Mechanical Engineer - Advanced Mechanical SystemsAre you a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys working on highly custom equipment, complex mechanical systems, and challenging engineering problems that do not come with a one-size-fits-all solution?We are seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to support the design, analysis, and validation of custom mechanical and structural systems used in advanced wind tunnel and ground test environments. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys taking concepts from early design through analysis, documentation, fabrication support, installation, and commissioning.If you have experience with mechanical design, FEA, welded steel structures, pressure vessels, piping systems, process equipment, and large industrial systems, this is a great opportunity to work on technically challenging projects in a collaborative engineering environment.What You'll Be DoingAs a Mechanical Engineer, you will help design and validate custom mechanical systems and equipment for new facilities, major upgrades, and complex test environments.Key ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop mechanical subsystems for custom engineered equipment and facility upgrades.Work on systems that may include: welded steel structures, pressure vessels, piping systems, mechanical mechanisms, rotating equipment, pneumatic systems, hydraulic systems, fuel systems, cooling water systems, and process equipment.Perform FEA and supporting calculations to validate mechanical and structural designs.Develop design criteria, calculation packages, procurement specifications, technical reports, and verification plans.Collaborate with designers to create accurate drawings, bills of material, and manufacturing documentation.Review designs for manufacturability, performance, safety, and customer requirements.Support procurement and subcontractor coordination when components or systems are outsourced.Participate in internal and customer design reviews.Provide technical support to fabrication, procurement, assembly, installation, and commissioning teams.Assist with vendor selection, quality review, site surveys, and equipment installation.Coordinate with project managers, chief engineers, and cross-functional engineering teams.Support future project proposals through technical concepts, cost estimates, and written proposal content.What We're Looking ForRequired ExperienceBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or equivalent education and experience.5+ years of experience in mechanical design, systems engineering, or design engineering.Experience with large industrial equipment, complex mechanical systems, or facility-based engineering projects.Proficiency with 3D CAD tools for mechanical design.SolidWorks experience preferred, but other 3D CAD platforms will be considered.Strong FEA experience for mechanical and structural analysis.ANSYS experience preferred, or similar FEA software.Experience designing and analyzing welded steel structures.Experience with fluid/process systems including valves, filters, pumps, instrumentation, and piping.Knowledge of fabrication methods such as forming, welding, machining, and additive manufacturing.Experience with pressure vessels and piping systems using applicable codes such as B31.3, PED, or similar standards.Familiarity with GD&T and engineering documentation standards.Ability to work in a multidisciplinary engineering environment.Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities independently.Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed, typically less than 10%.Must meet US Person requirements based on applicable security requirements.Preferred BackgroundCandidates with experience in any of the following areas are highly encouraged to apply:Aerospace engineering environmentsWind tunnel or ground test facilitiesLarge industrial equipmentCustom mechanical equipmentHigh-temperature systemsMechanical test systemsPressure vessels and process pipingStructural analysis and mechanical substantiationAdvanced manufacturing environmentsNew facility development or major facility upgradesAdditional strengths include:Experience with high-temperature environments above approximately 2000°FTransient heat transfer analysisCooling method designHigh-temperature materials such as superalloys, ceramics, or thermal barrier coatingsUnderstanding of subsonic, supersonic, or hypersonic aerodynamicsExperience with FMEA, HAZOP, safety risk assessments, or similar risk analysis methodsAbility to lead or contribute to customer-facing design reviewsExperience supporting technical proposal developmentWhat Makes You SuccessfulYou are a hands-on engineer who enjoys solving problems that require both technical depth and practical judgment.You understand how to move a design from concept to analysis, documentation, fabrication, and installation. You are comfortable working with designers, project managers, vendors, and technical teams to keep projects moving while maintaining quality and accuracy.You take ownership of your work, communicate clearly, and enjoy being part of a team that is building complex systems where details matter.Why This Opportunity?Work on highly custom mechanical systems and one-of-a-kind equipmentSupport advanced wind tunnel, aerospace, and complex test facility projectsCollaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teamsUse modern design and analysis tools including 3D CAD and FEAGain exposure to design, fabrication, installation, and commissioningContribute to a growing organization with technically challenging project workPlay a meaningful role in new facility development and major system upgradesIdeal Candidate BackgroundsMechanical EngineerMechanical Design EngineerStructural Mechanical EngineerSystems EngineerAerospace Mechanical EngineerFEA EngineerMechanical Project EngineerPressure Vessel EngineerPiping EngineerProcess Equipment EngineerTest Systems EngineerIndustrial Equipment EngineerReady to Engineer Something That Has Never Been Built Before?If you are a Mechanical Engineer who enjoys complex design work, detailed analysis, and supporting custom mechanical systems from concept through installation, we would like to connect with you. This is an opportunity to work on challenging projects where your engineering decisions directly impact performance, safety, and successful project delivery.Job Type & Location: This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.Pay and Benefits: The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $70.00/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 hybrid position in Saint Paul, MN.Application Deadline: This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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