Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Illinois; On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer focused on new product development for positioners and welding automation systems. You will design high‑precision mechanical components using 3D CAD (Creo), perform FEA and tolerance studies, and drive manufacturing‑friendly designs while supporting automation, robotics, and hydraulics on the production floor.

You will collaborate across engineering, service, and shop teams to meet product roadmaps.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or associate degree with 3+ years experience.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD design for manufacturing with models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Experience using Creo for mechanical design and modeling.
• Ability to develop and maintain BOMs for complex mechanical systems.
• CAD practices that support manufacturability and production efficiency.
• Knowledge of FEA for evaluating mechanical performance.
• Proficiency applying GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with NPD processes from concept through production.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints and shop data.
• Strong problem-solving for materials, tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost.
• Ability to collaborate with engineering, service, and shop personnel in a production environment.

Responsibilities

• Study specifications and shop data to understand design requirements and manufacturing constraints.
• Confer with engineering, service, and shop personnel to resolve design problems related to materials, tolerances, service requirements, and cost.
• Spend ~70% of time using Creo for 3D CAD design, creating models, drawings, and assemblies for manufacturing.
• Spend ~15% on the production floor supporting service, troubleshooting issues, and validating designs.
• Allocate ~15% to ERF integration and analysis to ensure new designs integrate with existing systems.
• Lead or support new product development for positioners and welding automation systems.
• Perform mechanical design including FEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis for high-precision components.
• Drive design-for-manufacturing principles for repeatable and scalable production.
• Support integration of automation, motion control, robotics, hydraulics, and structural systems.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams, suppliers, and leadership to meet milestones.
• Develop and maintain BOMs and related documentation.
• Utilize CAD and PDM tools to manage designs and revisions.
• Participate in project planning and, when applicable, project management activities.
• Provide technical support for production, service, and field issues.
• Continuously seek improvements in product performance and manufacturability.

Skills

3D CAD design

FEA analysis

GD&T expertise

Tolerance analysis

BOM management

NPD experience

Blueprint interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Production floor experience

Manufacturing cost awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or an associate degree with experience

Tools

Creo

Windchill

PDM systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on new product development for positioners and welding automation systems, including a precision, robot‑programmed product line. You will design high‑precision, tight‑fit mechanical components using 3D CAD tools, perform analysis such as FEA and tolerance studies, and drive design‑for‑manufacturing to ensure repeatability, reliability, and scalability. The position blends office‑based design work with hands‑on collaboration on the production floor, supporting the integration of automation, motion control, robotics, hydraulics, and structural systems while working closely with cross‑functional teams to execute product roadmaps.

Responsibilities

• Study specifications, engineering blueprints, tool orders, and shop data to understand design requirements and manufacturing constraints.


• Confer with engineering, service, and shop personnel to resolve design problems related to material characteristics, dimensional tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost.


• Spend approximately 70% of your time using Creo for 3D CAD design, creating detailed models, drawings, and assemblies for manufacturing.


• Spend approximately 15% of your time on the production floor working with production teams and fabricators to support service, troubleshoot issues, and validate designs.


• Allocate approximately 15% of your time to ERF integration and analysis, ensuring new designs integrate effectively with existing systems and processes.


• Lead or support new product development for positioners and welding automation systems, including precision, robot‑programmed product lines.


• Perform mechanical design, including FEA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis for high‑precision, tight‑fit components.


• Drive design‑for‑manufacturing principles to ensure designs are repeatable, reliable, and scalable for production.


• Support the integration of automation, motion control, robotics, hydraulics, and structural systems into new and existing products.


• Collaborate cross‑functionally with manufacturing teams, suppliers, and leadership to execute product roadmaps and meet project milestones.


• Develop and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs) and related documentation for new and existing products.


• Utilize CAD and PDM tools, such as Creo and Windchill, to manage designs, revisions, and product data.


• Participate in project planning and, when applicable, support project management activities for new product development initiatives.


• Provide technical support for production, service, and field issues, helping to diagnose and resolve mechanical and system‑level problems.


• Continuously look for opportunities to improve product performance, manufacturability, and cost through iterative design and collaboration.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience preferred, or equivalent experience combined with an associate's degree.


• Proficiency in 3D CAD design for manufacturing, with hands‑on experience creating models, assemblies, and detailed drawings.


• Experience using Creo for mechanical design and modeling.


• Ability to develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) for complex mechanical systems.


• Experience with CAD design practices that support manufacturability and production efficiency.


• Working knowledge of FEA for evaluating mechanical performance and verifying designs.


• Proficiency in applying GD&T and performing tolerance analysis for high‑precision, tight‑fit components.


• Experience with new product development processes from concept through production.


• Ability to read and interpret engineering blueprints, specifications, and shop data.


• Strong problem‑solving skills for resolving design issues related to materials, tolerances, service requirements, manufacturing procedures, and cost.


• Capability to collaborate effectively with engineering, service, and shop personnel in a production environment.


• Comfort working both in an office setting and on the production floor to support design, troubleshooting, and integration activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Project management experience for new product development is preferred.


• Experience using Windchill or similar product data management (PDM) systems.


• Hands‑on experience with hydraulic systems and their integration into mechanical products.


• Experience working with robotics, including robot‑programmed or automated systems.