Mechanical Designer

This Mechanical Designer role focuses on developing detailed 3D CAD models and precise 2D drawings to support complex machinery and industrial systems, including work on large aerostat airships. You will translate concepts and sketches into manufacturable designs, revise existing drawings to reflect design changes, and ensure all work aligns with established standards and tolerances. The position offers interesting, technically challenging projects in a structured engineering environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models from initial sketches, concepts, and engineering inputs using SolidWorks and Creo.
• Create accurate 2D production and assembly drawings that clearly define dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication details.
• Revise and update existing engineering drawings to incorporate design changes, improvements, and corrections.
• Ensure all designs meet internal standards, industry practices, and specified tolerances for form, fit, and function.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other team members to solve design challenges and refine concepts.
• Apply knowledge of machinery and industrial systems to produce robust, manufacturable designs.
• Incorporate manufacturing process considerations into designs to optimize cost, quality, and ease of production.
• Follow established standards for design, drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing, including MIL and ANSI standards.
• Communicate design intent, changes, and technical information clearly in both written and oral form.
• Support engineering documentation and configuration control by maintaining accurate and up-to-date CAD files and drawings.

• Proven experience as a mechanical designer with a focus on machinery or industrial systems.
• Hands-on experience with both SolidWorks and Creo CAD software.
• Minimum of five years of drafting experience, including at least three years of experience on one or more CAD systems.
• Drafting experience covering multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, and aeronautical.
• Strong mechanical design skills with the ability to translate concepts into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Thorough background in algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials.
• Good working knowledge of manufacturing processes and how design decisions affect cost and producibility.
• Familiarity with standards for design, drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing, including MIL-STD-, MIL-STD-12, and ANSI Y14.100 series.
• Ability to ensure designs meet specified tolerances and internal engineering standards.
• Effective communication skills to pass and receive information, ideas, and processes in both written and oral form.

• Experience supporting complex systems such as aerostats or large airships is a plus.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary engineering environments involving mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, or aeronautical disciplines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and cross-functional teams to resolve design issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high-quality drawings and models.
• Capability to manage multiple design tasks and revisions while maintaining documentation accuracy.

This role operates in an engineering environment within an office setting, working primarily with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and Creo to support the design of machinery, industrial systems, and large aerostat airships. The organization follows a 9/80 schedule, providing a structured workweek with every other Friday typically off, supporting work–life balance. You will collaborate closely with engineers and technical staff in a professional, process-driven setting that emphasizes adherence to established design and drafting standards.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $42.50/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Columbia,MD.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 25, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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 - $43