Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; McMinnville (OR); On-site; USD 69,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to develop and enhance engine and propulsion systems for UAVs. You will design in SolidWorks, build and test prototypes, and troubleshoot to ensure reliability.

Collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and suppliers is required in a fast-paced, onsite role. The ideal candidate has a strong SolidWorks background, experience with mechanical testing and instrumentation, and a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with SolidWorks, CAD modeling, and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical testing, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Knowledge of engines, propulsion systems, rotating equipment, or other complex mechanical products.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and performing root cause analysis.
• Comfortable working in both an office/design environment and a hands‑on lab or test setting.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both engineering and non-engineering teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Create and update 3D models, engineering drawings, and design documentation using SolidWorks.
• Support the design and development of engine components, assemblies, and mechanical systems.
• Build, test, and evaluate prototypes in both lab and field environments.
• Set up sensors, instrumentation, and testing equipment to gather performance data.
• Analyze test results and solve mechanical, manufacturing, and reliability issues.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions when problems arise.
• Manage engineering changes, bills of materials, and product documentation.
• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, project managers, suppliers, and customers.
• Participate in technical reviews and customer discussions to support project success.
• Help bring products from concept and prototype through production and ongoing support.

Skills

SolidWorks

CAD modeling

Engineering drawings

Mechanical testing

Instrumentation

Root cause analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Project

Job description

Job Description

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer who thrives on tackling diverse challenges, from CAD design and documentation to prototype testing and troubleshooting. This role involves developing and enhancing engine and propulsion systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer who thrives on tackling diverse challenges, from CAD design and documentation to prototype testing and troubleshooting. This role involves developing and enhancing engine and propulsion systems used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Responsibilities

• Create and update 3D models, engineering drawings, and design documentation using SolidWorks.
• Support the design and development of engine components, assemblies, and mechanical systems.
• Build, test, and evaluate prototypes in both lab and field environments.
• Set up sensors, instrumentation, and testing equipment to gather performance data.
• Analyze test results and solve mechanical, manufacturing, and reliability issues.
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions when problems arise.
• Manage engineering changes, bills of materials, and product documentation.
• Work closely with manufacturing, quality, supply chain, project managers, suppliers, and customers.
• Participate in technical reviews and customer discussions to support project success.
• Help bring products from concept and prototype through production and ongoing support.

Essential Skills

• Strong experience with SolidWorks, CAD modeling, and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical testing, instrumentation, and data collection.
• Knowledge of engines, propulsion systems, rotating equipment, or other complex mechanical products.
• Experience troubleshooting mechanical systems and performing root cause analysis.
• Comfortable working in both an office/design environment and a hands‑on lab or test setting.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both engineering and non-engineering teams.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in Aerospace or UAV engineering, Motorsports or Formula SAE/F1-related engineering, Small engine development, Product development or R&D, Test engineering, Mechanical design engineering.
• Success in CAD design, documentation, testing, troubleshooting, and customer-facing technical discussions.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Project, and related applications.
• Experience with AS9100 standards, machine shop processes, powertrain, engines, and thermal testing.

Work Environment

This role involves a dynamic, broad-based mechanical engineering experience that blends design, analysis, prototyping, and testing, requiring both hands‑on and computer skills. The work environment is a blended office and shop setting, where employees can engage in both technical and practical aspects of engineering.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $63.00/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)

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 2, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mcminnville,OR.

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.