Mechanical Designer

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

The Mechanical Designer creates and develops detailed 3D models in Solidworks, focusing on the design and development of chassis systems and components, including chassis cabs. This role collaborates closely with Electrical Designers and the shop floor to verify fit and function and to ensure that digital designs translate accurately into high-quality physical builds. The position offers the opportunity to contribute to complex vehicle and chassis projects within a specialized engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and develop detailed 3D models in Solidworks for chassis systems, chassis cabs, and related components.
• Design sheet metal components and assemblies that meet structural, functional, and manufacturability requirements.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) principles to ensure accurate, clear, and consistent engineering documentation.
• Collaborate closely with Electrical Designers to integrate mechanical and electrical systems and verify proper fit and function.
• Work with the shop floor to confirm that designs are correctly interpreted, assembled, and functioning as intended in physical builds.
• Support design reviews by providing clear 3D models, drawings, and technical explanations of design intent.
• Participate in troubleshooting and resolving design and build issues by visiting the shop floor and reviewing physical assemblies.
• Assist in developing or updating bills of materials (BOMs) to support production and documentation needs, where applicable.
• Incorporate feedback from functional leads, mentors, and cross-functional team members to improve designs and processes.
• Maintain accurate and organized design files, models, and drawings in accordance with internal standards and best practices.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of chassis and component designs to enhance performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

Essential Skills

• Proven expertise in Solidworks 3D for mechanical design and modeling.
• Hands-on experience in sheet metal design, including components and assemblies.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles for chassis systems and components.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with electrical designers and shop floor personnel.
• Capability to verify fit and function of designs and translate them accurately into physical builds.
• Proficiency in creating clear, detailed 3D models and engineering drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to design accuracy and quality.
• Effective communication skills to work within a multi-disciplinary engineering team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs).
• Familiarity with air and hydraulic schematics.
• Experience in heavy truck or transportation chassis design.
• Solidworks certification such as CSWP (Certified SolidWorks Professional) is beneficial.
• Experience working on complex vehicle, chassis, or custom apparatus projects.
• Willingness to learn from functional leads and mentors and adapt to evolving project requirements.

Work Environment

The role is based in an engineering building alongside a team of mechanical and electrical engineers working on custom fire apparatus, heavy truck chassis, custom vehicles, and truck bodies. The Mechanical Designer primarily works at a cubicle performing detailed design work in Solidworks, with regular interaction on the shop floor to verify that designs are correctly built and to assist with troubleshooting. The project team will include approximately twelve designers, supported by functional leads and mentors who help guide workload and professional development. The standard work schedule is Monday through Thursday, 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with some periods of required overtime on Fridays. Overtime is compensated at 1.5 times the regular pay rate. The environment emphasizes collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and close coordination between engineering and production teams, offering extended project continuity with contracts currently projected to run through multiple phases and providing one week of vacation every six months on assignment, along with six major holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Charlotte, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $45.00/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 Charlotte,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 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.