Senior Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics

We are hiring for a role in Peoria, Illinois.

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics

Job Description

This role focuses on leading the design and development of advanced hydraulic systems and components for large mobile mining equipment. The Mechanical Engineer – Hydraulics applies deep expertise in fluid power, mechanical design, and controls technologies to support new product development and machine applications in the global mining industry. The position offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art tools and facilities, contribute to large haulage vehicle innovation, and collaborate with international teams across multiple regions.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of hydraulic systems and components for large haulage mining vehicles and other mobile equipment.
• Apply fluid power fundamentals and controls technologies to create robust, efficient, and reliable hydraulic solutions.
• Perform hydraulic component selection to ensure performance, reliability, and compatibility with overall machine design.
• Develop and refine 3D mechanical models and assemblies using CAD tools such as Creo to support detailed mechanical and hydraulic designs.
• Support new product development initiatives, from concept through detailed design, validation, and implementation on mobile equipment.
• Use simulation software such as Matlab/Simulink, AMESim, and/or Automation Studio to model, analyze, and optimize hydraulic and control system performance.
• Contribute mechanical design expertise to machine design projects, ensuring that hydraulic and mechanical systems integrate effectively.
• Participate in implementing Lean Engineering principles to improve design processes, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
• Support and participate in effective Change Management implementation to ensure design updates are controlled, documented, and communicated.
• Collaborate with international teams and participate in international assignments to support global projects and field applications.
• Engage with professional committees, technical societies, and industry groups as appropriate to stay current with emerging technologies and best practices.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and support to other engineers and cross-functional team members involved in hydraulic and mechanical design.

Essential Skills

• Sound knowledge of fluid power fundamentals and controls technologies.
• Extensive experience in hydraulic systems design for mobile equipment, including component selection and system integration.
• Strong mechanical engineering experience with hands-on mechanical design and machine design experience.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering or an equivalent relevant discipline (MS preferred).
• Approximately 12+ years of experience in engineering design and machine application in the mining industry, with a strong focus on hydraulic systems and components in mobile equipment.
• Proficiency in the use of simulation software such as Matlab/Simulink, AMESim, and/or Automation Studio.
• Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) tools, with experience in 3D modeling using Creo.
• Experience in international assignments and the ability to work effectively with global teams.
• Ability to support new product development from concept through implementation in a heavy equipment or mining environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Certified Fluid Power Engineer or Specialist credential is highly desirable.
• Master of Science degree in Engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with Lean Engineering principles and their application in product development environments is desired.
• Experience participating in effective Change Management implementation is highly desired.
• Professional registration and/or active membership in engineering committees and technical societies is beneficial.
• Experience with mechanical design for large mobile mining vehicles or similar heavy equipment is an advantage.
• Interest in or experience with international travel to mining sites and global project locations.

Work Environment

The role is based in a brand-new, state-of-the-art facility that supports advanced engineering, design, and simulation work for large haulage mining vehicles. The environment emphasizes innovation, continuous improvement, and collaboration across disciplines. Engineers work with modern CAD and simulation tools, including Creo, Matlab/Simulink, AMESim, and Automation Studio, in a setting designed to support high-performance engineering teams. The position offers a path to direct hire and promotions, along with the possibility of relocation assistance for qualified candidates. The work structure may include a remote workday every other Friday, depending on business needs. The role also offers opportunities to travel to mining sites around the world, including locations such as the Arctic, Chile, and India, providing exposure to diverse operating environments and real-world applications of the equipment.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Bloomington, IL.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $67.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Bloomington,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 11, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.