Staff Design Engineer

Actalent
Goleta, CA

Job Title: Staff Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a dedicated Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the development of innovative mechanical designs for advanced 3D visualization and guidance systems used in microsurgery. This role requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including electrical, optical, software, and system engineers, as well as product managers. The successful candidate will be pivotal in transforming marketing requirements into actionable engineering solutions and will be responsible for the design and development of high-magnification optical cameras, robotic-assisted positioning systems, and thermal management systems.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development of mechanical designs for 3D visualization and guidance systems.
  • Interface with internal and external teams to deliver complex designs.
  • Translate marketing requirements into engineering requirements.
  • Manage the transfer of products from development to manufacturing, including workflow development and production equipment design.
  • Create schedules, define budgets, and derive system/subsystem requirements with project and system engineers.
  • Own complete mechanical subsystems from concept through production.
  • Support new product development and existing programs with an emphasis on design transfer and manufacturability.
  • Design and develop fixtures, tooling, and production equipment.
  • Engage in vendor interaction and technical project management.

Essential Skills

  • Mechanical Engineering degree or equivalent technical experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in taking products from concept to production.
  • Experience in medical devices preferred; Aerospace & Defense experience is a plus.
  • Proficiency in electromechanical system design and electrical-mechanical integration.
  • Experience in optical and precision mechanical design.
  • Expertise in part and subsystem design for manufacturability.
  • Strong proficiency in GD&T and tolerance analysis.
  • Expert use of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks preferred).
  • FEA experience, including thermal analysis.
  • Design testing and validation (V&V) experience.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Familiarity with IEC medical safety standards is preferred.
  • Experience with plastic components and single-device assemblies.
  • FMEA experience is preferred.
  • Hands-on prototyping and design verification skills.

Work Environment

The position offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a team that is at the forefront of medical technology innovation. The candidate will work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, engaging with cross-functional teams and external partners. The role will involve hands-on work and requires a strong emphasis on compliance and production-readiness of medical devices. The work environment supports creativity and encourages bringing new ideas to the table.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Goleta, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $75.00/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 Goleta,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 20, 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.

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