Design Engineer - Product Development & Innovation

Build Products. Solve Problems. Drive Innovation.

Are you an engineer who enjoys creating new products, testing ideas, and seeing your designs become reality? We're looking for a Design Engineer who is passionate about product development, innovation, and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to move beyond traditional design work and play a key role in research & development, prototyping, product testing, and new product launches.

You'll work closely with leadership, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions from initial concept through production, helping shape the future of our products and technology.

Why Join Us?

• Work on new product development and innovation initiatives
• Participate in hands-on prototyping, testing, and product validation
• Influence products from concept through production launch
• Collaborate directly with leadership and key decision-makers
• See your ideas quickly move from concept to reality
• Join a growing organization that values creativity, engineering expertise, and continuous improvement
• Make a visible impact on products used across multiple industries

Key Responsibilities

Product Design & Development

• Design and develop new products, equipment, and mechanical solutions that meet customer and market needs
• Create and maintain 3D models, assemblies, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation
• Lead projects through concept development, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing implementation
• Support product enhancements, value engineering, and cost-reduction initiatives

Research & Development

• Participate in R&D activities focused on new technologies, materials, and product innovations
• Design, build, and evaluate prototypes to validate concepts and optimize performance
• Research emerging materials, components, and manufacturing techniques
• Identify opportunities to expand product offerings and improve existing designs

Engineering Analysis & Testing

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

Manufacturing & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, Sales, and Leadership teams throughout the development process
• Conduct design-for-manufacturing reviews and support production launches
• Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs)
• Assist with product costing, project scheduling, and implementation planning

Continuous Improvement

• Maintain engineering documentation, test reports, and design records
• Support quality, efficiency, and process improvement initiatives
• Provide technical expertise and problem-solving support across the organization

Qualifications

Required

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

Preferred

• Experience with sheet metal fabrication, welding, hydraulics, plastics, or related manufacturing processes
• Background in prototype development and product testing
• Project management experience with multiple concurrent projects
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an engineer who is curious, innovative, and hands-on. The ideal candidate enjoys solving technical challenges, building prototypes, testing ideas, and working collaboratively to bring new products to market. You'll thrive in an environment where creativity is encouraged, initiative is valued, and engineers have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of the business.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package
• Comprehensive benefits
• Career growth and advancement opportunities
• Direct interaction with company leadership
• Exposure to new product development and R&D initiatives
• Collaborative, team-oriented culture
• Opportunity to help shape future products and technologies

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

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $57.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in North Sioux City,SD.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.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.

Salary : $40 - $57