Mechanical Designer

Job Title: Mechanical Designer Job Description The Mechanical Designer leads the layout, design, and documentation of complex mechanical assemblies using CAD tools, working closely with engineering staff to ensure manufacturable, highquality designs. This role combines hands-on design work, technical documentation, and informal leadership of designers and drafters, with a strong focus on best practices, accuracy, and effective communication across the team. Responsibilities Complete detailed layout, design, and documentation of complex mechanical designs and assemblies using CAD equipment. Assist engineers with design changes and manufacturability, exercising independent judgment to propose and implement improvements. Assign, track, and review the work of designers and drafters, providing on-the-job training as needed to support their development. Develop, apply, and enforce best practices for CAD modeling, drawing creation, and methods used to convey technical information to manufacturing teams and suppliers. Ensure documentation and quality standards are consistently met across all design deliverables. Communicate effectively and work collaboratively with supervisors, peers, and subordinates to keep projects on track. Manage personal workload and help coordinate the time and tasks of others to ensure efficient completion of projects. Motivate, develop, and guide designers and drafters, identifying the most suitable individuals for specific project tasks. Prepare engineering designs using appropriate calculations and convert them into complete technical documentation packages. Monitor project status and compliance with requirements, keeping all participants informed of progress and issues. Maintain operational records and document operational performance problems to support continuous improvement. Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems in a timely and effective manner. Develop technical methods or processes that improve design efficiency, quality, or manufacturability. Design basic circuitry and create sketches to clarify details and support design documentation under the direction of engineers, using drafting instruments or CAD equipment. Build prototypes from rough sketches or plans to validate design concepts and support testing. Essential Skills Two-year degree in engineering or design. 02 years of mechanical design experience utilizing Pro/E, Creo, SolidWorks, or other CAD tools. Proficiency in mechanical design and drafting, including 3D modeling. Hands-on experience with Pro/E or Creo. Hands-on experience with SolidWorks. Strong oral and written communication skills, including active listening. Solid technical skills and strong understanding of engineering practices such as form, fit, and function. Knowledge of rules of interchangeability and tolerance stack-up analysis in all phases of mechanical design. Ability to work effectively with supervisors, peers, subordinates, and a variety of personalities. Ability to manage time effectively for self and others to meet project deadlines. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience using computer-aided design (CAD) equipment for complex mechanical assemblies. Experience in mechanical design and drafting in a professional or academic setting. Ability to develop and apply best practices for CAD modeling and drawing creation. Experience preparing engineering designs with supporting calculations and converting them into technical documentation. Capability to assign, review, and provide guidance on the work of designers and drafters. Experience developing technical methods or processes to improve design and manufacturing outcomes. Ability to design basic circuitry and produce clear sketches for design clarification under engineering direction. Experience building and evaluating prototypes from rough sketches or plans. Strong problem-solving skills for resolving design and operational issues. Work Environment The Mechanical Designer works under the direction of a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer and often takes the lead on completing complex design projects. The role is primarily office-based and requires frequent and prolonged use of computers and CAD software. Occasional overnight travel may be needed to support project activities. The position involves dexterity with mechanical tools for hands-on inspection and assembly of the first unit of each design, including occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of BURNSVILLE, MN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. 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) Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of BURNSVILLE, MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Nov 6, 2026. Workplace Type This is a hybrid position in BURNSVILLE,MN. About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options. San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability. Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. Actalent