Mechanical Designer/drafter

Mechanical Designer / DrafterThis role offers an opportunity for a hands-on Mechanical Designer to lead, coach, and grow a drafting and design team while contributing directly to complex engineering projects. You will establish and maintain CAD standards, drive continuous improvement in drafting practices, and ensure high-quality, on-time delivery of design work. This position focuses on developing people, strengthening processes, and building a resilient, high-performing drafting organization that effectively supports engineering and manufacturing activities.ResponsibilitiesLead, coach, and develop a drafting and design team to achieve high performance and continuous improvement.Establish, document, and enforce CAD standards to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency across all design work.Set clear, measurable team goals and track progress to ensure timely and accurate completion of projects.Run a regular coaching and development cadence, including one-on-ones, feedback sessions, and performance discussions.Build and maintain clear career paths for drafting and design team members to support their professional growth.Partner closely with engineering managers and project leads to prioritize drafting work and align resources with project needs.Identify and remove roadblocks that impact team productivity, quality, or schedule adherence.Contribute technically as a hands-on Mechanical Designer when needed, producing detailed models and drawings using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools.Apply sound mechanical design principles, including GD&T, sheet metal, and machine design practices, to support complex engineering projects.Ensure that all drawings and models reflect constructability considerations, fabrication methods, and shop practices.Support project management activities by providing accurate estimates, timelines, and status updates for drafting tasks.Promote a people-first culture that values collaboration, accountability, and strong core values within the drafting organization.Essential Skills5+ years of hands-on drafter/designer experience using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.Proficiency in mechanical design and drafting, including 3D CAD modeling and 2D drawing creation.Strong experience with CAD management, including establishing and maintaining CAD standards.Working knowledge of SolidWorks and related CAD design tools.Understanding and application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing).Experience in sheet metal and machine design within mechanical engineering environments.Demonstrated experience coaching team members, running performance programs, and building development plans.Solid understanding of fabrication processes, shop practices, and constructability considerations.Ability to partner effectively with engineering managers and project leads to prioritize work and remove roadblocks.AA/AAS degree in Drafting, CAD, Engineering Technology, or a related field.Additional Skills & QualificationsExperience contributing to complex engineering projects as a hands-on mechanical designer.Experience in project management or coordinating drafting activities within engineering projects.Strong communication and interpersonal skills to support a people-first leadership approach.Ability to define clear career paths and growth opportunities for drafting and design professionals.Commitment to maintaining high quality standards and on-time delivery in a fast-paced environment.Work EnvironmentThis position is based in an onsite office environment where you will work closely with engineers, project leads, and drafting professionals. You will regularly use SolidWorks and other CAD tools to support mechanical design and drafting activities. The onsite setting encourages direct collaboration, quick problem-solving, and close alignment with fabrication and shop practices. The work culture emphasizes strong core values, a people-first mindset, and a supportive, team-oriented atmosphere.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Minneapolis, MN.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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)About ActalentActalent 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.