Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH

The Quality Control Mechanical Engineer will work on-site in a fabrication shop, reviewing and inspecting mechanical and plumbing systems for building projects. This role focuses on ensuring that HVAC and plumbing systems are accurately fabricated and assembled according to construction and fabrication drawings. It offers an excellent opportunity for an entry-level engineer to gain hands-on experience with a mechanical contractor and contribute to healthcare, education, data center, and large commercial projects.

• Review shop drawings in the fabrication shop to verify that mechanical systems, including plumbing and HVAC, are fabricated, built, and assembled correctly according to construction and fabrication drawings.
• Inspect mechanical and plumbing systems in the fabrication shop prior to shipment to job sites to ensure they meet design and quality standards.
• Conduct audits of fabricated mechanical and plumbing systems to confirm compliance with specifications and quality requirements.
• Collaborate closely with the fabrication team to provide guidance on proper methods for building HVAC and mechanical systems.
• Use measuring tools, such as tape measures, to confirm dimensions and tolerances on fabricated components.
• Support continuous improvement of fabrication and assembly processes by identifying issues and communicating corrective actions.
• Maintain clear documentation of inspections, audits, and any identified nonconformities to support project quality control.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings for HVAC and plumbing systems in buildings.
• Understanding of fabrication drawings and how they translate into fabricated components and assemblies.
• Knowledge of HVAC systems, HVAC design, and HVAC inspection practices.
• Experience or familiarity with sheet metal design and sheet metal assembly for mechanical systems.
• Basic mechanical inspection skills, including verification of dimensions and assembly accuracy.
• Ability to read a tape measure accurately and apply measurements in a fabrication environment.
• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Interest in working for a mechanical contractor and in a fabrication shop environment.

• Exposure to commercial HVAC engineering and mechanical engineering concepts.
• Experience with fabrication inspection in a shop setting.
• Familiarity with plumbing systems and plumbing design for building projects.
• Motivation to build a career in mechanical contracting and construction.
• Willingness to learn and grow in an entry-level engineering role with hands-on responsibilities.

This position is fully on-site in a fabrication shop, working Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The role involves regular interaction with fabrication teams, mechanical systems, sheet metal components, and plumbing assemblies. The environment is fast-paced and production-focused, supporting a variety of projects including healthcare facilities, educational buildings, data centers, and large commercial developments. Work is primarily performed in a shop setting with standard fabrication tools and equipment, and requires comfort in an industrial environment with active fabrication and assembly activities.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 12, 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.