Mechanical Engineer / Product Design EngineerThis role offers the opportunity to lead the design and development of innovative products that integrate cameras and sensors, with particular emphasis on thermal management and optics. As a key member of the engineering team, you will own the product lifecycle from concept through prototype, ensuring robust mechanical designs that work seamlessly with electrical and software systems. This position is ideal for a creative, self-motivated engineer who enjoys solving complex design challenges in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop innovative mechanical products from initial concept through prototype, with a focus on camera-based and sensor-based solutions.Create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks to support product development and manufacturing.Apply thermal simulation techniques to evaluate and optimize thermal management within camera and sensor systems.Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical and software engineers, to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, electrical, and software components.Develop, document, and manage mechanical design requirements to ensure products meet or exceed performance, reliability, and quality standards.Conduct testing and validation activities to confirm design assumptions and product performance under expected operating conditions.Perform root cause analysis on design or performance issues and implement effective corrective actions.Execute tolerance stack-up analyses to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability of components and assemblies.Design products with a strong emphasis on design for manufacturability and assembly, enabling efficient and cost-effective production.Work independently with minimal supervision to drive projects forward, manage priorities, and meet project deadlines.Contribute to continuous improvement of design processes, standards, and best practices within the engineering team.Essential SkillsMechanical engineering background with strong mechanical design and product design experience, including design for manufacturing.At least 5+ years of professional experience in product design, preferably with a focus on camera and sensor-based systems.Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings.Hands-on experience with thermal simulations and analysis to support thermal management in product designs.Proficiency in Ansys or similar simulation tools, with a strong understanding of thermal simulations and mechanical analysis.Demonstrated ability to perform tolerance stack-up analyses for complex mechanical assemblies.Experience conducting testing, problem-solving, and root cause analysis to resolve design and performance issues.Strong understanding of production design principles, including design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA).Ability to work independently, take ownership of projects, and drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision.Additional Skills & QualificationsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline is strongly preferred.Experience designing products that integrate cameras, sensors, and associated mechanical components.Familiarity with optics design concepts and considerations for camera systems.Exposure to machine vision applications and related hardware is a plus.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail in mechanical design.Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and documenting design requirements.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt to evolving project needs.Work EnvironmentThe role operates in a professional engineering environment that emphasizes innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. You will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, using tools such as SolidWorks and Ansys to design and analyze products that integrate cameras, sensors, and supporting mechanical structures. The work involves a blend of individual, focused design tasks and collaborative design reviews, with an expectation of working independently and managing priorities effectively. The environment supports rigorous testing, validation, and continuous improvement of design practices, offering opportunities to contribute to a growing product line and to solve complex mechanical and thermal challenges.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of North Reading, MA.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $ - $ /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 TypeThis is a fully onsite position in North Reading, MA.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.About ActalentActalent 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 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.