably SolidWorks, for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.
• Experience designing weldments, sheet metal parts, and precision machined components for automated equipment.
• Experience with mechanical component selection and Bill of Materials (BOM) development for complex assemblies.
• Knowledge of motion-control components, actuators, and industrial automation hardware.
• Experience supporting equipment throughout its lifecycle, from design through build, testing, startup, and production use.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering projects concurrently in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, including tolerance analysis and engineering calculations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including fabrication, machining, assembly, and automation personnel.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with industrial robotics, including FANUC or similar robotic systems.
• Hands-on experience with industrial robot arms, with FANUC strongly preferred.
• Experience designing and implementing end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for robotic applications.
• Familiarity with PDM and document-control systems to manage CAD data and engineering documentation.
• Knowledge of machine safety and guarding standards and their application in automated equipment design.
• Experience with Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) principles.
• Experience with engineering change control processes for updating designs and documentation.
• Experience in equipment commissioning and validation in a production or manufacturing environment.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar 2D CAD tools in addition to 3D modeling.
• Exposure to robotics integration, automation design, and motion-control systems in a production setting.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combined office and plant environment, providing direct exposure to the full lifecycle of automated machinery from design to operation on the manufacturing floor. You will spend time at a computer performing 3D modeling, documentation, and engineering analysis, as well as time on the shop floor working with fabrication, machining, assembly, and commissioning teams. The role involves typical physical activities such as keyboarding, lifting, standing, bending, and walking while interacting with equipment and production areas. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Savannah, GA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Savannah, GA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Savannah,GA.

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.