Machine Design Engineer

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 conceptualize, design, and test complex mechanical and electrical machinery. The engineer works with components such as gearboxes, electric motors, and load cells and supports the full project lifecycle, including manufacturing and machine assembly, to ensure timelines are met and designs are successfully implemented.

• Collaborate with customers to understand project requirements and develop concepts for custom automated equipment used in the automotive industry.
• Design complex mechanical and electrical machinery using 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Apply FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles to ensure robust, accurate, and manufacturable designs.
• Select and integrate mechanical and electrical components including gearboxes, electric motors, load cells, hydraulics, and pneumatics into machine designs.
• Research, quote, and pick appropriate components for automated equipment based on performance, cost, and availability.
• Create and maintain detailed engineering documentation, including bills of materials for custom automation projects.
• Support manufacturing and machine assembly on the shop floor, checking progress daily to ensure timelines and quality standards are met.
• Identify and implement design changes during manufacturing and assembly to resolve issues and optimize performance.
• Work closely with suppliers to evaluate components and ensure they meet design and project requirements.
• Interact with customers and internal teams to determine equipment needs and provide technical guidance throughout the project.
• Contribute to multiple concurrent projects, managing priorities and deadlines in a busy, project-driven environment.

• 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.
• Hands-on machine design experience with custom automation equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, preferably SolidWorks or Inventor.
• Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) for validating and optimizing designs.
• Strong knowledge and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).
• Experience with hydraulics or pneumatics in machine design.
• Strong mathematical background to support engineering calculations and analysis.
• Experience researching, quoting, and selecting components for automated equipment.
• Ability to create and interpret bills of materials for complex machinery.
• Experience designing automation equipment for industrial applications, ideally within the automotive industry.

• Experience designing automation equipment specifically for the automotive industry.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for advanced 3D modeling and design.
• Experience with automation systems and integration of mechanical and electrical components.
• background in creating and managing detailed bills of materials.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in engineering or a master’s degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with customers, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

This is an onsite role with most work performed at a computer station using 3D CAD and engineering analysis tools to design custom automated equipment. The position requires regular visits to the manufacturing floor each day to review machine assembly, monitor progress, and collaborate with production teams. The environment is project-focused and fast-paced, supporting a growing team that is busy with automotive industry work. The role offers direct involvement from initial design through manufacturing, providing opportunities for hands-on problem solving and close collaboration with customers and suppliers.

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 21, 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.