CAD Designer / Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Mechanical Designer / Mechanical Engineer

This role focuses on designing and developing launch pad hardware and ground support equipment that enable advanced aerospace launch operations. You will create structural and mechanical designs for launch infrastructure, recovery systems, and production tooling while working closely with experienced engineers, technicians, and cross-functional operations teams. The position combines detailed 3D CAD design, structural steel layouts, and hands-on support of builds and installations in a fast-paced, high-mix, low-volume environment.

Responsibilities

• Support the design and detailing of launch pad structures, ground support equipment, and mechanical systems that enable safe and reliable launch operations.
• Develop accurate 3D CAD models and detailed engineering drawings, with a strong focus on using NX (Unigraphics) or equivalent 3D CAD tools.
• Create and maintain fabrication-ready documentation, including weldments, assemblies, and installation drawings suitable for shop and field use.
• Design and detail structural steel elements such as frames, supports, platforms, and heavy equipment mounting structures.
• Collaborate closely with engineers, technicians, and operations teams to ensure designs meet functional, fabrication, and installation requirements.
• Incorporate tube routing, conduit routing, and piping layouts into structural and mechanical designs as needed.
• Apply knowledge of welding symbols, fabrication standards, and manufacturing processes to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.
• Support prototype builds, installations, and field modifications by providing redlines, design updates, and technical guidance.
• Assist with basic structural sizing, layout decisions, and configuration tradeoffs while balancing cost, schedule, and constructability.
• Ensure all designs align with safety, quality, and operational standards appropriate for launch and industrial environments.
• Interpret and use engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications to guide design and implementation.
• Coordinate with fabrication shops and weld environments to resolve design questions and ensure accurate production.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices and documentation in a rapid design/build setting.

Essential Skills

• At least 1 year of experience with 3D CAD software such as NX (strongly preferred), Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks.
• Proven experience creating engineering drawings and 3D models for fabrication, including weldments and assemblies.
• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field, or equivalent hands-on design experience for designer-level candidates.
• Experience with structural steel design and detailing, including frames, weldments, platforms, and supports.
• Working knowledge of weld symbols and fabrication drawings, with the ability to apply relevant standards.
• Experience with tube routing, conduit routing, and piping systems or layouts in mechanical designs.
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards for dimensioning and tolerancing.
• Hands-on experience supporting builds, installations, or field troubleshooting of mechanical or structural systems.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, bills of materials, and technical specifications.
• Experience working in industrial, aerospace, heavy equipment, or construction environments.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work closely with technicians, engineers, and operations teams.
• Strong proficiency with NX, including routing modules or similar advanced features, for complex assemblies and layouts.
• Experience working with fabrication shops or weld environments to support manufacturability and resolve production issues.
• Experience in high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build environments where designs move quickly from concept to implementation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Direct experience supporting launch pad systems, ground systems, or large-scale industrial infrastructure.
• Exposure to launch operations, recovery systems, or ground support equipment in aerospace or related industries.
• Experience integrating piping, tube, and conduit routing within structural steel frameworks.
• Comfort working with production tooling and fixtures that support assembly and test operations.
• Ability to balance design rigor with the practical constraints of cost, schedule, and constructability.
• Strong communication skills for conveying design intent to cross-functional teams and field personnel.
• Adaptability to rapidly changing requirements typical of advanced aerospace and industrial projects.

Work Environment

You will work in an industrial and aerospace-focused environment that supports launch pad, ground systems, and large-scale infrastructure projects. The role involves frequent collaboration with engineers, technicians, operations teams, and fabrication shops, requiring clear communication and teamwork. You will use modern 3D CAD tools such as NX (Unigraphics), and may also interact with Creo, CATIA, or SolidWorks, along with standard engineering documentation systems for drawings, bills of materials, and specifications. The work emphasizes high-mix, low-volume or rapid design/build cycles, where designs quickly transition from concept to fabrication, installation, and field validation. You can expect exposure to structural steel fabrication, weld environments, and on-site installations, including occasional work around heavy equipment, platforms, and industrial construction settings, following appropriate safety and quality practices.

This is a Contract position based out of Kennedy Space Center, FL.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $55.00/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 Kennedy Space Center,FL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 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 ziprecruiter.com 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.