Mechanical Project Engineer

Actalent; Wheaton (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Onsite work in Wheaton, IL

Job summary

Actalent in Wheaton, IL is seeking a Mechanical Project Engineer to oversee multiple electro-mechanical automation projects from design through manufacturing and testing. The role emphasizes creating drawing packages in 3D CAD (Inventor), managing PDM records and BOMs, and coordinating with shop floor to ensure design intent is realized.

The ideal candidate has a BS in Mechanical Engineering and 5+ years of related experience, strong troubleshooting and communication skills, and proficiency with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 5+ years of related engineering experience in mechanical or electro-mechanical systems.
• 3D design experience, ideally with Inventor or similar CAD software.
• Ability to function effectively within a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional groups.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong customer-oriented mindset.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and attention to detail in design and testing.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• Capability to manage multiple projects concurrently and maintain organized documentation.
• Experience with product data management (PDM) tools and bills of materials (BOMs).

Responsibilities

• Oversee multiple electro-mechanical automation projects from design through manufacturing and testing.
• Integrate mechanical parts into complete assemblies and compile drawing packages in 3D CAD.
• Prepare and manage PDM records and BOMs to support manufacturing.
• Coordinate with shop floor to communicate design intent and resolve issues.
• Conduct final testing to ensure equipment meets performance specifications.
• Collaborate on system design improvements and drive standardization across projects.

Skills

5+ years engineering experience

3D design experience

Team collaboration

Customer-focused communication

Troubleshooting

Documentation

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Inventor

PDM

BOMs

Job description

Mechanical Project Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Project Engineer manages multiple electro-mechanical automation projects simultaneously, guiding each system from design integration through manufacturing, testing, and continuous improvement. This role focuses on compiling complete drawing packages in 3D design software, coordinating closely with the shop floor, overseeing product data management and bills of materials, and performing final system testing to ensure equipment operates to specification. The engineer contributes to new product development, supports standardization efforts, and plays a key role in launching innovative automated systems across diverse industries.

Responsibilities

• Manage 510 engineering projects at a time, ensuring each project progresses smoothly from design through manufacturing and final testing.
• Integrate designed mechanical parts and drawings into complete assemblies, compiling comprehensive drawing packages using 3D design tools.
• Prepare and manage product data management (PDM) records and bills of materials (BOMs) to support accurate ordering and manufacturing.
• Coordinate closely with the shop floor to communicate design intent, support manufacturing activities, and resolve production-related issues.
• Conduct final testing of automated systems to verify that equipment operates as intended and meets all performance specifications.
• Evaluate system performance in practical applications, such as ensuring process systems deliver correct flows and outputs through nozzles and other components.
• Close out design and project reviews, documenting findings and implementing improvements and adjustments for manufacturing efficiency and product quality.
• Collaborate on system design improvements, contributing ideas and engineering solutions to enhance functionality, reliability, and standardization.
• Work effectively within a cross-functional team, including field service and sales, to gather feedback and translate customer and market needs into product updates and new designs.
• Communicate clearly with internal stakeholders and customers, presenting design concepts, test results, and improvement proposals.
• Demonstrate strong troubleshooting skills by identifying root causes of issues in mechanical and electro-mechanical systems and implementing corrective actions.
• Take ownership of assigned projects and initiatives, proactively generating and presenting new design ideas and concepts.
• Support long-term product strategy by contributing to the development and launch of new automated systems and product lines, with the potential to lead future new product groups.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• 05 years of related engineering experience in mechanical or electro-mechanical systems.
• 3D design experience, ideally with Inventor or similar computer-aided design software.
• Ability to function effectively within a team environment and collaborate with cross-functional groups.
• Excellent communication skills with a strong customer-oriented mindset.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities and exceptional attention to detail in both design and testing activities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Capability to manage multiple projects concurrently and maintain organized documentation.
• Comfort working with product data management (PDM) tools and bills of materials (BOMs).

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Working knowledge of automated systems and components used in industrial environments.
• Basic understanding of industrial electrical components and system requirements.
• Experience communicating directly with customers regarding technical requirements, system performance, and design changes.
• Ability to collaborate closely with field service and sales teams to incorporate real-world feedback into product designs.
• Demonstrated creativity and passion for developing new ideas, with the confidence to advocate for proposed design solutions.
• Interest in new product development and innovation, with a long-term aspiration to lead a group focused on new product launches.
• Experience with electro-mechanical system design, testing, and product development within automation contexts.

Work Environment

The Mechanical Project Engineer works within a dynamic automation-focused division of a larger industrial organization that designs and manufactures automated machines for a wide range of industries. The environment emphasizes product standardization while actively pursuing new markets through innovative product development. The role involves regular collaboration with field service teams, sales, and manufacturing personnel, creating a highly interactive and feedback-driven setting. Work is primarily performed in an office and engineering environment using 3D design software, PDM tools, and standard productivity applications, with periodic presence on the shop floor and around automated equipment during coordination and testing activities. The culture encourages initiative, open communication, and the presentation of new ideas, offering long-term opportunities to grow into leadership roles for new product launches.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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 Wheaton,IL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 16, 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.