Job Title: Mechanical Engineering ManagerJob DescriptionWe are seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineering Manager to lead a growing mechanical engineering team while remaining actively involved in custom equipment design, technical problem-solving, and full project execution. This role oversees the design and delivery of advanced custom machinery and integrated systems used in vacuum impregnation processes that seal porosity and leak paths in cast or molded parts, helping manufacturers reduce scrap, eliminate work-in-process, and optimize production. You will play a key role in shaping the engineering organization, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring that all equipment meets customer requirements, safety standards, manufacturability, and cost targets.Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop mechanical engineers and designers, setting clear priorities, expectations, and performance standards.
- Manage engineering workload, schedules, resources, and project priorities to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of custom equipment projects.
- Lead concept, design, and release reviews for custom equipment and integrated systems, ensuring technical robustness and alignment with customer needs.
- Review and approve mechanical drawings, engineering calculations, component selections, bills of materials, and other engineering deliverables.
- Ensure designs meet customer specifications, safety standards, manufacturability requirements, and cost targets throughout the project lifecycle.
- Lead complex custom equipment projects from initial concept through detailed design, fabrication, testing, installation, and commissioning.
- Coordinate closely with Controls, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Project Management, Sales, Service, and Applications Engineering throughout project execution.
- Serve as a primary technical point of contact for customers and suppliers, providing clear communication and timely issue resolution.
- Support Sales and Applications Engineering with equipment concepts, technical input for estimating, proposal development, and scope clarification.
- Identify schedule, resource, and technical risks early in the project and develop appropriate mitigation plans and solutions.
- Support equipment testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning at customer sites, including occasional international travel as required.
- Provide a clear technical and commercial handoff of awarded projects to Engineering, ensuring all requirements and assumptions are documented.
- Maintain accurate costing for all active projects and quotations, monitoring variances and driving corrective actions where needed.
- Support project engineering and serve as an ongoing technical resource, maintaining strong customer presence and communication throughout each project.
- Drive small-scale projects such as tooling, fixtures, and documentation updates to completion, ensuring they align with overall equipment and process goals.
- Participate in updating technical documentation and project records to reflect design changes, lessons learned, and best practices.
- Engage directly with customers to discuss project requirements, technical solutions, and performance expectations over project tenures ranging from several months to multiple years.
Essential Skills
- Bachelor's or associate degree in mechanical engineering, engineering technology, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered.
- At least 8 years of design experience in custom equipment design and manufacturing.
- At least 5 years of management experience leading, mentoring, or supervising mechanical engineers and designers.
- Advanced capability in custom machinery and system design, including complex integrated equipment.
- Experience with drive systems and motion control in industrial machinery.
- Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems used in custom equipment.
- Experience with industrial thermal-processing equipment and related mechanical systems.
- Strong understanding of controls integration, equipment sequencing, risk assessment, and machine safety principles.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent, including drawing creation and bill-of-material release practices.
- Ability to travel approximately 1530%, including occasional international travel, typically about once per month for multi-day visits.
- Demonstrated engineering management skills, including workload planning, resource allocation, and project prioritization.
- Strong mechanical design and machine design skills applicable to custom industrial equipment.
- Ability to serve as a technical liaison with customers, suppliers, and internal cross-functional teams.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- custom equipment or machinery for manufacturing applications, particularly systems that support vacuum impregnation or similar industrial processes.
- Experience working closely with Sales and Applications Engineering to develop equipment concepts, estimates, and technical proposals.
- Ability to maintain accurate project costing and support commercial decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
- Comfort working on projects with tenures ranging from 3 months to several years, managing multiple concurrent initiatives.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, project management, sales, and service teams.
- Proven ability to identify and mitigate schedule, resource, and technical risks in complex engineering projects.
- Experience supporting equipment testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning at customer sites.
- Ability to manage documentation updates and ensure engineering records remain current and accurate.
Work EnvironmentThe role operates in a standard office environment attached to a manufacturing facility, providing direct access to production operations and equipment. The engineering team works on custom industrial equipment for vacuum impregnation, supporting commercial sales and equipment division segments across multiple product lines. The team culture is laid-back, friendly, and collaborative, with a group of approximately six engineers who value transparency and mutual support. A hybrid work schedule is available, typically three days remote and two days onsite, offering flexibility while maintaining strong engagement with the shop floor and cross-functional teams. The organization is consistently growing, with significant year-over-year expansion, and offers seasonal benefits such as summer and fall Fridays off when work commitments are met. Dress expectations are typical of a professional engineering environment, with appropriate attire for both office work and occasional time in the manufacturing area or at customer sites. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Aurora, OH. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $150000.00/yr. 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.Medical insurance, Vision insurance, Dental insurance, 401(k) Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Aurora, OH. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 11, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a hybrid position in Aurora,OH.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.