Machine Designer

Job Title: Machine Designer

Job Description

The Machine Designer is responsible for the end-to-end mechanical design and engineering of custom automated production equipment, from initial concept through final review. This role develops conceptual and detailed technical solutions that meet project requirements for quality, performance, manufacturability, and timeline, while acting as a key technical expert on customer processes and products. The Machine Designer collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, supports manufacturing and assembly, validates third-party equipment, mitigates technical risks, and regularly presents design concepts and progress updates directly to customers.

Responsibilities

• Play an active role as a core member of the Mechanical Design Engineering team, contributing technical expertise and collaborating effectively with colleagues.
• Develop and design mechanical components, assemblies, and full automated equipment solutions that meet functional, performance, and manufacturability requirements.
• Create clear and accurate engineering drawings and documentation in accordance with industry standards and internal guidelines.
• Stay current with mechanical engineering technologies, tools, and trends, continuously expanding knowledge and skills related to automation and production equipment.
• Collaborate closely with other engineers, designers, project managers, and cross-functional team members to ensure project success and alignment with scope, timeline, budget, and quality targets.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing and assembly teams, addressing design-related questions and issues to ensure smooth and efficient production processes.
• Troubleshoot design and manufacturing challenges, analyze root causes, and implement effective, practical solutions.
• Exhibit strong communication and teamwork skills to foster positive relationships with colleagues, customers, and external stakeholders.
• Present conceptual and detailed designs to customers in weekly review meetings, clearly explaining design intent, trade-offs, and project status.
• Ensure that technical solutions align with committed functional requirements across all division projects.
• Own and develop project technical requirements, guiding design teams to identify and resolve gaps in scope, functionality, and performance.
• Act as an internal expert on customer processes and products, using this knowledge to inform design decisions and system architecture.
• Select and validate third-party equipment to ensure it meets project scope, specifications, and integration requirements.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the project lifecycle, proactively addressing potential issues before they impact schedule or quality.
• Lead, present, and actively participate in design reviews to ensure alignment with project goals related to timeline, budget, and quality.
• Collaborate with Project Managers on scope changes, helping to balance customer needs with company capabilities and resources.
• Provide constructive feedback to Engineering Leaders to improve design standards, processes, and tools, with a focus on reducing errors and enhancing efficiency.
• Support resolution of design issues that impact Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) approvals.
• Participate in proposal reviews, providing technical input on feasibility and design approaches.
• Support customer site visits to capture as-built conditions and ensure accurate integration of new automated equipment into existing facilities.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of full system processes, including material flow, inputs/outputs, throughput and OEE, product handling, and process validation.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in designing automated production equipment, including both conceptual designs and complete technical solutions.
• Experience developing and evaluating full system processes, such as material flow, inputs and outputs, throughput and OEE, product handling, and process validation.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks CAD software, including experience using FEA simulation tools.
• Strong analytical and methodical approach, with the ability to break down complex problems into simple, manageable steps.
• Project management experience, including the ability to process information, organize and prioritize tasks, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively without direct supervision in a team environment.
• Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, controls, and project management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for internal collaboration and customer-facing presentations.
• Ability to travel within the US and Canada as required to support meetings, installations, and customer site activities.
• Demonstrated capability to lead project teams without direct reporting responsibilities, ensuring alignment and progress toward project objectives.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Engineering degree (such as Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline) is preferred.
• Experience with NX CAD software is a nice-to-have.
• Experience in factory automation, custom automation systems, or automated test stands.
• Experience supporting FAT and SAT activities and resolving design issues in late project phases.
• Familiarity with process validation and performance metrics for automated systems.
• Ability to work effectively in both on-site and remote settings, remaining fully functional and productive with minimal supervision.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to operate in high-demand, technically complex environments.
• Interest in working on cutting-edge automation technology and highly technical, custom projects.

Work Environment

This role sits within a large, multidisciplinary engineering organization of more than 80 professionals, including mechanical engineers, designers, controls engineers, electrical engineers, project managers, and applications specialists. The culture is collaborative and laid-back, with team members enjoying a friendly atmosphere and humor to help balance the stress that can come with tight timelines and complex projects. The Machine Designer typically spends about 75% of their time at a desk performing design work and 25% of their time debugging and supporting equipment. The main engineering center is located adjacent to a plant across the parking lot, with an additional plant approximately 15 minutes away, providing direct access to manufacturing and assembly operations. Travel to customer sites for installation support is rare and generally limited, as most installation issues tend to be electrical in nature. The workweek is approximately 45 hours, and while there are no direct reports, the role involves leading project teams and coordinating technical activities. Remote work is possible for individuals who are highly experienced and fully functional working independently; however, periodic on-site presence is required for internal and customer meetings and to support the build phase. Team members gain first-hand exposure to cutting-edge custom automation and factory automation projects, enhancing their skills and opening future career opportunities. Paid holidays and PTO are available, contributing to a comprehensive and supportive work environment.

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

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $64.90/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 hybrid position in Bridgman,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 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.