Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Designer

The Mechanical Designer develops and releases detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings for mechanical parts and assemblies used in wind tunnels and hypersonic ground test systems. This role focuses on predominantly custom, one-off components for new facilities and major upgrades to existing installations. The Mechanical Designer collaborates closely with engineers and designers across all departments to ensure high-quality designs that meet functional, manufacturing, and schedule requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and release detailed 3D CAD models for fabricated and purchased mechanical parts using parametric and associative modeling techniques.
• Design mechanical subsystems including welded steel structures, pressure vessels, piping systems, mechanisms, rotating equipment, and process equipment such as pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and cooling water systems.
• Check fits and clearances to ensure proper assembly and safe, reliable operation under normal operating conditions.
• Provide initial sizing, layouts, and configuration definitions in close collaboration with engineers.
• Prepare and refine models to support engineering analysis and create model views for design review presentations and reports.
• Create detailed fabrication and assembly drawings from linked models using internal templates and standards based on ANSI Y14.5.
• Apply appropriate GD&T, dimensions, and tolerances to clearly define manufacturing, assembly, and quality requirements.
• Select tolerances that align with part function and anticipated manufacturing capabilities.
• Incorporate redlines and feedback from engineering, document control, assembly, and field service, and verify existing equipment when required.
• Manage the drawing and bill of material (BOM) release process using a Product Data Management (PDM) system.
• Initiate and execute drawing release workflows, maintain clear revision control, and use Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) when appropriate.
• Communicate drawing and BOM availability to procurement, project management, and subcontract management teams.
• Identify, research, and select commercially available components to reduce the need for custom fabrication where feasible.
• Prioritize tasks, minimize rework, and help maintain projects within labor budgets and schedules.
• Coordinate closely with lead engineers to ensure cohesive designs while remaining accountable for drawing release commitments.
• Provide guidance and technical support to fabrication, procurement, assembly, and installation teams.
• Update models and drawings to incorporate redlines, lessons learned, and continuous improvements.
• Contribute to new product development efforts by supporting mechanical design, drafting, and documentation activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate's degree or technical diploma in designer/drafting or a related mechanical design field.
• 5+ years of practical work experience in mechanical design and drafting in aerospace or similar environments with large industrial equipment or facilities.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD modeling tools; SolidWorks experience preferred, with openness to candidates experienced in CREO or other 3D CAD platforms.
• Strong mechanical design skills, including experience with mechanical systems, weldments, sheet metal, sub-assemblies, and complex assemblies.
• Proficiency with GD&T and drafting standards based on ANSI Y14.5.
• Experience creating detailed fabrication and assembly drawings from 3D models.
• Familiarity with PDM systems; SolidWorks PDM experience preferred.
• Experience working with ERP systems; Costpoint experience preferred.
• General knowledge of fabrication methods including forming, welding, machining, and additive manufacturing.
• Ability to work as a self-starter, manage multiple projects, and effectively prioritize workload.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills and a positive, collaborative attitude.
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary engineering and design team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing for wind tunnels, hypersonic ground test systems, or other complex test facilities.
• Background in aerospace applications or large industrial equipment and facilities.
• Experience with electrical interfaces as they relate to mechanical assemblies is beneficial.
• Exposure to new product development processes and lifecycle documentation.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar 2D drafting tools.
• Familiarity with process equipment such as pneumatic, hydraulic, fuel, and cooling water systems.
• Ability to support design reviews by preparing clear model views and presentation materials.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail in both modeling and drafting.
• Interest in contributing to a growing organization and participating in continuous improvement of design and documentation practices.

Work Environment

The role is based in an office environment, working primarily on computer-based 3D CAD modeling and drafting tools within a professional engineering setting. The Mechanical Designer collaborates closely with engineers, designers, and cross-functional teams such as fabrication, procurement, assembly, and installation. Work involves frequent interaction with PDM and ERP systems to manage drawings, bills of material, and engineering changes. The organization is in a growth phase, offering opportunities to contribute to new facilities and major upgrades in an evolving, technically challenging environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $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)

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Saint Paul, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 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.