Job Title: Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer (Contractor)

Job Description

Join our team as an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer where you will support the mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and release of leading-edge Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). This role encompasses the full range of product development from concept through commercialization, requiring a strong initiative, effective cross-functional teamwork, and deep technical expertise.

Responsibilities

Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.Evaluate alternative design approaches by performing analysis, modeling, and trade studies.Perform mechanical design, analysis, hands-on prototyping, and system integration.Select mechanical components based on function, availability, reliability, and cost.Work closely with functional teams and OEM suppliers to achieve challenging design requirements and reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable designs.Develop test plans and methodologies to objectively verify performance against requirements.Design test fixtures to ensure compliance to product and manufacturing specifications.Create product documentation, including BOMs, fabrication files, and assembly drawings.Provide technical troubleshooting and failure analysis.Document project decisions and provide appropriate cross-functional team communication.Serve as a technical interface with third-party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.

Essential Skills

Mechanical design and precision mechanical design experience.Experience with high stiffness, thermal stability, and FEA.Opto-mechanical design and mechatronics expertise.Knowledge of sub-micron motion control and precision machining.Experience with sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and casting.Proficiency in SolidWorks and troubleshooting.Experience in production environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

Proven ability to work independently and set goals with minimal supervision.Strong attention to detail.

Work Environment

This position requires onsite presence five days a week with flexible hours between 6:00 AM to 3:30 PM or 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, accommodating traffic patterns. Candidates should be within a commutable distance or accustomed to commuting long distances. The company offers a large professional culture with full benefits including holiday, vacation, and sick pay once transitioned to a direct role.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SANTA BARBARA, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $160000.00/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 SANTA BARBARA,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Feb 17, 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 for other accommodation options.