R&d Engineer

Location: Port Clinton

Job Description

The R&D Project Engineer is responsible for supporting the research, development, and optimization of conveyor system technologies within a steel-based material handling environment. This role combines mechanical design with hands-on engineering and requires cross-functional project execution to support prototype development, product validation, manufacturing improvements, and new product innovation. The ideal candidate should be proficient in Solid Works and comfortable working on the shop floor and collaborating with engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams.

Responsibilities Include

+ Design and develop conveyor system technologies and components tailored to a steel-based material handling environment.

+ Lead and support research and development initiatives focused on improving existing conveyor products and introducing new solutions.

+ Create and modify 3D models and detailed drawings using Solid Works and AutoCAD to support design, prototyping, and manufacturing.

+ Support prototype development, including coordinating fabrication, assembly, and testing activities on the shop floor.

+ Perform product validation activities, including testing, data collection, and analysis to ensure performance, reliability, and safety requirements.

+ Collaborate closely with manufacturing and operations teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, and aligned with production capabilities.

+ Drive process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives related to conveyor systems and material handling equipment.

+ Manage and coordinate R&D projects, including planning tasks, tracking progress, and communicating status to stakeholders.

+ Troubleshoot technical issues with conveyor systems and material handling equipment and propose effective engineering solutions.

+ Document designs, test results, engineering changes, and project outcomes in a clear and organized manner.

Skills & Qualifications

+ Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

+ 5+ years of experience in material handling, conveyor systems, or industrial equipment engineering.

+ Proficiency in mechanical design for conveyor systems and material handling applications.

+ Strong 3D CAD skills with Solid Works for modeling, assemblies, and detailed drawings.

+ Experience using AutoCAD for layout, schematics, or supporting documentation.

+ Experience working in R&D engineering with exposure to prototype development and product validation.

+ Hands-on experience in a manufacturing engineering environment, ideally involving steel-based equipment or structures.

+ Demonstrated ability to manage projects, including planning, prioritizing, and coordinating technical activities.

+ Experience leading or contributing to process improvement and continuous improvement initiatives.

+ Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, and operations teams.

+ Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to translate practical shop-floor feedback into design improvements.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Port Clinton, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $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 Port Clinton,OH.

Final date to receive applications

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 2, 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 Clearly Rated 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.

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