Product Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Product Design Engineer

Job Description

The Product Designer creates accurate and timely 3D product designs using SolidWorks and other CAD tools, translating customer specifications and custom quotes into practical, manufacturable solutions. This role focuses on designing new products and continuously improving existing equipment, with a strong emphasis on cost-effective design and close collaboration with fabrication, assembly, and R&D teams.

Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and detailed product designs using SolidWorks 3D CAD software in a timely manner.
• Interpret customer specifications and custom quotes from the field and convert them into clear design concepts and models.
• Design new products for the aluminum product line while also driving continuous design improvements for existing equipment.
• Incorporate cost considerations into all design work to ensure efficient, economical, and manufacturable solutions.
• Serve as a liaison between fabrication and assembly teams, resolving design-related issues that arise during production.
• Collaborate closely with R&D to support the development and refinement of innovative aluminum truck bodies and related products.
• Apply strong mechanical aptitude to ensure designs are practical, robust, and suitable for automotive or agricultural vehicle applications.
• Create and maintain 3D models and, when needed, 2D drawings to support manufacturing, assembly, and service teams.
• Communicate design intent clearly to detailers, drafters, designers, project engineers, supervisors, and service support staff.
• Participate in design reviews and presentations, providing clear explanations of design decisions and proposed improvements.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree in Drafting or Design required; bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Agricultural Engineering preferred.
• 3D modeling and design experience, which may include school projects, internships, or co-op work.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software; SolidWorks experience highly preferred, though other tools such as Pro/E or Inventor are also considered.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on experience, ideally related to automotive or agricultural vehicles.
• Experience working with sheet metal products, such as repair or design of sheet metal components, highly preferred.
• Ability to design with manufacturability and cost efficiency in mind.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams and support production activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Combined 2D and 3D CAD skills; experience with both AutoCAD and SolidWorks is ideal.
• Passion and interest in working on cars, fixing things, engine repair, or similar hands-on mechanical activities.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to explain design concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Willingness to learn and grow in a structured training environment designed for early-career engineers.
• Openness to relocation, with relocation assistance available.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, collaborative product development organization.

Work Environment

This position is based within a product development team at a modern aluminum manufacturing plant in Quincy. The facility is a large, contemporary building that houses approximately 3,000 employees and includes both manufacturing and assembly operations. The design group is substantial, with around 70 professionals including detailers, drafters, designers, project engineers, supervisors, and service support staff, providing a highly collaborative and well-structured environment. The organization offers a strong training program that all designers go through, making it an excellent setting for new engineers to build their skills. The culture is family-oriented, with a long history and very low turnover, fostering a positive atmosphere and strong team relationships. Onsite café options are available, with additional dining choices within driving distance. Dress expectations follow the company’s formal dress code guidelines. Benefits include two weeks of paid time off, which can be used flexibly, six paid holidays, and relocation reimbursement of up to a specified amount, processed after expense submission. Interview travel expenses such as lodging and mileage may be covered for candidates traveling from more than 75 miles away.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Quincy, IL.

The pay range for this position is $28.84 - $28.84/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 Quincy,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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 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.