Machine Design Engineer

The Machine Design Engineer designs and develops custom automated equipment, primarily for applications in the automotive industry. Using FEA, GD&T, and 3D CAD tools, this role collaborates closely with customers to conceptualize, engineer, and test complex mechanical and electrical systems. The engineer works with components such as gearboxes, electric motors, and load cells, and supports the full lifecycle of equipment from initial design through manufacturing and assembly, ensuring timelines are met and designs are optimized for performance and reliability.

• Collaborate with customers to understand project requirements and translate them into concepts for custom automated equipment, primarily serving the automotive industry.
• Design complex mechanical and electrical systems using 3D CAD tools, including SolidWorks or Inventor, with a focus on gearboxes, electric motors, load cells, and related components.
• Apply FEA and GD&T principles to validate designs, ensure structural integrity, and maintain dimensional accuracy and manufacturability.
• Develop and refine detailed machine designs for both mechanical and electrical aspects of custom automation equipment.
• Research, quote, and select components for automated equipment, ensuring appropriate specifications, quality, and cost-effectiveness.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOM) to support manufacturing, assembly, and procurement activities.
• Support manufacturing and machine assembly on the shop floor, monitoring progress and ensuring project timelines and quality standards are met.
• Identify and implement necessary design changes during manufacturing and assembly to address issues and improve performance or manufacturability.
• Interact regularly with customers and suppliers to clarify requirements, propose solutions, and ensure equipment designs align with project needs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices, standards, and processes for custom automation equipment.

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) with at least 3 years of machine design experience, or 5–10 years of machine design experience without a degree.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, specifically SolidWorks or Inventor, for designing complex mechanical assemblies and automated equipment.
• Hands-on experience with machine design for custom automation equipment, preferably in an industrial or manufacturing setting.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to validate and optimize designs.
• Solid understanding and application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure precise and manufacturable designs.
• Experience working with hydraulic or pneumatic systems and integrating them into automated machinery.
• Ability to research, quote, and select appropriate components for automated equipment based on performance, cost, and compatibility requirements.
• Familiarity with automation equipment used in the automotive industry and the specific demands of automotive manufacturing environments.
• Ability to create, review, and manage Bills of Materials (BOM) to support manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make effective design adjustments during manufacturing and assembly.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.

• Experience designing automation equipment specifically for automotive applications.
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks for complex modeling, assemblies, and documentation.
• Experience creating and managing detailed Bills of Materials for multi-component automated systems.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in engineering is highly desirable.
• Master’s degree in engineering or a related field is a plus.
• Experience working in busy, project-driven environments with multiple concurrent automation projects.
• Comfort interacting directly with customers and suppliers to define equipment needs and support projects.

This is an onsite role in an engineering and manufacturing setting. The Machine Design Engineer spends most of the time working at a computer station performing design and analysis tasks in 3D CAD and related software. On a daily basis, the engineer goes to the manufacturing floor to review progress, inspect equipment, and collaborate with assembly and production teams, ensuring that designs are implemented correctly and project timelines are maintained. The environment combines office-based design work with hands-on interaction with machinery and automated equipment, offering close involvement in both the conceptual and practical aspects of machine design.

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

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Grand Rapids,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.