Mechanical Designer

Actalent; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO: 1 week

Sick leave: 72 hours

6 paid holidays

Job summary

Actalent in Traverse City, MI is seeking a Mechanical Designer to design mechanical components and systems for industrial automation equipment, with emphasis on SolidWorks modeling and detailed drawings. You will create CAD models, perform calculations, and collaborate with project engineers to meet performance and safety requirements.

The on-site, contract-to-hire role involves 45–55 hour weeks, PTO, sick leave, and holidays, with opportunities to contribute to prototype builds, design reviews,

Qualifications

• 10+ years of machine design experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Ability to select motors and cylinders.
• Engineering calculations using Excel or by hand.
• Experience with FEA, Kinematic FEA, and Dynamic FEA.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and systems for industrial automation equipment using SolidWorks.
• Create detailed technical drawings and CAD models.
• Develop design concepts and perform engineering calculations.
• Collaborate with project engineers and cross-functional teams to meet performance, safety, and customer requirements.
• Review and update documentation.
• Support prototype builds and participate in design reviews.
• Provide guidance to junior designers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support R&D activities.
• Assist in resolving design issues during manufacturing and installation.

Skills

SolidWorks

Machine design

Motors & cylinders selection

Engineering calculations

FEA

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

The role involves designing mechanical components and systems for industrial automation equipment, including assemblies, mechanisms, and machine layouts. The candidate will be responsible for creating designs from scratch using SolidWorks.

Responsibilities

• Design mechanical components and systems for industrial automation equipment using SolidWorks.
• Create detailed technical drawings and CAD models.
• Develop design concepts and perform engineering calculations.
• Collaborate with project engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and customer requirements.
• Review and update documentation.
• Support prototype builds and participate in design reviews.
• Provide guidance to junior designers.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support R&D activities.
• Assist in resolving design issues during manufacturing and installation.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of machine design experience with mechanisms, assemblies, and industrial automation equipment.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Ability to select motors and cylinders.
• Engineering calculation experience using Excel or by hand.
• Experience with FEA, Kinematic FEA, and Dynamic FEA.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• FEA Simulation experience, including Kinematic and Dynamic analysis.

Work Environment

The position requires working on-site in the office from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM, with a typical workweek ranging from 45 to 55 hours. The company offers 1 week of PTO, 72 hours of sick leave, and 6 paid holidays.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $52.00/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 Traverse City,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.