Mechanical Design Engineer - N. HoustonPosition Overview The Mechanical Engineer will operate at the intersection of technology R&D and manufacturing operations, creating designs that move from concept to manufacturable product. You will work directly on transforming ideas and requirements into detailed mechanical drawings while ensuring integrity, manufacturability, and performance under harsh wellbore conditions. The role includes both desk‑based design engineering and shop‑floor/lab work—typically around 50/50, depending on the project phase. Early project stages involve heavy design activity; later phases focus on prototyping, assembly, troubleshooting, and testing. Key Responsibilities + Develop mechanical drawings, models, and assemblies using SolidWorks. + Apply GD&T, tolerance analysis, and stress analysis to ensure reliable fit and function. + Translate concepts into manufacturable designs, working closely with manufacturing and shop-floor teams. + Collaborate with technology engineers, machinists, and technicians to resolve build issues. + Support testing activities in the prototype lab, including setup, part evaluations, and performance demonstrations. + Participate in shop‑floor rounds to address real‑time manufacturing challenges. + Design using a mix of materials: steel, engineered plastics, O‑rings, backup rings, packer elements, and other elastomers. + Interface with PDM systems (CWI) to manage drawings, specifications, and assembly instructions. + Assist in developing design solutions for dimensional constraints, sealing challenges, and complex mechanical interactions. + Engage in hands‑on tasks as needed (e.g., wrench work, forklift operation—with provided training). + Work with cross‑functional and offshore team members throughout the design/test lifecycle. Top Required Skills + SolidWorks (primary CAD tool used across the team) + PDM Systems (CWI) for drawings, specs, and instructions + Strong grounding in Mechanical Engineering fundamentals, including GD&T and stress analysis + Ability to work in both design and hands‑on environments Nice‑to‑Have Skills + Finite Element Analysis (FEA) + Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) + Experience with completion tools + Experience working in similar cross‑functional design/manufacturing teams Education + Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required) + ABET‑accredited program strongly preferred Work Environment + Approximately 50% desk engineering and 50% shop‑floor/lab work + Hands‑on testing, prototyping, and troubleshooting involved + Collaboration with global and offshore engineering partners + Exposure to manufacturing processes, machining, and assembly operations *This is a long-term contract paying between $45-50/hour* Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Houston,TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Feb 6, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com (%20actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com) for other accommodation options.