Machine Design Engineer

Actalent; Zeeland (MI); On-site; USD 62,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental & Vision

401(k)

PTO

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Machine Design Engineer to support full lifecycle development of custom manufacturing equipment. You will design, prototype, test, and launch production-ready machinery on sunroof production lines, collaborating across engineering and production teams.

The role blends CAD work with hands-on shop floor involvement, including prototype builds and process optimization, with a focus on reliability and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• Experience designing custom machinery from scratch.
• Strong SolidWorks 3D modeling, assemblies and drawings.
• Hands-on process development with production equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design custom machinery, tooling, fixtures from concept to production release.
• Develop detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform machine design calculations, including dynamic load analysis.

Skills

Hands-on problem solving

Cross-functional teamwork

Mechanical design principles

Prototype testing

Iterative design

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA

3D CAD modeling

Job description

Job Title: Machine Design EngineerJob Description

The Machine Design Engineer will support the full lifecycle of custom manufacturing equipment and process development, from initial concept through design, prototyping, testing, and production launch. This hands‑on role combines mechanical design in CAD with direct involvement on the shop floor, working with prototypes, tooling, and production teams to bring new equipment and products into high‑volume manufacturing. The engineer will contribute to new production lines for sunroof manufacturing, helping to create robust, efficient, and reliable automated processes.

Responsibilities

• Design custom machinery, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment from initial concept through production release.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Perform machine and component design calculations, including dynamic load analysis and mechanical system sizing.
• Apply finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate structural performance and validate design integrity.
• Support prototype builds by working hands‑on with equipment, tooling, and materials during assembly and integration.
• Conduct testing, troubleshooting, and design validation activities to ensure equipment meets performance and safety requirements.
• Collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to develop, refine, and optimize manufacturing processes, including roll‑to‑roll and web‑based processes.
• Lead design iterations based on test results, product requirements, and feedback from manufacturing and production teams.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) and product launch activities by ensuring equipment and processes are ready for production.
• Participate in equipment commissioning, debugging, and process optimization efforts on new and existing production lines.
• Create and maintain accurate engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), specifications, and design standards.
• Evaluate and implement improvements to machine performance, reliability, safety, and manufacturability.
• Contribute to the design and development of processes for new sunroof production lines, ensuring efficient and scalable manufacturing.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience designing custom machinery and manufacturing equipment from scratch using SolidWorks.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Hands‑on process development experience, including working directly with production equipment and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to perform finite element analysis (FEA) and dynamic load calculations for mechanical systems.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, including component sizing, structural integrity, and motion systems.
• Experience with machine design and mechanical design for automated manufacturing environments.
• Capability to support prototype builds, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation activities.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to iterate designs based on test data and manufacturing feedback.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with automation systems and integrating mechanical designs into automated production lines.
• Background working with film, plastics, and related materials in manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with roll‑to‑roll and web‑based processing equipment and techniques.
• Ability to create and maintain engineering documentation, including BOMs, specifications, and design standards.
• Experience supporting new product introduction (NPI) and product launch activities.
• Comfort working in a highly collaborative, cross‑functional engineering and production environment.

Work Environment

This is a full‑time, onsite role in a manufacturing environment, working Monday through Friday on a first‑shift schedule for approximately 40 hours per week, with no travel required. The Machine Design Engineer will spend time both in an office setting using SolidWorks and other engineering tools, and on the production floor working hands‑on with prototypes, tooling, and manufacturing equipment. The facility operates modern automated production lines, including new lines for sunroof manufacturing, and emphasizes safety, reliability, and continuous improvement in its processes and equipment.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $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 position based out of Zeeland, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Zeeland,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.