Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer ***MUST RELOCATE TO NORTH CAROLINA***Job DescriptionThe Mechanical Design Engineer plays a key role in guiding new technologies and mass production developments for small engine and power products, from concept design through to production launch. This position focuses on engine and transmission component design, ensuring high quality, cost-effective solutions that meet established specifications, guidelines, and customer expectations. You will work independently and as part of small project teams to create detailed designs, support prototype builds, coordinate with suppliers and manufacturing, and contribute to continuous improvement in product performance and development efficiency.Responsibilities
- Generate high-level 2D and 3D CAD drawings that accurately represent key technologies and components, ensuring all designs meet specification targets, guidelines, standards, and regulations.
- Utilize 2D/3D CAD software (primarily Catia, with flexibility for other CAD packages) to create detailed layouts and models for engine and transmission systems, including small engine products.
- Perform key design calculations related to gears, springs, finite element analysis (FEA), tolerance stacks (including GD&T), and other critical mechanical elements to validate design integrity.
- Apply FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) and FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) methodologies to identify potential failure modes, assess risks, and implement robust design countermeasures.
- Process and manage drawing issues using tools such as Endeavor, ensuring that all design changes are documented, reviewed, and released in accordance with established procedures.
- Facilitate prototype generation by preparing accurate drawings and specifications, coordinating with internal teams and suppliers to support prototype builds and assembly confirmations.
- Support engineering estimates, supplier negotiations, and mass production specification setting by providing clear technical data, cost impacts, and design rationale.
- Collaborate on-site with research and testing teams to understand test-related concerns, analyze root causes, and implement design changes and countermeasures as needed.
- Lead or participate in small project teams in a Project Leader role, ensuring development targets and schedules are met by coordinating resources, tracking progress, and maintaining project timelines.
- Achieve key project deadlines, including SED and TE milestones, by proactively managing tasks, risks, and dependencies across the development lifecycle.
- Effectively utilize contractor resources by assigning tasks, providing technical guidance, and integrating their work into overall project deliverables.
- Communicate project status clearly and regularly, and participate in or lead project meetings, technical discussions, and development events to align stakeholders and resolve issues.
- Drive and maintain bills of materials (BOM) for new technologies, features, and components, using cost tables, cost simulation tools, and supplier quotations to ensure project cost targets are met.
- Perform manual BOM maintenance within the department, carefully tracking changes and ensuring accuracy in part numbers, revisions, and configuration details.
- Develop and propose ideas to improve product competitiveness through enhanced features, technologies, and design efficiency, as well as factory and development process improvements.
- Support market quality initiatives and value analysis (VA) themes by investigating field issues, applying structured problem-solving methods, and implementing corrective measures in design specifications.
- Analyze root causes of design or quality issues using systematic problem-solving techniques, and develop and implement countermeasure specifications (C/M specs) with minimal supervision.
- Contribute to recurrence prevention activities by documenting lessons learned, updating standards or guidelines, and sharing best practices with the broader engineering team.
- Create and manage development plans and schedules, ensuring alignment with product development timelines and coordinating cross-functional activities as required.
- Coordinate testing activities for new designs, ensuring that appropriate tests are planned and executed by dedicated test teams, and that test results are incorporated into design improvements.
- Interact and communicate effectively with staff and leadership, presenting technical information clearly and maintaining a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
- Maintain professional conduct at all times and follow all departmental, safety, and company policies, procedures, and rules in both office and shop environments.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to design processes, tools, and standards to enhance efficiency, quality, and innovation across projects.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; a degree is preferred but not strictly required when supported by substantial relevant experience.
- Minimum of 2+ years of engineering experience, preferably in power products or powersports, with consideration for higher experience levels for higher roles.
- Strong experience with 2D/3D CAD software, specifically Catia, including 3D design and layout of mechanical components and assemblies.
- Proficiency in design calculations, including gears, springs, and other mechanical elements, supported by finite element analysis (FEA) and related engineering methods.
- Competence in tolerance stack-ups and application of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure manufacturable and robust designs.
- Hands-on experience with FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) and FTA (Fault Tree Analysis) for risk assessment and design robustness.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with sound judgment and decision-making capabilities to resolve technical issues effectively.
- Ability to create and manage detailed plans and schedules, with a solid understanding of product development timelines and milestones.
- Competent drawing and layout skills, including a solid understanding of CAE principles and their application to mechanical design.
- Experience with bill of materials (BOM) creation and maintenance, including manual tracking of components, revisions, and cost impacts.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint for data analysis, reporting, and presentation of technical information.
- Ability to guide and support small development teams, including coordinating tasks, resources, and timelines.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with cross-functional staff and leadership.
- Ability to operate with a high level of confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive technical and business information.
- Experience in engine or transmission design, particularly for small engine products, with a focus on mechanical rather than electrical systems.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience in power products or powersports industries, such as lawn and garden equipment, power equipment, or similar applications.
- Relevant industry in appliances, transportation (including aircraft and marine), or heavy equipment, with an emphasis on engine integration.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes related to engine and transmission components, including gears, metallurgy, heat treatment, die casting, stamped products, and injection molding.
- Familiarity with drawing issue processing tools such as Endeavor or similar systems for managing engineering changes.
- Understanding of appropriate guidelines, standards, and regulations applicable to mechanical design and power products.
- Experience coordinating with suppliers for design reviews, cost discussions, and manufacturing feasibility assessments.
- Experience in new product development, including concept generation, design modifications, and support through to production launch.
- Experience running or leading project meetings, technical discussions, and cross-functional development events.
- Exposure to market quality initiatives and value analysis (VA) activities, including investigating field issues and proposing design improvements.
- Internship or co-op experience in mechanical design or related engineering fields, which can contribute to overall experience.
- Interest in continuous learning and professional development, supported by participation in training, education reimbursement, or similar programs.
- Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, taking ownership of technical tasks and project deliverables.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a combined office and shop environment, where you will spend most of your time working at a desk with frequent keyboard use and occasional time on the shop floor for prototype builds, assembly confirmations, and on-site collaboration. Typical working hours are approximately 8:009:00 AM to 4:305:30 PM, with core business hours from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, and overtime is expected on occasion based on project demands and responsibilities. Travel is occasional, up to roughly 10%, and may include trips to conferences, suppliers, or other facilities, including possible overseas travel depending on project needs. The work environment includes typical office and shop-related risks, and you may be exposed to hazards such as explosives or flammables, pressurized equipment, toxic chemicals, and moving parts, making adherence to all safety policies, procedures, and rules essential. You will work with modern engineering tools and technologies, including Catia and other CAD packages, FEA and CAE tools, cost simulation software, and standard office applications such as Excel and PowerPoint. The culture emphasizes innovation, continuous improvement, and career growth, with opportunities for advancement, career mobility, education reimbursement, training and development programs, and a comprehensive total rewards package that includes paid overtime, bonus opportunities where applicable, industry-leading medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, paid time off, company-paid disability coverage, retirement savings plans with company contributions, and relocation assistance when eligible. Additional offerings may include tuition assistance and student loan repayment, lifestyle and childcare reimbursement accounts, elder care support, wellbeing programs, community service and engagement initiatives, and product-related programs, all within a professional environment that values diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $39.00 - $48.00/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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Grand Rapids, MI. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.
