Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / Product Design EngineerJob Description

This role offers an opportunity for a self-motivated Mechanical Engineer to work as a Product Design Engineer and lead the development of innovative, camera- and sensor-focused products from concept through prototype. You will create cutting-edge mechanical designs that integrate cameras, sensors, and supporting hardware, with particular emphasis on thermal management, optics considerations, and robust electromechanical assemblies. In this fast-paced environment, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams, drive projects independently, and ensure that every design meets demanding performance, quality, and manufacturability standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative mechanical products from initial concept through prototype, with a focus on camera-focused and sensor-focused solutions.
• Create detailed 3D models and assemblies in SolidWorks, including complex sheet metal parts, weldments, and larger mechanical stations or electromechanical equipment.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, and software components into cohesive product designs by collaborating closely with cross-functional engineering teams.
• Develop, document, and manage mechanical design requirements to ensure products meet or exceed performance, reliability, and quality targets.
• Perform thermal simulations and analyses to address thermal management challenges in camera and sensor systems.
• Conduct tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T principles to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of components and assemblies.
• Create clear, accurate, and detailed manufacturing drawings that support efficient fabrication and assembly processes.
• Plan and execute testing activities to validate design assumptions, including root cause analysis and systematic problem-solving when issues arise.
• Lead hands-on prototyping and iterative design cycles, refining concepts based on test results, user feedback, and manufacturing input.
• Work directly with fabrication and manufacturing teams, as well as external vendors, to address practical fabrication constraints and optimize designs for production.
• Troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, assembly, and integration, providing timely solutions and design updates as needed.
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles throughout the product development process.
• Drive projects forward independently with minimal supervision, managing priorities and deliverables to meet schedule and quality expectations.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of mid-career experience in mechanical product design, preferably with a focus on camera and sensor-based systems.
• Strong mechanical engineering and mechanical design background, including experience with larger mechanical stations, equipment, or electromechanical assemblies.
• High proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling, assembly design, and detailed drawing creation.
• Proficiency with Ansys or similar tools for thermal simulations and related engineering analysis.
• Strong sheet metal design experience, including forming, bending, and joining considerations.
• Proven experience in weldment and welded assembly design for robust mechanical structures.
• Strong skills in creating detailed manufacturing drawings that clearly communicate specifications and tolerances.
• Advanced knowledge of GD&T and the ability to perform comprehensive tolerance stack-up analyses.
• Hands-on prototyping experience and comfort with iterative design cycles.
• Solid understanding of design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA), including practical fabrication and production constraints.
• Experience working directly with fabrication and manufacturing teams, as well as vendors, to support production and resolve issues.
• Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot mechanical issues during build, assembly, and integration and implement effective corrective actions.
• Experience with testing, structured problem-solving, and root cause analysis in a product development environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in product design specifically for camera-focused and sensor-focused solutions.
• Familiarity with optics design principles and machine vision systems.
• Strong understanding of production design principles and lifecycle considerations from prototype to full-scale manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively collaborating within cross-functional teams.
• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and managing multiple priorities.
• Clear communication skills for documenting requirements, presenting design decisions, and coordinating with engineering and manufacturing stakeholders.

Work Environment

This position operates in a fast-paced engineering and product development environment focused on mechanical, electromechanical, and camera/sensor-based systems. You will primarily work with modern engineering tools such as SolidWorks for 3D CAD and Ansys for thermal simulations, and you will regularly collaborate with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams. The role involves both office-based design work and hands-on activities in prototyping and fabrication areas, including close interaction with internal fabrication and assembly teams and external vendors. The environment emphasizes practical design for manufacturability and assembly, iterative prototyping, and rigorous testing to achieve high-performance, production-ready products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $155000.00/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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in North Reading,MA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 11, 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.