Job Information
Actalent Mechanical Project Engineer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Job Title: Mechanical Project EngineerJob Description
The Mechanical Project Engineer role is a hands-on position focused on the design and delivery of custom mechanical equipment from concept through commissioning. You will lead mechanical design using 3D CAD tools, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and engage directly with customers to ensure that engineered solutions meet technical requirements, project scope, and performance expectations. This role combines detailed mechanical engineering, project execution, and on-site support to bring complex systems into successful operation.
Responsibilities
Design custom mechanical equipment and systems using CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Inventor, or equivalent 3D CAD software.
Execute engineering tasks throughout the full project lifecycle, from initial concept and design through fabrication, assembly, testing, and commissioning support.
Assist in managing project scope, schedule, and deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time and in alignment with customer requirements.
Support customer communication, including gathering technical requirements, providing status updates, and addressing engineering questions.
Collaborate closely with fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and align with standard fabrication methods.
Work with controls and automation teams to integrate mechanical systems, including developing and supporting the sequence of operations for controls integration.
Coordinate with field service teams to support installation, start-up, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities at customer sites.
Develop, maintain, and update bills of materials (BOMs), detailed drawings, and technical documentation for all assigned projects.
Perform engineering calculations to solve complex system challenges, including structural loading, drive sizing, and conveyance system design.
Size pumps, gear motors, cylinders, and thermal systems to meet performance, reliability, and safety requirements.
Apply knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems to design and support fluid power components within custom equipment.
Support equipment testing and troubleshooting to validate system performance and resolve mechanical or integration issues.
Assist in developing sequences of operation for controls engineering and automation to ensure smooth system functionality.
Manage smaller projects independently or support larger, more complex projects as part of a project team.
Demonstrate ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely completion.
Provide limited mentoring and technical guidance to junior staff or technicians as needed.
Build and strengthen customer interaction and communication skills through regular engagement during the project lifecycle.
Essential Skills
Proven experience in mechanical engineering related to the design and manufacture of custom equipment.
3–5 years of engineering experience in custom equipment design and manufacturing.
Strong proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent for mechanical design.
Experience with 2D CAD tools such as AutoCAD or equivalent for drawings and layouts.
Ability to design custom mechanical equipment and components using CAD software.
Ability to execute engineering tasks from concept through fabrication and assembly support.
Experience developing and maintaining bills of materials (BOMs), drawings, and technical documentation.
Capability to perform engineering calculations for complex systems, including structural loading, drive sizing, and conveyance systems.
Experience sizing pumps, gear motors, cylinders, and thermal systems.
Knowledge of standard fabrication methods and how they influence design decisions.
Ability to write and support sequences of operation for controls engineering and automation.
Practical experience with hydraulic systems in mechanical equipment.
Practical experience with pneumatic systems in mechanical equipment.
Strong communication skills to support customer requirements gathering and status updates.
Ability to collaborate effectively with fabrication, controls, and field service teams.
Willingness and ability to travel 10–20%, including international travel.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Bachelor’s or associate degree in engineering or equivalent experience in a related technical field.
Experience managing smaller projects or supporting larger, multi-disciplinary projects.
Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned tasks and deliverables with minimal supervision.
Experience providing limited mentoring or guidance to junior staff or technicians.
Experience supporting equipment testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning activities.
Ability to develop and refine customer-facing technical documentation and project deliverables.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyze complex mechanical systems and propose practical solutions.
Comfort working with cross-functional teams, including fabrication, controls, and field service personnel.
Interest in developing and strengthening customer interaction and communication skills over time.
Work Environment
This role operates in a mixed office and industrial environment, combining design work with hands-on support in fabrication and field settings. You will primarily work with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks and Inventor, as well as AutoCAD or similar tools, to create detailed mechanical designs and documentation. Collaboration with fabrication shops, controls engineering teams, and field service personnel is frequent, requiring occasional visits to the production floor and customer sites. The position involves 10–20% travel, including international travel, to support equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, and commissioning at customer facilities. Work hours generally follow standard business schedules, with flexibility as needed to meet project milestones and support on-site activities.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Milwaukee, WI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/hr.
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)
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Milwaukee,WI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Apr 28, 2026.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:
Hiring diverse talent
Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
Ensuring growth opportunities for our people
Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.
About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.
Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.