Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Vancouver, WA

This role involves working closely with both the Research and Development (R&D) and Production engineering teams. The position requires a strong understanding of working with steel and familiarity with welding and weld symbols. The Mechanical Engineer will lead the R&D team from a process standpoint, engage in 3D designs and documentation, and work on prototypes in collaboration with the shop. Responsibilities also include conducting tests such as high potential testing, mechanical operations, and heat rise tests.

• Lead the R&D team from a process standpoint.
• Work with steel and be familiar with welding and weld symbols.
• Create 3D designs and documentation.
• Collaborate with the shop on prototypes.
• Conduct testing, including high potential testing, mechanical operations, and heat rise tests.
• Engage in current R&D projects, including the development of new spring configurations and multi-bottle vacuum interrupters.

• Proficiency in mechanical design and steel fabrication.
• Experience in test engineering and SolidWorks.
• A background in new product development and R&D engineering.
• Strong skills in documentation writing and prototyping.
• Knowledge of GD&T, manufacturing engineering, and design for manufacturing.
• Preference for candidates who have passed the FE Exam and have a career goal of becoming a Professional Engineer (PE).

• Must be comfortable working on the floor and getting hands dirty.
• Respect for the institutional knowledge of operators and welders.

The work environment is relaxed and fosters strong communication between engineers and drafters. It is a small team with a strong culture, offering the potential for contract conversion to full-time employment based on performance.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Forest Grove, OR.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $43.00/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 Forest Grove,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 20, 2026.

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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.

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