Mechanical Engineer

Planet Group; Needham (MA); On-site; USD 56,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Planet Group in Needham, MA is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for an initial 1-2 month contract, onsite. The role focuses on evaluating technical feasibility during early development, shaping product direction and offering cross-functional options.

Independent work with regular PM check-ins is expected, along with hands-on POC work, system thinking, test design, data analysis, and clear reporting of findings and recommendations.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with thermocouples and current clamps.
• Experience with electro-mechanical systems and rapid iteration.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong data collection and analysis skills.
• Proven ability to interpret test results and provide recommendations.

Responsibilities

• POC development by harvesting and modifying components for functional models.
• Understand system interactions and identify potential issues.
• Design and execute tests to gather required information.
• Apply thermal knowledge to identify feasible solutions.
• Collect and analyze data to assess performance and plan next steps.
• Prepare clear reports on testing, findings, progress, and recommendations.
• Operate with independence and navigate ambiguity in undefined requirements.

Skills

POC Development

System-Level Thinking

Test Design & Execution

Thermal Fundamentals

Data Analysis

Reporting

Independence

Job description

Role:Mechanical Engineer
Rate: $41-46/hr
Location:Needham, MA onsite
1-2 months
2 open roles

This individual will be responsible for evaluating technical feasibility for upcoming roadmap projects during the early development stage, before the product is fully defined.

This work directly helps shape product development by identifying what is functionally possible and providing the cross-functional team with options for achieving the desired outcome. The role requires a high degree of independence, supported by regular check-ins with project management.

Required Skills and Responsibilities

• Proof of Concept (POC) Development - Harvest components from existing products and add or modify components as needed to create functional proof-of-concept models. Strong hands-on skills, creativity, and the ability to move quickly are critical to success.
• System-Level Thinking - Understand how different components interact within a system, identify potential issues, and proactively investigate and resolve them.
• Test Design and Execution - Determine what information is needed and develop the best approach for obtaining it. Hands-on experience with thermocouples, current clamps, and electro-mechanical systems is required.
• Thermal Fundamentals - Strong understanding of heat transfer principles. Because these products are thermally driven, this knowledge is critical to quickly identifying feasible solutions.
• Data Analysis - Collect, analyze, and organize data to understand system performance and determine appropriate next steps.
• Reporting - Prepare clear and concise written and verbal updates regarding testing, findings, progress, and recommendations.
• Independence - Comfortable working with minimal day-to-day oversight, taking initiative, and navigating ambiguity when requirements or specifications are not fully defined.