Designer

Job Title: SolidWorks 3D Mechanical Designer

Job Description

This role focuses on designing mechanical components and assemblies for manufacturability using SolidWorks and related CAD tools. The Mechanical Designer creates and modifies detailed 3D models and 2D drawings, supports products from concept through manufacturing, and ensures designs meet industry standards, quality requirements, and project timelines. The position suits a highly motivated, team-oriented professional who enjoys working on complex subsystems in a fast-paced, schedule-driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify detailed 3D models of parts, weldments, piping systems, assemblies, and subassemblies using SolidWorks, with a strong emphasis on design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for manufacturability.

• Prepare accurate assembly, subassembly, part, weldment, and piping system design and shop drawings that support production and fabrication.

• Develop 3D models and subsystem layouts using SolidWorks 2023 and generate complete production drawings based on these models.

• Apply knowledge of materials, finishes, welding, and other manufacturing processes when developing drawings and models to ensure manufacturability and product quality.

• Create and update 2D drawings using AutoCAD or similar tools such as SMAP 3D and DraftSight when required.

• Contribute design modifications that facilitate manufacturing operations, improve product quality, and optimize cost and efficiency.

• Check drawing plots and CAD outputs against project inputs to ensure correctness, completeness, and conformance to applicable standards and internal drafting practices.

• Work closely with design engineers to ensure model accuracy, adherence to design and drafting standards, and proper execution of ECN/ECR documentation.

• Perform tolerance analysis on mating parts to ensure proper fit and function, and apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with applicable standards.

• Design major segments of complex subsystems and participate in the integration and packaging of electro-mechanical enclosures.

• Perform form, fit, and function verification of designs to confirm that components and assemblies meet design intent and system requirements.

• Participate actively in design reviews, presenting design concepts, addressing feedback, and incorporating changes as needed.

• Serve as a liaison with operations and manufacturing during fabrication to resolve design issues, clarify requirements, and ensure drawings are updated to reflect changes.

• Support system management tasks including CAD file maintenance, backup, and storage in coordination with PDM tools and processes.

• Provide technical direction to and check the work of lower-level drafters, offering guidance and expertise in CAD software and drafting standards.

• Use and apply relevant standards, including GD&T and applicable military and aerospace standards (such as MIL-STD and NAS), as required by the project.

• Communicate effectively with engineers, manufacturing personnel, and other stakeholders to ensure all aspects of the design are clearly understood and properly implemented.

• Work under limited supervision on general, complex, and non-routine assignments while maintaining a strong focus on quality and accuracy.

• Maintain daily availability and flexibility, including evenings and weekends when necessary, to meet project goals and deadlines, and be willing to work overtime when required.

Essential Skills

• Advanced skills in 3D solid modeling and drafting using SolidWorks software, including SolidWorks 2023.

• Advanced skills in 2D drafting using AutoCAD, SMAP 3D, or DraftSight software.

• Advanced knowledge of conventional engineering drawing practices in alignment with applicable drawing standards.

• Intermediate knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with recognized standards.

• Intermediate knowledge of machining operations and common shop practices relevant to manufacturing.

• Working knowledge of Product Data Management (PDM) tools and file management within a CAD/PDM environment.

• Ability to design for manufacturing (DFM) and apply design for manufacturability principles throughout the design process.

• Experience creating products or components that have successfully transitioned through manufacturing.

• Ability to design major segments of complex subsystems and translate them into detailed production-ready drawings.

• Ability to apply knowledge of materials, finishes, welding, and manufacturing processes to mechanical designs.

• Capability to integrate and package electro-mechanical enclosures within overall system constraints.

• Proficiency in performing form, fit, and function verification and tolerance analysis on mating parts.

• Familiarity with and ability to apply relevant industry and defense standards, including GD&T and applicable MIL-STD and NAS standards.

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to check drawings and models for correctness and conformance to standards.

• Effective communication skills to collaborate with engineers, manufacturing, and operations personnel.

• High level of motivation, team orientation, and quality focus, with the ability to work under schedule pressure and limited supervision.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting long-term, complex engineering programs, such as advanced energy or nuclear-related projects, is a plus.

• Knowledge of PDM tools beyond basic familiarity is considered an advantage.

• Experience working in environments where MIL-STD, NAS, and DOD standards apply is highly beneficial.

• Prior involvement in design reviews and cross-functional engineering teams is desirable.

• Experience technically directing and mentoring lower-level drafters or designers is a plus.

• Flexibility to adjust work hours and availability, including evenings and weekends when necessary, to meet critical deadlines.

• Strong problem-solving mindset with the ability to propose design modifications that enhance manufacturability and product quality.

Work Environment

This position is fully on-site at a modern engineering campus in Huntsville. The facility offers a comfortable and well-equipped environment, including an on-site cafeteria, gym, and hair salon, supporting both productivity and work-life balance. Core hours are typically 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with flexibility for schedules such as 6:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., depending on team and project needs.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Huntsville, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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 Huntsville,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.