Mechanical Design Engineer

Actalent; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 137,760,000 - 158,424,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent in Nashville, TN seeks a Lead Mechanical Engineer to provide hands‑on technical leadership for Production Engineering, driving design, release, and continuous improvement of industrial equipment. You will oversee CAD standards, data management, and collaboration across engineering, manufacturing, and business teams.

As site lead for SolidWorks, you will manage legacy AutoCAD conversions, ensure BOM accuracy in ERP, and mentor engineering staff toward best practices while aligning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years in mechanical design, product engineering, or manufacturing engineering within an industrial equipment or manufacturing environment.
• 7+ years of SolidWorks design experience, including complex assemblies and detailed models.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks and ability to manage complex assemblies and manufacturable drawings.
• Experience with CAD data management, revision control, and formal engineering release processes.
• Knowledge of machine design principles, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience maintaining ERP BOMs and integration with engineering documentation.
• Demonstrated leadership directing engineering projects and personnel.
• Ability to convert legacy AutoCAD documentation to SolidWorks while preserving intent.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor Production Engineering personnel, managing workload, priorities, and project execution.
• Coordinate engineering activities with Manufacturing, Project Engineering, R&D, Purchasing, Fabrication, and Sales to support schedules and objectives.
• Review and approve engineering docs, drawings, and designs for quality, accuracy, manufacturability, and standards.
• Design mechanical systems, equipment, assemblies, and components using SolidWorks for industrial equipment.
• Create/maintain 3D models, drawings, BOMs, and related docs for manufacturing and assembly.
• Serve as site lead for SolidWorks and PDM, CAD standards, revision control, and data management.
• Lead conversion of legacy AutoCAD drawings to SolidWorks with current standards.
• Maintain ERP BOM alignment with engineering docs and production records.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing and Fabrication to resolve shop-floor issues and implement design improvements.
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to engineering staff on best practices.
• Support production focus while assisting R&D on new concepts/prototypes.
• Ensure consistent release processes, revision control, and CAD data management.

Skills

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

ERP (Epicor)

Leadership

BOM management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Epicor ERP

Job description

Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer Job Description This role provides hands‑on technical leadership for the Production Engineering function while driving the design, release, and continuous improvement of manufactured mechanical equipment. You will oversee engineering priorities, ensure designs are production‑ready, support day‑to‑day manufacturing operations, and lead the transition to a standardized SolidWorks environment. As the primary resource for CAD standards, engineering data management, and mechanical design support, you will play a key role in aligning engineering, manufacturing, and business objectives.

Responsibilities

• - Lead and mentor Production Engineering personnel, managing workload, priorities, and project execution to meet production and business goals.


• - Coordinate engineering activities with Manufacturing, Project Engineering, R&D, Purchasing, Fabrication, and Sales to support production schedules and overall company objectives.


• - Review and approve engineering documentation, drawings, and designs to ensure quality, accuracy, manufacturability, and compliance with internal standards.


• - Design and develop mechanical systems, equipment, assemblies, and components using SolidWorks, with a focus on industrial equipment and machinery.


• - Create and maintain 3D models, detailed drawings, bills of materials, and related engineering documentation to support manufacturing and assembly operations.


• - Serve as the site lead for SolidWorks and PDM, including CAD standards, revision control, and engineering data management across the organization.


• - Lead the conversion and validation of legacy AutoCAD drawings into the SolidWorks environment, ensuring accuracy and consistency with current standards.


• - Maintain accurate ERP bills of material and ensure alignment between engineering documentation and production records.


• - Partner closely with Manufacturing and Fabrication teams to resolve technical issues on the shop floor and implement design improvements that enhance quality, reliability, manufacturability, and cost efficiency.


• - Provide technical guidance and coaching to engineering staff, fostering best practices in mechanical design and documentation.


• - Support the production side of the business as the primary focus, while periodically assisting the R&D team with new concepts and prototypes.


• - Ensure that engineering release processes, revision control, and CAD data management practices are followed consistently.


• - Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging your background in machine building, integration, or industrial equipment to optimize designs and processes.

Essential Skills

• - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.


• - 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, product engineering, or manufacturing engineering within an industrial equipment or manufacturing environment.


• - 7+ years of SolidWorks design experience, including work with complex assemblies, production drawings, and detailed mechanical models.


• - Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including the ability to develop and manage complex assemblies and create clear, manufacturable drawings.


• - Experience with CAD data management, revision control, and formal engineering release processes.


• - Knowledge of machine design principles, fabrication methods, and manufacturing processes.


• - Experience developing and maintaining bills of material within an ERP system.


• - Demonstrated leadership experience directing engineering projects, priorities, and engineering personnel.


• - Ability to interpret and convert legacy AutoCAD documentation into SolidWorks while maintaining design intent and accuracy.


• - Mechanical design and mechanical engineering expertise in an industrial or machine-building context.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• - Experience with Epicor or similar ERP systems for managing bills of material and production data.


• - Experience with a machine builder, systems integrator, or similar industrial equipment manufacturer.


• - Experience with conveyor systems, material handling equipment, or automated machinery.


• - Prior use of AutoCAD, in addition to SolidWorks, is considered a strong plus.


• - Experience working in or supporting both production and R&D environments, including exposure to prototyping and robotics.


• - Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with cross‑functional teams.


• - Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands‑on design and documentation work.

Work Environment

You will work in an assembly‑focused environment with controlled temperature, providing a comfortable and consistent setting for daily activities. The site includes an R&D area with extensive prototyping equipment, including robotics and other advanced tools, offering exposure to innovative technologies and hands‑on experimentation.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Nashville, TN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $55.29/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 Nashville,TN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 14, 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.