Mechanical Engineer

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Engineer owns the complete design and engineering lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. This role combines hands-on mechanical design, advanced analysis, rapid prototyping, and cross-functional collaboration to develop robust, manufacturable, and reliable products in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

Responsibilities

• Own the design and engineering lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment.

• Perform detailed engineering analyses, including structural, thermal, and kinematic assessments, 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 designs.

• Drive the selection and qualification of commercial off-the-shelf components, materials, and fabrication methods to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop integrated designs that meet functional and performance product requirements.

• 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 designs meet all functional, performance, and reliability requirements.

• Identify 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 and conduct root cause analysis of mechanical failures in operational and prototype systems.

• Manage and control engineering documentation, including drawings, models, and Bills of Materials, within the Product Data/Lifecycle Management (PDM/PLM) system.

• Review and check drawings created by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established drafting standards.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall engineering objectives and company goals.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 35+ years of experience in a hands-on mechanical design or product development role, preferably involving robotics, automation, heavy equipment, or large machinery.

• Proficiency with SolidWorks for mechanical design and 3D modeling.

• Experience working on R&D prototypes or demonstrated ability to design and iterate quickly while maintaining high-quality output.

• Experience with SolidWorks Simulation; ANSYS experience is considered transferable.

• Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA) and thermal analysis, with the ability to apply these methods to mechanical designs.

• Experience in machine design and new product development.

• Strong ability to perform foundational engineering hand calculations to support design decisions.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams and communicate technical information clearly.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hands-on FEA experience beyond basic familiarity.

• Experience designing, integrating, and troubleshooting fluid or hydraulic systems.

• Experience designing hardware intended for prolonged use in dusty, dirty, or harsh outdoor environments.

• Experience working with large-format equipment, robotics, automation, or heavy machinery.

• Comfort operating in a fast-paced, startup environment with evolving priorities.

• Attention to detail in engineering documentation and drafting practices.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role with a typical schedule of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility for overtime as needed to support project timelines and field activities. You will work in a dynamic, fun startup environment that emphasizes collaboration, rapid iteration, and hands-on problem solving around large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. The culture values innovation, ownership, and teamwork, offering the opportunity to contribute in the earlier phases of a growing company. The work may involve time in engineering offices as well as in prototype and manufacturing areas, interacting directly with hardware during assembly, testing, and field deployment. Paid time off includes a shutdown week from December 26th to 31st and 10 paid holidays, including New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and a winter break holiday. Dress code is typically practical and appropriate for an engineering and prototyping environment where you may move between office and shop floor settings.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $65.00/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 & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Austin, TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 25, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

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 [email protected] 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.