Mechanical Design Engineer Trainee Jobs in Texas

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer researches, designs, develops, tests, and continuously improves mechanical and electromechanical products and systems. This role applies advanced engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials science to create innovative solutions that meet customer requirements while enhancing manufacturing efficiency, product quality, and regulatory compliance. The engineer works closely with manufacturing, sales, operations, and customers throughout the entire product lifecycle, from initial concept through commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate mechanical and electromechanical systems and products by conducting research and applying engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials science.
• Develop mechanical and electromechanical products by analyzing customer requirements, assessing manufacturing and assembly methods, selecting appropriate materials, and incorporating feedback from operators and stakeholders.
• Apply design principles for reliability, testability, safety, manufacturability, assembly, inspection, user-friendliness, ergonomics, aesthetics, environmental impact, and disassembly as appropriate for each project.
• Brainstorm, model, and prototype mechanical concepts using 3D CAD tools and additive manufacturing methods to validate and refine designs.
• Ensure system and product quality by developing test methods and fixtures and by verifying and validating finished-product performance, including durability, ergonomics, and serviceability.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and sales teams to ensure correct fabrication, assembly, and installation processes for new and existing products.
• Improve manufacturing processes by designing, selecting, and modifying equipment used to fabricate, assemble, and install components.
• Contribute to the creation and refinement of manufacturing and test procedures for assigned projects, and provide training to operators and technicians as needed.
• Prepare clear technical and product reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing data, findings, and trends for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide engineering support by responding to technical questions and requests from customers, sales teams, and internal stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.
• Support compliance efforts and help protect organizational reputation by ensuring adherence to applicable government regulations and industry standards throughout the design and development process.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering.
• At least 3 years of professional experience as a Mechanical Design Engineer.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D design, modeling, and simulation.
• Experience with full product lifecycle development from concept through commercialization.
• Strong knowledge and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Demonstrated experience applying engineering principles in mechanics, thermodynamics, hydraulics, heat transfer, and materials science.
• Ability to develop and interpret work instructions and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex mechanical and electromechanical systems.
• Effective communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and supporting customers and internal stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using 3D CAD tools and additive manufacturing methods to model and prototype mechanical concepts.
• Experience in designing for reliability, safety, manufacturability, assembly, inspection, ergonomics, and user-friendliness.
• Familiarity with developing test methods, fixtures, and validation plans for mechanical and electromechanical products.
• Experience improving manufacturing processes through equipment design, selection, and modification.
• Ability to create clear, concise technical reports that summarize data, findings, and trends.
• Comfort supporting compliance with relevant government regulations and industry standards.
• Experience training operators or technicians on new equipment, processes, or procedures.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX.

The pay range for this position is $36.00 - $55.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Houston,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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.