Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:

Mechanical Engineer Job Description This Mechanical Engineer role focuses on engineering and project administration activities for specific circuit breaker product families within a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will perform detailed engineering analyses, support product development and production, and ensure products comply with ratings, specifications, and relevant standards. The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams to drive robust designs, resolve complex problems, and support continuous improvement across the product lifecycle. Responsibilities Lead and support engineering and project administration activities related to assigned circuit breaker product families. Perform engineering analyses, including thermal, electromagnetic, dynamic, and structural evaluations, using foundational engineering principles. Ensure all products comply with required ratings, product specifications, and applicable codes and standards. Participate actively in cross-functional teams with Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Procurement to support product development and production. Apply methodical problem-solving techniques to address product line production issues and drive sustainable solutions. Support design activities such as concept brainstorming, database management and development, and design and peer reviews. Conduct general engineering analysis, including tolerance analysis, using experience in basic machine design. Ensure designs meet Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) requirements to optimize manufacturability and cost. Create, modify, and maintain Bills of Material (BOM) and associated documentation for new and existing products. Assist in root cause analysis using structured tools such as 5 Why and Ishikawa (fishbone) diagrams to identify and eliminate underlying issues. Support product development processes, including testing and evaluation, and define or interpret test methods in alignment with third-party standards. Propose test plans, establish success criteria, and evaluate test results to verify product performance and compliance. Collaborate with manufacturing teams to optimize component and product designs based on material properties, manufacturing processes, and design best practices. Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on product quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. Communicate complex technical problems and solutions clearly and concisely to diverse stakeholders. Essential Skills Bachelor's degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Mechatronics Engineering. 3-5+ years of relevant engineering experience in a high production manufacturing environment. Proven ability to analyze complex engineering problems and present clear proposals and solutions to a diverse audience. Experience with product development processes, including testing and evaluation methods, and working with applicable codes and standards. Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling; experience with Creo and Windchill is highly valued. Strong understanding of material properties, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design best practices. Experience creating, modifying, and documenting Bills of Material (BOM). Familiarity with manufacturing processes and techniques used to optimize component design for manufacturability and assembly (DFM, DFA). Hands-on experience testing products against third-party standards, including proposing tests and defining success criteria. Demonstrated use of structured problem-solving and root cause analysis methods such as FMEA, 5 Why, and Ishikawa. Experience with 3D modeling and finite element analysis (FEA). Working knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). Experience supporting continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing or product development setting. Additional Skills & Qualifications Knowledge of electronic, electrical, and circuit analysis concepts is a plus. Experience with circuit breaker products or similar electromechanical devices is beneficial. Comfort working in cross-functional teams with Manufacturing, Quality, Marketing, and Procurement. Strong communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on design quality, reliability, and compliance. Interest in contributing to an inclusive, collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives and continuous learning. Work Environment This position is fully onsite in Cedar Rapids and supports product development and production activities for circuit breaker product lines. You will work in a high production manufacturing environment, closely interacting with engineering, manufacturing, quality, marketing, and procurement teams. The role involves regular use of 3D CAD tools such as Creo and Windchill, as well as engineering analysis tools for FEA and GD&T. The environment emphasizes collaboration, continuous improvement, and adherence to industry standards, providing strong opportunities for professional growth and exposure to advanced manufacturing processes and design-for-manufacturing practices. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cedar Rapids, IA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $61.00/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 Cedar Rapids,IA.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jul 1, 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 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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.