Designer

Job Title: SolidWorks 3D Control Panel Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing custom control panels and sheet metal enclosures using SolidWorks in a growing panel design business. You will create and maintain detailed 3D models and 2D manufacturing drawings, manage technical documentation, and support a busy panel shop responding to a steady influx of new customer orders. This position offers strong growth potential, including opportunities to develop into a well-rounded project leader in a collaborative, team-based environment.

Responsibilities

• Design sheet metal control panel enclosures and internal electrical controls using SolidWorks in 3D.

• Create and refine detailed 2D manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks for fabrication and assembly.

• Analyze 3D CAD models to ensure accuracy, manufacturability, and alignment with project requirements.

• Develop and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all panel designs.

• Prepare, update, and track Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and related technical documentation.

• Collaborate closely with the panel shop and other team members to support ongoing projects and new customer orders.

• Incorporate electrical and controls knowledge into panel layouts, including consideration of circuits, voltage, and wiring.

• Support panel design work for data center and similar applications as new projects come in.

• Communicate design intent clearly with the lead designer and cross-functional colleagues to ensure successful project delivery.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, documentation practices, and panel design processes.

• Provide occasional support for other related projects outside of core controls panel work as needed.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of experience with SolidWorks 3D design and 2D detailing.

• At least 3 years of experience developing 2D manufacturing drawings in SolidWorks.

• At least 3 years of experience in control panel design or sheet metal design.

• Proven experience maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs).

• Experience managing Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) and technical documentation.

• Working knowledge of electrical concepts, such as controls, circuits, voltage, and wiring.

• Ability to design sheet metal enclosures and integrate electrical components within control panels.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in CAD modeling and documentation.

• Effective communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-based environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) is preferred.

• Experience with panel design for data center or similar applications is a plus.

• Ability and willingness to support a variety of projects beyond core controls work.

• Interest in professional growth into broader project responsibilities and potential leadership roles.

• Comfort working closely with a lead designer and adapting to evolving project priorities.

Work Environment

This role is based at the Sterling Heights location, where panels are designed and supported for manufacturing facilities. The position is primarily office-based, with the designer working at a desk in an individual cubicle using SolidWorks to create 3D models and 2D drawings. The office environment is casual and interactive, with frequent communication and collaboration among team members. The team is small and close-knit, and you will work primarily with one other lead designer in the group.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Sterling Heights, MI.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $38.00/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 Sterling Heights,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 3, 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.