Associate Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing custom welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, and automotive assembly equipment using SolidWorks and other 3D parametric design tools. The Mechanical Design Engineer contributes to the development of automated test and assembly machines ranging from simple material handling carts to complex weld cells with thousands of components. The position involves structural design, robotics integration, and occasional finite element analysis, while collaborating closely with internal teams and customers to deliver high-quality, production-ready solutions.

Responsibilities

• Design a wide range of welding equipment, fixtures, tooling, and functional quality inspection gages to support production and assembly operations.
• Develop mechanical designs for automotive assembly equipment, including automated test and assembly machines of varying complexity.
• Create detailed 3D models and drawings using SolidWorks for custom automated systems, from simple dollies and carts to complex weld cells with thousands of individual components.
• Incorporate robotics into mechanical designs, including robot end-of-arm tooling and other structural elements used in automated cells.
• Perform structural design and, when needed, finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure the integrity and performance of critical components.
• Modify and retrofit existing robot weld cells that are currently in production, updating designs to improve performance, reliability, or manufacturability.
• Collaborate with the machine shop and fabrication teams to ensure designs are manufacturable and align with available machining, sheet metal, and fabrication capabilities.
• Prepare clear and accurate engineering drawings, models, and documentation to support machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Participate in new product development activities, contributing mechanical design expertise to cross-functional engineering projects.
• Interact and interface with customers to review design plans, gather requirements, and provide design updates, typically with minimal travel or external meetings.
• Apply project management skills to organize design tasks, manage priorities, and support timely completion of engineering projects.
• Utilize computer programming skills, where applicable, to write or support APIs for SolidWorks and improve design workflows or automation.
• Work closely with other engineering disciplines within the department, contributing beyond core mechanical design responsibilities as needed.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance design quality, reduce cost, and streamline engineering processes.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Engineer or Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on machine and equipment design.
• Hands-on experience with SolidWorks or other 3D parametric design software for mechanical and machine design.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to conceptualize and develop practical mechanical solutions.
• Prior experience designing machines, equipment, or automated systems, including tooling and fixtures.
• Proficiency in machine design, tool design, fixture design, and understanding of machining and fabrication processes.
• Ability to create detailed 3D models and engineering drawings suitable for machining, sheet metal, and fabrication.
• Experience in mechanical engineering or a related field, supported by a degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Experience with robotics, including integrating robotic components into mechanical systems and designing related structures.
• Familiarity with drafting practices and standards for mechanical and machine design.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in mechanical design, including understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using SolidWorks as the primary design platform, including advanced features and parametric modeling.
• Exposure to AutoCAD or similar 2D drafting tools for supplemental documentation and layout work.
• Knowledge of sheet metal design and fabrication techniques for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience with machining and fabrication environments, including practical understanding of how designs translate to shop-floor operations.
• Involvement in new product development projects, contributing mechanical design and engineering input from concept through implementation.
• Computer programming skills, particularly the ability to write or support APIs for SolidWorks to enhance design automation and efficiency.
• Experience performing or supporting finite element analysis (FEA) for structural components is beneficial.
• Comfort working across multiple engineering disciplines within an engineering department, taking on varied technical responsibilities.
• Strong communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and providing clear design updates to customers.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern, brand-new facility built in 2021, which serves as one of the larger integrator facilities in its area. The environment is well lit, clean, and climate controlled in most areas, providing a comfortable and professional workspace. The position combines office-based design work with frequent interaction on the shop floor, offering direct exposure to machining, fabrication, and assembly activities. The facility features state-of-the-art equipment, including a new laser and press brake, and supports a full machine shop and engineering office environment. Team members typically work onsite Monday through Friday, roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a common 45-hour work week and occasional overtime, usually in the form of extended weekday hours rather than weekend work. The culture encourages engineers to be hands-on, including time spent on the shop floor and willingness to get physically involved with equipment and prototypes. Employees receive a set number of floating days after an initial work period and paid holidays after a defined tenure, and engineering roles often span multiple disciplines, providing exposure beyond traditional mechanical design responsibilities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Georgetown, KY.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Georgetown,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.