Mechanical Engineer - Automation Systems

Mechanical Engineer - Automation Systems / Contract, 3-months, W2 only / Onsite, Wilsonvile, OR

Client is expanding its automation capabilities to support significant increases in manufacturing capacity. We are designing and building custom automated systems in-house and are seeking a hands-on Contract Mechanical Engineer to help bring these systems from concept through implementation.

We are seeking a hands-on Contract Mechanical Engineer to help design, build, assemble, integrate, and deploy custom automation systems. The ideal candidate enjoys taking products from concept through prototype and into working systems, spending time both at the CAD workstation as well as on the lab floor assembling and testing equipment.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop automated systems using SolidWorks that meet system and hardware requirements.
• Design custom mechanical components and integrate off-the-shelf hardware into complete automation systems.
• Specify and procure mechanical, electromechanical, and fluidics components required for the system.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, electrical engineers, scientists, technicians, and project managers to refine system requirements and optimize designs.
• Perform mechanical analyses, including tolerance stack-up analysis, to ensure robust system performance.
• Design and build test fixtures to evaluate concepts, de-risk critical features, and validate subsystem performance.
• Support systems engineering activities during prototype development and experimental testing.
• Assist with fluidics and electrical integration, documentation, and overall system architecture.
• Assemble mechanical subsystems and complete automation platforms, working closely with engineers to ensure proper fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Build, debug, calibrate, troubleshoot, and verify prototype systems alongside technicians and engineering staff.
• Create and maintain complete engineering documentation, including:
• 3D models
• Part files
• Assembly models
• Manufacturing drawings
• Bills of Materials (BOMs)
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control using Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Support part ordering, vendor interactions, and component tracking as needed.
• Participate in design reviews and incorporate feedback throughout the development lifecycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with 2+ years of relevant industry experience, or a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.
• Highly proficient with SolidWorks, including part, assembly, and drawing creation.
• Experience designing custom automation equipment, robotics, or mechatronic systems.
• Experience specifying and integrating electromechanical components, including motors, actuators, sensors, and motion hardware.
• Experience designing fluidics systems, including integration of pumps, valves, regulators, sensors, tubing, manifolds, and related components.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, manufacturing processes, and design for assembly.
• Experience creating complete engineering documentation and BOMs.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and technical writing skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements and multiple concurrent priorities.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent documentation practices.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience developing laboratory automation systems.
• Experience working with prototype development and rapid iteration.
• Familiarity with tolerance analysis and design verification methodologies.
• Experience with PLM systems, particularly Dassault Systèmes 3DEXPERIENCE.
• Experience supporting system assembly, debugging, calibration, and verification.
• Familiarity with regulated environments or life sciences instrumentation is a plus.