Prototype Design Engineer Jobs Near Me

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to support rapid product development across a wide range of industries. This role is highly hands-on and focused on early-stage prototyping, fast iteration, and turning concepts into physical products. You'll work in a collaborative, fast-paced environment where speed and adaptability are critical—helping bring ideas to life through rough CAD, 3D printing, and functional models.

Responsibilities

• Transform existing CAD designs into 3D-printable, prototype-ready models.
• Develop rough CAD and surface models quickly to support early-stage product concepts.
• Build and iterate on physical prototypes using 3D printing, machining, and off-the-shelf components.
• Support electromechanical system development and integration of mechanical and electrical components.
• Assist with the integration of wearables and soft goods, involving textiles and hardware.
• Execute mechanical testing, including following test methods, collecting data, and reporting results.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (design, research, electrical, prototyping) to refine concepts.

Essential Skills

• 3–7 years of experience in mechanical/product development engineering.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software, with an emphasis on speed and practicality.
• Experience working in ambiguous, early-stage development environments.
• Hands-on background in prototyping, including 3D printing, basic fabrication, and model building.
• Experience with electromechanical systems, wearables, or mechanical testing and validation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in a consulting, design firm, or rapid product development environment.
• Exposure to consumer products, medical devices, or industrial equipment.
• Familiarity with DFM/DFA principles for later-stage transition to production.
• Advanced CAD expertise, including large assemblies, GD&T, and PDM.
• Strong CAE/simulation experience, such as FEA analysis.

Work Environment

The work environment emphasizes end-to-end product development exposure, working on full lifecycle projects from research to prototyping. It is a fast-paced, high-impact environment prioritizing speed and execution. The culture is collaborative and driven by ideas, not egos, with low politics and direct client interaction. Employees experience a variety of challenging projects across diverse industries, maintaining technical engagement. The team is employee-owned, tight-knit, and offers strong mentorship and visibility to leadership. The work environment supports work-life balance and flexibility, maintaining a supportive, people-first culture.

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

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $50.00/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 Jul 16, 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.