Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Job Description

The Design Engineer is responsible for creating precise 2D and 3D models and drawings for trade show exhibit displays that meet defined scope of work, budget constraints, and structural requirements. This role works closely with a small team of designers and spends the majority of the day in CAD software, transforming concepts into detailed shop and fabrication drawings while occasionally reviewing fabricated parts and assemblies in the shop.

Responsibilities

• Create accurate 2D and 3D CAD models for trade show booths and exhibit displays that align with project scope, budget, and structural requirements.

• Develop initial designs and models in 3D, primarily using AutoCAD 3D, to capture complex geometries and shapes.

• Use Inventor to design and refine complex geometries and shapes, ensuring structural integrity and manufacturability.

• Produce final shop and fabrication drawings in 2D AutoCAD for use by fabrication and assembly teams.

• Collaborate with two other designers to ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to established design standards and processes.

• Work with metals, sheet metal, and aluminum materials in the design of trade show exhibit structures and components.

• Review fabricated parts and assemblies in the shop on an occasional basis to verify dimensional accuracy and alignment with design intent.

• Adapt quickly to established design processes, standards, and workflows, incorporating feedback from stakeholders as needed.

• Maintain organized design files and documentation to support efficient fabrication, assembly, and future modifications.

• Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices and CAD modeling methods to enhance efficiency and quality.

Essential Skills

• 35+ years of CAD modeling experience, with a strong focus on mechanical design and drafting.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD, including extensive experience with AutoCAD 3D for design and modeling work.

• Proficiency in Inventor for creating and modifying complex geometries and shapes.

• Demonstrated experience as a Mechanical Designer or Drafter working with metals, sheet metal, and aluminum components.

• Ability to create detailed 2D shop and fabrication drawings from 3D models using AutoCAD.

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in dimensions, tolerances, and structural requirements.

• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to established design processes and standards.

• Comfort working approximately eight hours per day in CAD software.

• Effective collaboration skills to work closely with other designers and shop personnel.

• Basic understanding of structural considerations for exhibit displays and related assemblies.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $40.00/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)

Job Type & Location

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Buffalo Grove,IL.

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.