Mechanical Designer

Now Hiring: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

We are seeking a Mechanical Designer to support the design and execution of capital expansion projects, facility upgrades, and process improvements within a variety of industrial environments. This role is responsible for developing plant and equipment layouts, creating detailed mechanical and MEP designs, and coordinating projects from concept through construction. Working closely with engineers, clients, contractors, and vendors, the Mechanical Designer will leverage Plant 3D, AutoCAD, and related design tools to deliver innovative, efficient, and constructible solutions for complex industrial facilities.

This position offers exposure to a diverse project portfolio, including food and beverage processing, pet food production, chemical manufacturing, agricultural operations, mineral processing, power generation, grain processing, oilseed facilities, and other industrial manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed plant layouts and equipment arrangements using Plant 3D and AutoCAD for new construction, facility expansions, and renovation projects.

• Design mechanical and MEP systems, including HVAC, plumbing, process piping, gas distribution, life safety, and fire sprinkler systems.

• Create process piping layouts, routing plans, and support designs while ensuring proper integration with equipment and existing facility infrastructure.

• Assist in equipment selection and specification to meet project performance, operational, and regulatory requirements.

• Prepare bills of materials, material takeoffs, and supporting documentation for procurement and construction activities.

• Produce conceptual designs, site plans, technical specifications, and construction documents.

• Review and verify drawings for accuracy, constructability, quality, and compliance with project requirements and applicable codes.

• Develop detailed mechanical and MEP construction packages that support successful project execution.

• Incorporate dust collection, pneumatic conveying, and material handling systems into facility designs.

• Utilize Navisworks and other coordination software to conduct model reviews, resolve clashes, and improve overall design quality.

• Perform field investigations and collaborate directly with clients to gather existing facility information and define project requirements.

• Support 3D laser scanning efforts and integrate scanned data into design models.

• Coordinate with engineers, contractors, fabricators, vendors, and clients to ensure project objectives are achieved.

• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously while maintaining schedules, priorities, and high-quality deliverables.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives and contribute innovative solutions to enhance facility performance and efficiency.

• Support a collaborative small-office environment by assisting teammates across various disciplines and project types.

• Pursue ongoing professional development through training programs, industry seminars, and internal knowledge-sharing opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in industrial, manufacturing, or process facility design.

• Demonstrated experience performing plant layout design using Plant 3D.

• Strong proficiency with AutoCAD 2D and Plant 3D for mechanical and industrial design projects.

• Experience designing MEP systems within industrial facilities.

• Background in mechanical design, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a related discipline.

• Experience developing equipment layouts, process systems, and facility design solutions.

• Ability to create detailed design and construction documents for mechanical and MEP systems.

• Knowledge of HVAC, plumbing, process piping, gas systems, fire protection, and life safety systems.

• Experience with process piping design, routing, and integration into production environments.

• Understanding of dust collection, material handling, and conveyor systems.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate design documentation.

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with clients, contractors, vendors, and project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting food and beverage, pet food, agricultural, grain processing, chemical, or manufacturing facilities.

• Familiarity with Navisworks and model coordination workflows.

• Experience with 3D laser scanning and point cloud integration.

• Knowledge of industrial construction practices and installation requirements.

• Exposure to capital improvement projects and facility modernization efforts.

• Experience working directly with clients in field and plant environments.

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Design Technology, or a related field.

Work Environment

This position is based in a collaborative, team-oriented office that supports industrial clients across multiple market sectors. Employees work closely with experienced engineers and designers in a small-office setting that encourages learning, mentorship, and hands-on involvement in every phase of a project.

The role combines office-based design work with occasional travel to client facilities for site visits, field verification, design coordination, and laser scanning activities. Projects are highly diverse and may include food processing facilities, manufacturing plants, agricultural operations, chemical processing facilities, grain handling systems, and other industrial environments.

• The organization is committed to professional growth and provides opportunities for technical development through training programs, industry seminars, and direct exposure to a broad range of project types and technologies. This is an excellent opportunity for a Mechanical Designer seeking long-term career growth, technical variety, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on complex industrial projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Omaha, NE.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Omaha,NE.

Application Deadline

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

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.