Mechanical Design Engineer

Actalent; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 52,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer in Hillsboro, OR to lead R&D from a process perspective, work with steel and welding, and develop 3D designs with documentation for prototypes in collaboration with the shop.

The role requires a BSME with 1–3+ years in mechanical design, experience in test engineering and SolidWorks, and a focus on new product development and manufacturing awareness. Opportunity for growth as projects advance.

Qualifications

• BSME with 1–3+ years in mechanical design engineering.
• Proficient in mechanical design and steel fabrication.
• Experience in test engineering and SolidWorks.
• Background in new product development and R&D.
• Strong documentation writing and prototyping skills.
• Knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing engineering, and design for manufacturing.
• FE Exam passed preferred; goal of PE.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team from a process standpoint.
• Work with steel and welding concepts.
• Create 3D designs and documentation.
• Collaborate with shop on prototypes.
• Conduct high potential, mechanical operations, and heat rise tests.
• Contribute to ongoing R&D projects like new spring configurations and multi-bottle vacuum interrupters.

Skills

BSME

Mechanical design

SolidWorks

R&D engineering

Documentation writing

GD&T

FE Exam (preferred)

Education

BSME degree

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

This role involves working closely with both the Research and Development (R&D) and Production engineering teams. The position requires a demonstrated understanding of working with steel and familiarity with welding and weld symbols. The Mechanical Engineer will lead the R&D team from a process standpoint, engage in 3D designs and documentation, and work on prototypes in collaboration with the shop. Responsibilities also include conducting tests such as high potential testing, mechanical operations, and heat rise tests.

Responsibilities

• Lead the R&D team from a process standpoint.

• Work with steel and be familiar with welding and weld symbols.

• Create 3D designs and documentation.

• Collaborate with the shop on prototypes.

• Conduct testing, including high potential testing, mechanical operations, and heat rise tests.

• Engage in current R&D projects, including the development of new spring configurations and multi-bottle vacuum interrupters.

Essential Skills

• BSME and 1-3+ years of mechanical design-focused engineering experience.

• Proficiency in mechanical design and steel fabrication.

• Experience in test engineering and SolidWorks.

• A background in new product development and R&D engineering.

• Strong skills in documentation writing and prototyping.

• Knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing engineering, and design for manufacturing.

• Preference for candidates who have passed the FE Exam and have a career goal of becoming a Professional Engineer (PE).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Must be comfortable working on the floor and getting hands dirty.

• Respect for the institutional knowledge of operators and welders.

Work Environment

The work environment is relaxed and fosters strong communication between engineers and drafters. It is a small team with a strong culture, offering the potential for conversion from consultant to full-time employee based on performance.

#LI-MH3

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Hillsboro, OR.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/hr.

Benefits

• 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 Hillsboro,OR.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 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 [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.