Senior Mechanical Engineer

Actalent; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 105,000 - 149,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Retirement plan (401k)

Paid time off

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Engineer in San Jose, CA to design and develop precision mechanical systems for semiconductor capital equipment. You will own complex assemblies from concept through prototyping, testing and release, collaborating with electrical, optical, and software teams.

The role requires at least 5 years of mechanical design experience, proficiency in SolidWorks, and solid GD&T knowledge. The position offers a hybrid schedule onsite three days per week in San Jose.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering is required.
• Minimum of 5 years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing, semiconductor, or related high-technology environment.
• Proven experience designing precision mechanical systems and assemblies.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks and GD&T.
• Experience working with PDM systems for revision control and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision mechanical systems and components for semiconductor capital equipment, ensuring high performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Gather and define product requirements with stakeholders and translate them into mechanical design specs.
• Evaluate design concepts, perform trade-off analyses, and select optimal solutions based on performance, cost, and schedule.
• Develop prototypes for testing and validation, and incorporate test results into iterative design improvements.
• Create detailed part and assembly drawings, 3D models, and supporting documentation using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Apply GD&T to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of components and assemblies.
• Lead and participate in design reviews, presenting concepts and analysis results to cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and maintain BOMs and ECOs for production and procurement.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

PDM

Prototyping

Mechanical design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ECTR

SAP

3D CAD

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on designing and developing precision mechanical systems and components for advanced semiconductor capital equipment. You will lead mechanical design efforts from requirements gathering and concept evaluation through prototyping, testing, and release to manufacturing, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams. The position offers the opportunity to own complex assemblies, ensure high levels of reliability and performance, and contribute to innovative optomechanical and precision systems in a high-technology environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision mechanical systems and components for semiconductor capital equipment, ensuring high performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Gather and define product requirements in collaboration with stakeholders, and translate them into clear mechanical design specifications.
• Evaluate design concepts, perform trade-off analyses, and select optimal solutions based on performance, cost, and schedule considerations.
• Develop prototypes for testing and validation, and incorporate test results into iterative design improvements.
• Create detailed part and assembly drawings, 3D models, and supporting documentation using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Lead and participate in formal design reviews, presenting design concepts, analysis results, and risk assessments to cross-functional teams.
• Prepare and maintain bills of materials (BOMs) and ensure accuracy and completeness for production and procurement.
• Execute engineering change orders (ECOs) to support product updates, improvements, and releases, maintaining clear documentation and traceability.
• Collaborate with electrical, optical, and software engineering teams to integrate mechanical subsystems into complete product designs.
• Perform basic mechanical, thermal, and stress analyses to verify design performance and ensure structural integrity and thermal stability.
• Utilize Product Data Management (PDM) and engineering data management systems to control design revisions and documentation.
• Work with SAP, ECTR, or similar systems, where applicable, to manage engineering data and support manufacturing processes.
• Support design for thermal stability and optomechanical performance, particularly in precision applications.
• Communicate technical concepts, design decisions, and engineering results clearly to cross-functional teams and project stakeholders.
• Maintain strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality throughout the design and documentation process.
• Organize work effectively, manage multiple tasks or projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, high-technology environment.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing, semiconductor, or related high-technology environment.
• Proven experience designing precision mechanical systems and assemblies.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software for 3D modeling and detailed drafting.
• Strong understanding and practical application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience working with Product Data Management (PDM) systems for revision control and documentation.
• Knowledge of precision mechanical and optomechanical system design.
• Experience in mechanical design for semiconductor capital equipment or similar complex machinery.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities applied to complex mechanical design challenges.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple design tasks and documentation requirements.
• High attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality in design and documentation.
• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts and engineering results to cross-functional teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical design tools and workflows including SolidWorks, mechanical engineering principles, and GD&T.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with semiconductor capital equipment design is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with SAP, ECTR, and engineering data management systems is desirable.
• Basic knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) for structural and thermal evaluations is preferred.
• Experience designing for thermal stability in precision mechanical or optomechanical systems is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD for 2D drafting and documentation is beneficial.
• Experience in optomechanical design is advantageous.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams including electrical, optical, and software engineering.
• Comfort working in a high-technology, fast-paced environment with complex systems and tight tolerances.

Work Environment

This role operates in a high-technology environment focused on semiconductor capital equipment, where precision, reliability, and quality are critical. You will work regularly with advanced CAD tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD, as well as Product Data Management and engineering data management systems, including SAP and ECTR where applicable. The position follows a hybrid schedule that requires working onsite three days per week, enabling close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams and hands‑on interaction with prototypes and hardware. The work involves a mix of office-based design activities and time in engineering labs or manufacturing areas to support testing, validation, and integration of mechanical systems.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $92.00 - $92.00/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 hybrid position in San Jose,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.