Mechanical Designer

Mechanical Designer
Design the Systems Behind Next-Generation Engineering Projects

Are you a skilled Mechanical Designer who enjoys bringing complex concepts to life through detailed 3D modeling and precision engineering documentation?
We're seeking a talented Mechanical Designer to join a highly collaborative engineering team responsible for developing custom mechanical systems, equipment, and facilities supporting cutting-edge industrial and aerospace applications. This role offers the opportunity to work on unique, one-of-a-kind projects where no two designs are alike.
If you enjoy solving challenging engineering problems, creating high-quality CAD models, and working closely with engineers throughout the design process, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

What You'll Do

As a Mechanical Designer, you'll be responsible for transforming engineering concepts into detailed 3D models, fabrication drawings, and manufacturing documentation that support complex mechanical systems and large-scale equipment.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and release detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Create designs for:
• Welded Steel Structures
• Pressure Vessels
• Piping Systems
• Rotating Equipment
• Mechanical Mechanisms
• Pneumatic Systems
• Hydraulic Systems
• Cooling Water Systems
• Process Equipment
• Verify proper fit, function, and clearances to ensure reliable operation and manufacturability.
• Collaborate with engineers to develop layouts, equipment configurations, and conceptual designs.
• Prepare models for engineering analysis and design reviews.
• Produce detailed fabrication and assembly drawings using ANSI drafting standards and GD&T principles.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Material (BOMs) and design documentation.
• Manage drawing releases, revisions, and engineering changes through PDM systems.
• Support fabrication, procurement, assembly, and installation teams throughout project execution.
• Research and select commercially available components to improve efficiency and reduce custom fabrication costs.
• Incorporate field feedback, redlines, and lessons learned into future design iterations.
• Contribute to new product development, system upgrades, and continuous improvement initiatives.

What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications

• Associate's Degree, Technical Diploma, or equivalent experience in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design and drafting experience within industrial equipment, aerospace, manufacturing, or complex engineered systems environments.
• Strong proficiency with 3D CAD software:
• SolidWorks preferred
• CREO, Inventor, or similar platforms considered
• Experience creating detailed fabrication and assembly drawings from 3D models.
• Strong understanding of:
• Weldments
• Sheet Metal Design
• Mechanical Assemblies
• Structural Components
• Manufacturing Processes
• Working knowledge of GD&T and ANSI Y14.5 drafting standards.
• Experience utilizing PDM systems for revision control and drawing releases.
• Familiarity with ERP systems and engineering documentation workflows.
• General understanding of fabrication methods including welding, machining, forming, and additive manufacturing.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Experience

Candidates with experience in any of the following areas are highly encouraged to apply:

• Aerospace Systems
• Testing Facilities
• Industrial Equipment
• Process Systems
• Energy Infrastructure
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Mechanical R&D Environments
• New Product Development

Additional strengths include:

• Wind Tunnel or Test Facility Design
• Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
• Pressure Vessel Design
• AutoCAD Experience
• Electrical/Mechanical Interface Coordination
• BOM and Configuration Management
• Engineering Change Control Processes

What Makes You Successful

You're more than a CAD user, you're a problem solver.
You understand how designs move from concept to fabrication and know how to create models and drawings that support successful manufacturing and assembly. You enjoy collaborating with engineers, communicating across departments, and finding practical solutions to complex design challenges.
You take pride in accuracy, pay close attention to detail, and understand the importance of delivering quality work on schedule.

Why Join This Opportunity?

Work on highly customized, technically challenging engineering projects
Design complex mechanical systems that push engineering boundaries
Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams
Exposure to advanced equipment, facilities, and new product development efforts
Growing organization with long-term career advancement opportunities
Opportunity to have a direct impact on innovative projects from concept through installation

Ideal Backgrounds

• Mechanical Designer
• Senior Mechanical Designer
• CAD Designer
• Mechanical Drafter
• Design Engineer
• Equipment Designer
• Mechanical Design Specialist
• SolidWorks Designer
• Product Designer
• Mechanical CAD Technician

Ready to Build Something Extraordinary?

If you're passionate about mechanical design, enjoy solving complex engineering challenges, and want to work on innovative projects that require creativity and technical expertise, we'd love to hear from you. Join a team where your designs move beyond the screen and become reality.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Saint Paul, MN.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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 hybrid position in Saint Paul,MN.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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.