CAD Engineer

Actalent is seeking a CAD Engineer to design and develop hydraulic equipment and steel framing solutions for aerospace and construction applications.

About the role

This position focuses on creating layouts and assemblies in SolidWorks or AutoCAD, integrating multiple components within defined frames, and collaborating closely with production technicians to troubleshoot and refine designs during manufacturing. The role is ideal for a creative, hands-on engineer who enjoys machinery, problem-solving, and working on a variety of mechanical projects.

The CAD Engineer will work primarily in an office setting, spending approximately 75–80% of their time in a cubicle environment focused on design work and documentation. The remaining 15–20% of the time will be spent on the production floor, collaborating directly with technicians and observing equipment as it is built and tested, allowing for real-time troubleshooting and design adjustments.

This is a Contract to Hire, fully onsite position based in Maryland Heights, MO.

Responsibilities

• Design hydraulic equipment and related mechanical systems for use in aerospace and construction applications.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD, including layouts, assemblies, and component designs.
• Integrate multiple x, y, z components into specified frames, ensuring proper fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Drop parts into assemblies, create initial layouts, and develop rough sketches in SolidWorks to validate design concepts.
• Design steel framing structures, including doors, panels, and related mechanical elements.
• Collaborate with production floor technicians to troubleshoot and refine designs in real time as equipment moves into production.
• Review and adjust designs based on feedback from manufacturing, addressing fit, function, and assembly issues.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Work independently and proactively to move projects forward, demonstrating a go-getter attitude and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Participate in machinery and machine build activities, supporting the assembly and testing of designed equipment.
• Use creativity and practical mechanical experience to solve complex design and integration challenges.
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between design intent and production capabilities.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD for mechanical design.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience designing mechanical systems, including hydraulic equipment or similar machinery.
• Ability to design steel framing structures such as doors, panels, and support frames.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding of mechanical design principles.
• Hands-on experience working with machinery, farm equipment, cars, or similar mechanical projects.
• Willingness to work both at a desk and on the production floor, getting hands-on with equipment and prototypes.
• Ability to troubleshoot designs in collaboration with technicians and adjust models based on real-world findings.
• Creative and independent working style with a proactive, go-getter attitude.
• Comfort with wearing multiple hats in a machine build environment and contributing across stages of design and production.

Qualifications

• Hydraulic systems experience or knowledge is preferred.
• Experience with machinery and machine build projects is highly desirable.
• Background or education in mechanical engineering or a related field is beneficial.
• Personal interest in mechanical projects, such as working on vehicles, farm equipment, or home machinery projects, is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including technicians and production staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively about design constraints and integration challenges.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $31.25–$34.00 per hour.

Benefits

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:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)