Location: Norfolk County, MA (Onsite)
Type: Contract (6–12 months, possible extension)
Level: Senior Individual Contributor
Start: ASAP
Role Overview
Our Client is seeking an experienced Mechanical Engineer (Contractor) to support a hardware development team, working closely with PCB design engineers. This role focuses on PCB assembly mechanical design and system integration and does not include enclosure or cosmetic design.
You will own the mechanical design of printed circuit board assemblies used in complex capital equipment, including mounting solutions, stiffening strategies, thermal hardware, and integration into larger assemblies.
This is a hands-on, embedded role focused on durability, manufacturability, and integration within a fast-paced hardware environment.
Key Responsibilities
PCB Mechanical Design & Integration
- Own mechanical design of PCB assemblies, including board outlines, keep-outs, and mounting strategies
- Design stiffeners, frames, card guides, wedge locks, and retention hardware
- Ensure connector alignment, insertion force requirements, and tolerance stack-ups
- Partner closely with electrical engineers during layout to ensure mechanical feasibility
- Review PCB layouts for risks related to deflection, warpage, access, and airflow
Thermal & Structural Support
- Develop conduction- and airflow-based thermal solutions
- Support board- and system-level thermal analysis and validation
- Address vibration, shock, and long-term reliability concerns
System Integration
- Integrate PCB assemblies into subsystems and rack-level hardware
- Support bring-up, debug, and failure analysis during early build phases
- Investigate lab and field issues related to connectors, solder fatigue, or board stress
Documentation & Manufacturing Support
- Create PCB assembly drawings, BOMs, and tolerance analyses
- Support DFM/DFA reviews with manufacturing teams and suppliers
- Participate in ECOs and configuration control processes
Required Experience
- 7+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience
- Direct ownership of PCB mechanical design
- Experience with electro-mechanical capital equipment or complex hardware systems
- Proven ability to work embedded with EE teams
- Proficiency in SolidWorks or Creo; strong GD&T skills
- Board-level thermal and/or structural analysis experience
- Comfortable working onsite with fast-moving hardware teams
Preferred Experience
- Capital equipment or industrial hardware background
- Multi-board systems, dense interconnects, or high pin-count connectors
- Subsystem or rack-level integration
- NPI and early production support
- Prior contract or consulting experience on hardware teams
