Machine Design Engineer

Job Title: Machine Design EngineerJob Description

The Machine Design Engineer designs and develops custom automated equipment, primarily for the automotive industry. Using FEA, GD&T, and 3D CAD tools, this role collaborates closely with customers to concept, design, and test complex mechanical and electrical systems, including gearboxes, electric motors, and load cells. In addition to design work, the engineer supports manufacturing and machine assembly across multiple projects, ensuring timelines are met and design changes are implemented effectively.

Responsibilities

• Design custom automated equipment for automotive applications using 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks or Inventor.

• Apply FEA and GD&T principles to ensure robust, reliable, and manufacturable machine designs.

• Collaborate with customers to understand project requirements and translate them into detailed design concepts and specifications.

• Work with both mechanical and electrical equipment, including gearboxes, electric motors, load cells, and related components.

• Select, research, and quote components for automated equipment, ensuring technical suitability and cost-effectiveness.

• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) to support procurement, manufacturing, and assembly activities.

• Support the manufacturing and machine assembly process on the shop floor, monitoring progress and ensuring project timelines are met.

• Identify, implement, and document design changes during manufacturing and assembly to resolve issues and improve performance.

• Interact with suppliers to evaluate components and systems and to ensure they meet project requirements.

• Participate in testing and validation of machines to confirm performance, reliability, and safety standards.

• Use strong mathematical and engineering fundamentals to perform calculations and analyses that guide design decisions.

• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously, prioritizing tasks and coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure successful project delivery.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with 3+ years of relevant experience, or 510 years of machine design experience without a degree.

• Hands-on machine design experience, preferably with custom automated equipment.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically SolidWorks or Inventor.

• Experience performing Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize designs.

• Strong knowledge and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).

• Experience with hydraulics or pneumatics in automated machinery.

• Background in designing or supporting custom automation equipment.

• Strong mathematical skills to support engineering calculations and design decisions.

• Experience researching, quoting, and selecting components for automated equipment.

• Ability to create and manage Bills of Materials for complex assemblies.

• Familiarity with automation in the automotive industry.

• Ability to work on-site and regularly visit the manufacturing floor to support builds and resolve design issues.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks for 3D modeling and detailing.

• Prior work with automation equipment specifically for the automotive industry.

• Experience creating and maintaining Bills of Materials for automated systems.

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Engineering.

• Masters degree in Engineering or a related technical field.

• Strong communication skills for interacting with customers and suppliers to define requirements and support projects.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, growing engineering environment.

Work Environment

This is an on-site role based primarily in an office setting, working behind a computer to perform design and engineering tasks using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Inventor and related engineering tools. The position requires daily visits to the manufacturing floor to review progress, inspect assemblies, and collaborate with production teams on machine builds and design changes. The environment is fast-paced and project-driven, with a growing team focused on delivering custom automated equipment for the automotive industry. You will regularly interact with customers, suppliers, and internal teams, combining detailed design work with hands-on involvement in the manufacturing and assembly process.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $43.00 - $50.00/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 position based out of Grand Rapids, MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026.

Workplace Type

This 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 [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.