Design Engineer

Actalent is seeking a Design Engineer for a contract-to-hire position based in Albert Lea, MN.

About the role

The Design Engineer performs complex mechanical design and analysis to develop safe, reliable, and manufacturable products. This role blends hands-on involvement with equipment and experimental builds with technical responsibilities in stress, vibration, and structural analysis. The position uses advanced engineering calculations and CAD tools to create and evaluate designs, leads major design projects through the full product lifecycle, and supports manufacturing, testing, and commissioning activities.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex engineering calculations using algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric formulas to support product design and analysis.
• Utilize standard product engineering data to create accurate and efficient product configurations.
• Evaluate designs to ensure they operate safely, reliably, and effectively over extended periods of use.
• Employ computer-aided design (CAD) tools, particularly SolidWorks, to develop detailed 3D models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Conduct stress and vibration simulations and analyses to verify structural integrity and performance of products.
• Serve as project lead for major design initiatives, coordinating activities and providing technical direction to designers and drafters.
• Oversee new product designs through all stages of the manufacturing process, from concept and design to production support.
• Supervise and participate in experimental manufacturing and testing of prototypes and finished products to validate design intent.
• Assist with assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning of equipment to ensure successful implementation and operation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address design issues, optimize manufacturability, and maintain project schedules.
• Manage time and priorities effectively to ensure projects and deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Apply knowledge of structural and equipment design to develop robust, practical, and cost-effective engineering solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or at least 5 years of experience in a related engineering or design field.
• Strong mechanical design and design engineering background, with experience in mechanical engineering and mechanical design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD, specifically SolidWorks, for creating detailed product designs, models, and drawings.
• Technical knowledge and demonstrated ability to perform stress and vibration analysis on products.
• Experience or familiarity with structural and equipment design.
• Ability to effectively manage time and handle multiple tasks to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
• Ability to assist with and understand assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning of mechanical equipment.

Skills

• Experience designing pneumatic systems is a plus.
• Experience designing hydraulic systems is a plus.
• Experience designing electrical systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical design using SolidWorks Electrical is beneficial.
• Basic programming knowledge related to equipment or controls is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including lasers, brakes, machining, welding, and related fabrication methods.
• Experience supervising or guiding other designers and drafters is advantageous.
• Experience participating in experimental manufacturing and testing of prototypes or finished products is preferred.

Work Environment

The Design Engineer works in a professional engineering and manufacturing environment that combines office-based design tasks with hands-on activities in shop or test areas. The role involves extensive use of computer-aided design tools, primarily SolidWorks and related simulation software, to create and analyze mechanical and structural designs. The engineer collaborates closely with manufacturing teams and may spend time on the production floor overseeing builds, supporting experimental manufacturing, and participating in testing and commissioning of equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and quality, with regular interaction across engineering, production, and testing functions to ensure designs are manufacturable and perform as intended.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00 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 the following:

• 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)

Schedule

This is a fully onsite, contract-to-hire position in Albert Lea, MN.