Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Design Engineer – Product Development & InnovationOverview

We are seeking a highly motivated Design Engineer who is passionate about product development, innovation, and bringing new ideas to life. This role offers a unique opportunity to work beyond traditional design engineering by actively contributing to research and development (R&D), prototyping, testing, and new product innovation .

The ideal candidate will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and improve products from concept through production. If you enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, building prototypes, testing new ideas, and seeing your designs become real-world products, this is an exciting opportunity to make a direct impact within a growing organization.

What Makes This Opportunity Unique

• Work directly on new product development and innovation initiatives
• Participate in hands-on prototyping, testing, and product validation
• Collaborate closely with leadership and key decision-makers
• Have a visible impact on products used by customers across multiple industries
• Influence design decisions from concept through production launch
• Join a company that values creativity, engineering expertise, and continuous improvement
• Work in an environment where your ideas can quickly move from concept to reality

Key ResponsibilitiesProduct Design & Development

• Design and develop innovative products and solutions based on customer requirements, market demands, and emerging opportunities.
• Create detailed 3D models, drawings, assemblies, and engineering documentation.
• Drive projects from concept development through prototyping, testing, and production implementation.
• Support continuous product improvement initiatives and cost-reduction efforts.

Research & Development

• Participate in R&D efforts focused on new technologies, products, and manufacturing techniques.
• Design, build, and evaluate prototypes to validate concepts and improve performance.
• Research new materials, components, and manufacturing processes to enhance product capabilities.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and expanded product offerings.

Engineering Analysis & Testing

• Perform engineering calculations and analyses on components, welded structures, and assemblies.
• Develop and execute testing plans to verify performance, durability, and reliability.
• Analyze test results and recommend design improvements.
• Ensure products meet functional, safety, quality, and performance requirements.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Manufacturing, Operations, Procurement, Sales, Marketing, and Leadership teams.
• Conduct design-for-manufacturability reviews and support production launches.
• Manage bills of materials and assist with product cost evaluations.
• Coordinate project timelines and development activities to meet business objectives.

Documentation & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, reports, test records, and design files.
• Support process improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, and product performance.
• Provide technical expertise and problem-solving support across the organization.

QualificationsRequired

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 4+ years of engineering experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as:
  • SolidWorks
  • Inventor
  • AutoCAD
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.

Preferred

• Experience with welding, sheet metal fabrication, hydraulics, plastics, or related manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with product testing and prototype development.
• Project management experience with the ability to prioritize multiple initiatives.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is curious, creative, and energized by building something new. They enjoy balancing engineering analysis with hands-on problem-solving and are excited by the opportunity to work on products from initial concept through prototype development and production launch.

You thrive in an environment where innovation is encouraged, collaboration is valued, and engineers are empowered to make meaningful contributions to the future direction of products and technology.

Work Environment & Benefits

This position is based in a collaborative manufacturing environment and requires in-person attendance. You'll work alongside experienced professionals in a stable, growing organization that offers:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Direct access to leadership and decision-makers
• Career growth opportunities
• Exposure to new product development and R&D initiatives
• A team-oriented culture where your ideas are heard and valued

If you're looking for a role where you can design, innovate, prototype, and help shape the next generation of products, we'd love to hear from you.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of North Sioux City, SD.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $57.00/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 fully onsite position in North Sioux City,SD.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 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.