Mechanical Engineer-Robotics

Actalent; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Wisconsin is seeking a Mechanical Engineer – Robotics to own the mechanical design and lifecycle for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. You will develop complex assemblies, perform analyses, and generate documentation to ensure robust, manufacturable systems.

Collaborate with electrical, software, manufacturing, and field teams; lead design reviews, specify COTS components, and support field deployment with root-cause analyses and PDLM-managed documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 2–5+ years hands-on mechanical design or product development experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and drafting.
• Experience in robotics/automation product development and GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Ability to perform structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses (FEA/CFD).
• Experience with prototypes, design reviews, and cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end design and lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies for large-format robotic equipment.
• Perform structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses using hand calcs and FEA/CFD tools.
• Create 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and BOMs per ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Lead design reviews with mechanical, electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.
• Select and qualify COTS components for manufacturability and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop integrated robotic systems and field support.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

FEM/CFD analysis

BOM creation & maintenance

Cross-functional collaboration

Prototyping & test

PDM/PLM documentation

Root-cause analysis

Hands-on troubleshooting

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CAD software

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – Robotics

Job Description

This role focuses on owning the mechanical design and engineering lifecycle for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. You will develop complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling, perform advanced engineering analyses, and create comprehensive engineering documentation. The position is highly cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with electrical, software, manufacturing, and field operations teams to deliver robust, reliable, and manufacturable robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design and engineering lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment.
• Perform detailed structural, thermal, and kinematic engineering analyses using both foundational hand calculations and advanced computational modeling tools such as FEA and CFD to evaluate stress, deflection, fatigue, thermal performance, and dynamic system behavior.
• Generate comprehensive engineering documentation, including 3D CAD models, detailed 2D drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards, and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Lead cross-functional design reviews, incorporating feedback from industrial design, manufacturing, reliability, software, and field operations teams to refine and optimize mechanical designs.
• Drive the selection and qualification of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, materials, and fabrication methods to achieve designs optimized for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop integrated designs that meet functional and performance requirements for robotic products.
• Work side-by-side with Prototype Technicians and Manufacturing teams during the build phase to troubleshoot assembly issues and rapidly implement design updates.
• Develop and execute rigorous verification and validation plans to ensure mechanical designs meet all functional, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Identify technical risks throughout the design process and drive mitigation strategies using tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Provide hands-on support for field deployment of robotic systems and perform root cause analysis of mechanical failures in both operational and prototype equipment.
• Manage and control engineering documentation, including drawings, models, and BOMs, within Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Review and check drawings created by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established drafting and GD&T standards.
• Perform other related engineering duties as assigned to support overall product development goals and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 2-5+ years of experience in a hands-on mechanical design or product development role.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Experience with mechanical design, machine design, and new product development in a robotics or automation-focused environment.
• Proficiency in creating detailed mechanical drawings and documentation, including GD&T, in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Ability to perform structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses using hand calculations and computational tools such as FEA and CFD.
• Demonstrated experience designing and iterating R&D prototypes or similar fast-paced design cycles while maintaining high-quality output.
• Strong skills in mechanical drafting, documentation, and Bill of Materials (BOM) creation and maintenance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and field operations.
• Hands-on approach to troubleshooting mechanical issues during prototype builds, assembly, and field deployment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with FEA tools and simulation workflows; SolidWorks Simulation experience is highly relevant, and ANSYS experience is transferable.
• Experience designing, integrating, and troubleshooting fluid or hydraulic systems.
• Experience designing hardware intended for prolonged use in dusty, dirty, or harsh outdoor environments.
• Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for controlling engineering documentation.
• Experience applying Failure Modes and Effects