Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Marietta (OH); On-site; USD 6,475,000 - 7,164,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and develop refrigeration and cold storage systems, including ultra-low temperature applications. You will lead mechanical development from concept through testing, validation, and launch while coordinating with controls, electrical, manufacturing, and quality teams.

You will apply CAD/FEA tools, pursue DFM/DFA improvements, and ensure regulatory compliance across global product platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in refrigeration/HVAC or related mechanical systems.
• Hands-on design of refrigeration and cold storage systems.
• CAD and 3D modeling proficiency with drawings.
• Experience with FEA and simulation to support design decisions.
• DFM/DFA for production-scale products.
• Experience with sheet metal, engineered plastics, and insulation.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and engineering documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for refrigeration and cold storage equipment, including ultra-low temperature applications.
• Create specifications for components, subsystems, and complete system performance to meet product and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate product performance, reliability, and safety under various conditions.
• Perform analyses using CAD and FEA to support design decisions.
• Support DFМ and DFA initiatives for robust production, scalable manufacturing.
• Collaborate with controls, electrical, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the lifecycle.

Skills

CAD tools

FEA

DFM / DFA

3D modeling

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation / PLM

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

PLM systems

Sheet metal design

Insulation materials

Job description

Mechanical Engineer Refrigeration Systems

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on the design, development, and continuous improvement of advanced refrigeration and cold storage products, with an emphasis on ultra-low temperature systems used in critical laboratory and scientific applications. You will lead mechanical system development from concept through testing, validation, and product launch, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to optimize performance, reliability, and manufacturability across global product platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical systems for refrigeration and cold storage equipment, including ultra-low temperature applications.
• Create detailed specifications for components, subsystems, and complete system performance to meet product and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and execute test plans to validate product performance, reliability, and safety under a variety of operating conditions.
• Perform engineering analysis using CAD and simulation tools, including FEA, to support design decisions and optimize mechanical designs.
• Conduct design trade studies and performance optimization initiatives to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Partner closely with electrical, controls, manufacturing, and quality teams throughout the product development lifecycle.
• Support design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) initiatives to ensure robust, scalable production.
• Analyze test data and field feedback, then implement design improvements based on engineering findings and continuous improvement principles.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry standards, regulatory requirements, and certification criteria for refrigeration and cold storage products.
• Maintain accurate technical documentation, design records, and traceability throughout the development and release process.
• Participate in continuous improvement and technology development initiatives related to advanced thermal systems and product performance.
• Support products across multiple manufacturing locations, providing engineering guidance and resolving technical issues as needed.
• Collaborate in a fast-paced product development environment, managing multiple projects and priorities while meeting schedule and quality goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 5+ years of mechanical engineering experience, preferably in refrigeration, HVAC, or related mechanical systems.
• Hands-on experience designing mechanical systems for refrigeration and cold storage equipment.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and mechanical design, including 3D modeling and detailed component and assembly drawings.
• Experience with FEA analysis and simulation to support mechanical design decisions.
• Background in design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) for production-scale products.
• Experience working with sheet metal, engineered plastics, and insulation materials in product design.
• Familiarity with PLM systems and structured engineering documentation practices.
• Knowledge of relevant regulatory and certification requirements for mechanical and refrigeration products.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional project teams.
• Demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced product development environment, managing tasks and deadlines effectively.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with advanced thermal systems and refrigeration technologies.
• Exposure to data acquisition systems and automated test setups for product validation.
• Experience supporting global manufacturing operations and product platforms.
• Background in continuous improvement methodologies applied to product design and performance.
• Ability to influence innovative product concepts and contribute to long-term technology roadmaps.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office and engineering laboratory environment, combining design work with hands-on interaction with prototype and production refrigeration equipment. You will collaborate daily with multidisciplinary engineering teams, including controls, electrical, manufacturing, and quality, in a dynamic and fast-paced product development setting. The position supports global manufacturing operations and product platforms, and may require up to 10% domestic travel to other facilities or customer sites as needed. The environment emphasizes innovation, cross-functional teamwork, and continuous improvement in advanced thermal and refrigeration systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Marietta, OH.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $47.69 - $47.69/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 &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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 26, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Marietta,OH.

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.