ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Actuator Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

fng

Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motion-controlled programs on manufacturing equipment and ...

fng

Automation Engineer

Chicago, IL

Summary The Automation Engineer develops, edits, maintains, and troubleshoots automated actuators, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and motion-controlled programs on manufacturing equipment and ...

Apptronik

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Actuation

Austin, TX

$103K - $136K/yr

Specifically, we seek a Mechanical Engineer with proven capabilities in electric actuation design - electric motors, drivetrains, electromechanical packaging, joint/mechanism design, and testing to ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsActuator Engineer Jobs

Actuator Engineer information

What does an Actuator Engineer do?

An Actuator Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing actuators, which are devices that convert energy into motion in mechanical systems. They work on selecting appropriate actuator types (such as electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic), ensuring the devices meet technical requirements, and integrating them into larger systems. Actuator Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance, reliability, and efficiency of the actuators in applications like robotics, automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation.

What are the typical challenges Actuator Engineers face when integrating actuators into complex systems?

Actuator Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring compatibility between actuators and the mechanical, electrical, or control systems they interact with. Common issues include managing space constraints, meeting strict performance requirements, mitigating unwanted vibrations, and ensuring reliable communication with control units. Successful Actuator Engineers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical designers, software developers, and system integrators, to address these challenges and optimize actuator performance within the overall system.

What is the difference between Actuator Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectActuator EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering; often certifications in control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may include certifications in CAD or project management
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing actuators, working in R&D labs or manufacturing facilitiesDesigning mechanical systems, working in design offices, manufacturing plants, or field sites
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, industrial automationAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, product design

While both roles involve engineering principles, Actuator Engineers focus specifically on designing and developing actuators used in automation and robotics, whereas Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems and components across industries.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial or executive positions, or possessing rare expertise and certifications.

Is it possible to make 200k a year as a mechanical engineer?

Actuator engineers, a specialized role within mechanical engineering, can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually with extensive experience, advanced skills in control systems, and work in high-paying industries such as aerospace or defense. Achieving this salary often requires advanced degrees, certifications, and leadership responsibilities. Salary levels vary based on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, and typically requires advanced degrees and extensive industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Actuator Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Actuator Engineer, you generally need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, with expertise in electromechanical systems and motion control. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and industry certifications in automation or mechatronics is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help an actuator engineer excel in both design and troubleshooting contexts. These competencies ensure the reliable development and integration of actuators, which are critical for the performance and safety of automated systems.

Is mechatronics a high paying job?

Mechatronics engineering, which involves integrating mechanical, electrical, and software systems, is generally considered a well-paying field. Actuator engineers with expertise in mechatronics often earn competitive salaries, especially with specialized skills in control systems, robotics, and automation technologies.
More about Actuator Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Actuator Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Actuator Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Actuator Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Actuator Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Actuator Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Actuator Engineer jobs are:
Actuator Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Actuator Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Senior Mechanisms Engineer (TVC Actuation)

Castelion Corporation

Rio Rancho, NM

$98K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Why Castelion, Why Now

Castelion is moving incredibly fast to develop and deliver advanced defense systems at a time when execution matters more than ever. We believe focus and technical excellence are decisive advantages - and we are building a team that can deliver real capability, not just concepts.

This is a rare opportunity to join at an early stage, where your work will directly shape critical systems, influence major technical decisions, and have immediate, real-world impact.

Senior Mechanisms Engineer (TVC Actuation)

We are seeking a Senior Mechanisms Engineer to design and deliver thrust vector control (TVC) actuation systems for Castelion's long-range hypersonic strike vehicles. This role is critical to enabling precise, high-bandwidth thrust vectoring under extreme dynamic and thermal environments. You will work hands-on with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, analyze, build, and validate TVC actuators and associated mechanisms in a fast-paced, hardware-driven environment.

Responsibilities

  • Design and develop TVC actuation systems, including actuators, linkages, mounts, and load paths for high-performance propulsion systems
  • Lead the architecture and detailed design of electromechanical actuator (EMA) systems, including gear trains, bearings, and structural components
  • Perform analysis of loads, stiffness, backlash, bandwidth, and dynamic response to ensure precise and stable thrust vectoring performance
  • Work closely with propulsion, control electronics, GNC, and structures teams to ensure seamless integration of TVC systems with vehicle architecture
  • Conduct tolerance analysis, lubrication strategy development, and life/reliability assessments for high-duty-cycle, high-load systems
  • Support prototyping, assembly, and hardware bring-up, including troubleshooting and root cause analysis of actuator and mechanism performance issues
  • Define and execute qualification and environmental test plans, including vibration, thermal, and shock testing
  • Optimize designs for mass, stiffness, thermal robustness, reliability, and manufacturability
  • Mentor junior engineers and contribute to best practices in actuator and mechanism design
  • Partner closely with program leadership to make technical trades aligned with mission success

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanism and actuator design for aerospace or high-performance dynamic systems
  • Strong background in electromechanical actuators (EMAs), including motor-driven systems, gear reduction, and torque transmission
  • Experience designing high-load, high-bandwidth actuation systems such as TVC, control surface actuation, or similar applications
  • Familiarity with motor selection (e.g., BLDC), position sensing (encoders/resolvers), and actuator feedback integration
  • Proficiency in CAD and analysis tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, ANSYS, or equivalent)
  • Experience with structural analysis, fatigue/life assessment, and tolerance stack-up analysis
  • Familiarity with high-temperature materials, lubrication strategies, and operation in extreme environments
  • Experience with hardware build, test, and troubleshooting in a lab or flight hardware environment
  • Strong problem-solving mindset, thriving in a fast-paced, hardware-rich, high flight cadence environment

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits And Perks

All full-time employees are granted meaningful long-term equity, sharing in the company's significant growth trajectory. We offer four (4) weeks of paid time off, ten (10) company-paid holidays, and comprehensive health benefits - including 100% employee-covered medical and strong dependent coverage, along with dental and vision plans. We also provide paid parental leave to support growing families, a $100 monthly fitness stipend to promote health and performance, and onsite EV charging for convenience. In addition, employees enjoy perks like catered meals, company-covered food during high-demand periods, and a fully stocked kitchen to stay fueled throughout the day.

While this position does not currently require a U.S government-issued security clearance, it may in the near future. Therefore, the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government–issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.

Affirmative Action/EEO Statement

Employment with Castelion is governed on the basis of competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.