Design Engineer

Actalent; Jackson (MI); On-site; USD 46,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Jackson, MI seeks a Design Engineer to lead the design and development of large, integrated machinery for the food and beverage packaging industry. You will drive from concept through 3D modeling, simulation, and commissioning, ensuring systems integrate mechanical, electrical, control, and robotic components to deliver production-ready equipment.

Responsibilities include leading projects, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and providing manufacturing support during

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing complex machinery or industrial equipment.
• Proficient in 3D CAD; SolidWorks preferred.
• Experience with packaging machinery and automated material handling systems.
• Exposure to robotics and robotic vision systems.
• Familiar with PLC-based controls and electro-mechanical integration.
• Ability to design complete systems integrating mechanical, electrical, and control components.
• Strong problem-solving and ability to use simulation tools.
• Effective communication and teamwork across cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle development of large machine projects from concept to commissioning.
• Translate customer requirements into complete system designs for packaged baked goods.
• Create detailed 3D models of machinery including conveyors, tooling, and packaging equipment.
• Use simulation tools to evaluate design performance before fabrication.
• Integrate mechanical, electrical, control, and robotic elements into cohesive systems.
• Provide technical support to manufacturing during fabrication and testing.
• Lead and coordinate design efforts with engineers across disciplines.
• Maintain accurate design documentation and specifications.

Skills

Machine design experience

3D CAD design

Robotics & vision systems

PLC controls

System integration

Project leadership

Communication skills

Simulation tools

Education

BSME or related engineering degree

Tools

SolidWorks

3D CAD software

PLC programming tools

Job description

Job Title: Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing and developing large, complex machinery for the food and beverage industry. The design engineer leads full lifecycle development from initial concept through 3D modeling, simulation, manufacturing support, and commissioning. The position centers on creating complete systems that integrate mechanical components, conveyors, cutting tools, packaging tools, controls, and robotic vision to deliver reliable, production-ready equipment.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle development of large machine projects from initial concept through commissioning.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand customer requirements and translate them into complete system designs that deliver packaged baked goods ready for distribution.

• Develop initial design concepts and sketches for new equipment and systems.

• Create detailed 3D models of machinery, including cutting tools, conveyors, robotic controls and vision systems, and packaging tools.

• Use simulation tools to evaluate design performance, verify functionality, and optimize effectiveness before fabrication.

• Design entire integrated systems rather than isolated components, ensuring all mechanical, electrical, control, and robotic elements work together to achieve the desired outcome.

• Incorporate controls (PLCs), robotic vision, conveyors, and electrical and mechanical parts into cohesive system designs.

• Provide clear technical support to manufacturing teams during fabrication, assembly, and testing of equipment.

• Answer questions, clarify design intent, and give direction to manufacturing and assembly teams throughout the build process.

• Support commissioning activities to ensure equipment operates as designed in customer environments.

• Act as a lead engineer on projects, coordinating design efforts and contributing to project planning and execution.

• Collaborate with a team of design engineers and cross-functional colleagues in engineering, manufacturing, testing, sales, and support.

• Continuously improve designs based on feedback from manufacturing, testing, and customer performance.

• Maintain accurate design documentation, models, and specifications using 3D CAD tools.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience designing complex machinery or industrial equipment, including cutting tools, conveyors, robotic controls and vision systems, and packaging tools.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD design; SolidWorks experience is preferred, but strong expertise in any 3D CAD software is acceptable.

• Hands-on experience with machine design for industrial applications.

• Experience with packaging machinery and automated material handling systems.

• Exposure to robotics and robotic vision systems within integrated machinery.

• Familiarity with control systems, including PLC-based controls.

• Ability to design complete systems that integrate mechanical, electrical, and control components to achieve a defined production outcome.

• Demonstrated project leadership experience within engineering or machine design projects.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or a closely related engineering discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to evaluate designs using simulation tools.

• Effective communication skills to provide direction and support to manufacturing teams and customers.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Prior experience in the food and beverage packaging industry.

• Understanding of systems-level engineering where customers purchase an integrated outcome rather than a single component.

• Experience working with integrated systems that combine PLCs, robotic vision, conveyors, and electrical and mechanical subsystems.

• Experience acting as a lead engineer and mentoring or guiding other engineers.

• Interest in continuous learning and professional development, supported by access to online training resources such as Udemy after a defined period.

• Formal engineering degree is preferred but strong relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Work Environment

The role is based on-site in a single facility that houses engineering, manufacturing, testing, sales, and support functions, enabling close collaboration across teams. Standard working hours are approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an expected workload of around 45 hours per week, with flexibility for additional time as project needs require. The building is a comfortable size, with a clean, quiet, and professional environment. The design engineer works as part of a team of three other design engineers, engaging regularly with colleagues in manufacturing and testing as equipment moves from design through production.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $48.07/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 Jackson, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 13, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Jackson,MI.

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 [e-mail] 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.