Job Description
Job Title:
Product Engineer Job Description This role focuses on designing, prototyping, and refining electromechanical systems from initial concept to working product. You will integrate mechanical designs with sensors, actuators, and microcontroller-based controls, build and test prototypes in-house, and support the transition of new products into production. The position offers the opportunity to work on industry-leading scientific equipment, directly influence product direction, and solve real-world engineering problems in a hands-on, fast-paced environment. Responsibilities Design and prototype electromechanical systems from concept through to fully functional working products. Integrate mechanical systems with sensors, actuators, motors, and microcontroller-based control systems. Build and test prototypes in-house using tools such as 3D printers and basic machining equipment. Develop and iterate on new product designs and lead major redesigns of existing systems to improve performance and reliability. Troubleshoot system-level issues across mechanical, electrical, and basic software components, ensuring robust and reliable operation. Implement and refine control logic on microcontroller platforms (such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar) to read sensor inputs and control outputs. Conduct hands-on electromechanical system integration, including hardware integration, data acquisition, and instrumentation. Apply design methodologies such as DFMEA to improve system robustness and mitigate potential failure modes. Support customers with technical issues, system installations, and field troubleshooting as needed. Collaborate closely with internal teams and external partners to transition designs from prototype to production-ready systems. Manage multiple projects simultaneously, typically two or more, while maintaining high quality and meeting development timelines. Participate in rapid prototyping and iterative development cycles, incorporating feedback from R D and real-world product applications. Document designs, test results, and system configurations clearly to support manufacturing, service, and future product iterations. Essential Skills Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design. Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drawings and documentation. Strong hands-on experience with electromechanical system integration, not just mechanical design. Experience working with motors, sensors, actuators, and control systems in integrated applications. Ability to use microcontrollers such as Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar platforms to read inputs and control outputs. Demonstrated experience building and testing prototypes in-house, including use of 3D printing and basic machining tools. Strong troubleshooting skills across hardware and system-level issues involving mechanical, electrical, and basic software interaction. Ability to design and prototype mechanical parts and assemblies while integrating control systems, including signal input/output and basic programming. Experience working with sensors and actuators and personally implementing the control logic that drives system behavior. Ability to take a system from concept through working prototype, including in-house build, testing, and iterative refinement. Comfortable troubleshooting full systems that include mechanical, electrical, and basic software components. BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Ideal experience level of approximately 4-7 years in a similar engineering role (Engineer II-III level). Ability to work independently and own projects end-to-end. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment. Comfortable working in a small, fast-paced environment with limited resources. Ability to travel internationally as required. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience with robotics, controls engineering, or automation systems. Exposure to embedded electronics, data acquisition, and instrumentation. Familiarity with hardware integration and system-level design practices. Experience applying DFMEA or similar reliability and risk assessment methodologies. A strong "maker" mindset, demonstrated through personal projects, hands-on hobbies, or building activities outside of work. Interest in designing and building next-generation scientific equipment used in pharmaceutical and research environments. Strong communication and collaboration skills for working with small, cross-functional teams. Ability to thrive in a hands-on environment focused on rapid prototyping, creativity, and problem-solving. Work Environment This is an onsite role with a high level of hands-on involvement in prototyping and system development. You will work in a small, collaborative team where engineers take strong ownership, operate with a high degree of independence, and adapt quickly to changing priorities. The environment emphasizes in-house prototyping and rapid iteration rather than outsourcing early development work, with development cycles typically ranging from 6 to 12 months for new products or major redesigns. You will work on industry-leading scientific equipment used by top pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, and research institutions, gaining exposure to both cutting-edge R D and real-world product applications in global research settings. The culture rewards initiative, creativity, and practical problem-solving, offering a high-impact role where your engineering contributions directly influence product direction, functionality, and performance. Job Type & Location This is a Permanent position based out of Chula Vista, CA. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $115000.00 - $125000.00/yr. Health, Dental, Vision, 401(k) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Chula Vista,CA. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.
