Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; Wheeling (IL); On-site; USD 59,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Development Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and production of advanced electromechanical systems, with a strong focus on motion control technologies, system validation, and mechanical design. The role will support both custom product modifications and new product development initiatives, with an onsite location in Wheeling, IL.

Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3–5+ years of relevant experience, with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3–5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in product development or R&D environments.
• Experience designing and validating electromechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical design experience involving assemblies and subassemblies.
• SolidWorks proficiency.
• Experience with FEA and structural analysis.
• Hands-on testing and validation experience.
• Knowledge of motion control systems including motors, drives, sensors, encoders.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and supplier-related engineering activities.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and electromechanical assemblies and subassemblies for new and existing products.
• Evaluate customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Perform engineering analysis including statics, dynamics, structural analysis, and motor sizing calculations.
• Design and model components and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural simulations.
• Select, test, and validate motors, drives, sensors, encoders, bearings, and related motion control components.
• Perform hands‑on testing, product validation, and performance evaluations at the component and system level.
• Support manufacturing, suppliers, and production teams with troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through production support.

Skills

Mechanical design

SolidWorks

FEA

Motion control

Testing & validation

Manufacturing support

Structural analysis

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA tools

PDM systems

Job description

Mechanical Development Engineer

Our client is seeking a Mechanical Development Engineer to support the design, development, testing, and production of advanced electromechanical systems. This role will support both custom product modifications and new product development initiatives, with a strong focus on motion control technologies, system validation, and mechanical design.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop mechanical and electromechanical assemblies and subassemblies for new and existing products.
• Evaluate customer requirements and translate them into technical solutions.
• Perform engineering analysis including statics, dynamics, structural analysis, and motor sizing calculations.
• Design and model components and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and structural simulations.
• Select, test, and validate motors, drives, sensors, encoders, bearings, and related motion control components.
• Perform hands‑on testing, product validation, and performance evaluations at the component and system level.
• Support manufacturing, suppliers, and production teams with troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Participate throughout the product lifecycle, from concept development through production support.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline.
• 3-5+ years of mechanical engineering experience in product development or R&D environments.
• Experience designing and validating electromechanical systems.
• Strong mechanical design experience involving assemblies and subassemblies.
• SolidWorks proficiency.
• Experience with FEA and structural analysis.
• Hands‑on testing and validation experience.
• Knowledge of motion control systems including motors, drives, sensors, and encoders.
• Experience supporting manufacturing and supplier‑related engineering activities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with servo and stepper motor systems.
• Product development and new product introduction (NPI) experience.
• Familiarity with PDM systems.
• MIL-STD-810 testing experience.
• Background in aerospace, automation, industrial equipment, robotics, or automotive industries

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Wheeling, IL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $55.00/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 Wheeling,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.