Mechanical Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Mechanical Engineer to join our fast-growing startup, where you will design and develop cutting-edge automation technology for indoor agriculture. You will play a crucial role in conceptualizing, creating, and deploying innovative systems that redefine the way food is grown in a 24/7 production environment.

• Develop complete machines and automation systems from concept through production, including structures, mechanisms, and integrated subsystems.
• Design and rapidly prototype food-safe robotic and material handling equipment, transitioning from SolidWorks models to physical hardware within weeks.
• Own end-to-end mechanical projects, including requirements definition, concept development, detailed design, fabrication, assembly, testing, deployment, and iteration.
• Design palletizing and container-handling solutions, including tray transport, racking, indexing, conveyors, and interfaces with downstream systems.
• Engage in hands-on activities—fabricate structures, assemble mechanisms, wire servos and pneumatics, integrate sensors, and support first-article builds on the shop floor.
• Engineer systems suitable for real-world farm conditions: washdown-rated, food-safe, and capable of operating in high humidity, soil exposure, and continuous production environments.
• Deploy systems into live farm operations, collaborate directly with operators, collect feedback, and rapidly iterate to enhance reliability and performance.
• Collaborate closely with controls, electrical, and software engineers to deliver fully integrated automation solutions.
• Mentor and support junior engineers by providing design guidance, reviews, and hands-on coaching as the team expands.

• 7-10 years of mechanical design and production experience.
• Experience with industrial machinery.
• Robotics experience.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks.
• Hands-on experience or a relevant degree in mechanical engineering.

• Experience working with a startup or openness to a startup environment.
• Preferred industry experience includes aerospace, defense, automotive, rail, or construction.

This position is primarily onsite at the Herndon Office, with occasional travel to the farm in Manassas. Join a dynamic team where engineers work closely with the founders, swiftly transitioning ideas into hardware, and contributing to the scaling of innovative technology.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Herndon, VA.

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $175000.00/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 Herndon,VA.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 9, 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.