Designer

Actalent connects visionary companies with specialized experts in engineering and sciences to advance innovation and scale. This is a Contract to Hire position based in Hudson, WI.

About the role

This role focuses on designing standard and customized metal fabrications using SolidWorks in a collaborative, creative environment. You will serve as the team’s SolidWorks subject matter expert and create detailed designs that support a heavy industrial fabrication shop. The position offers a strong work/life balance, competitive benefits for a smaller organization, and the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects that showcase both technical and creative skills.

Responsibilities

• Design standard and customized metal fabrications using SolidWorks, ensuring accuracy and manufacturability.
• Prepare detailed drawings of components and assemblies through SolidWorks, including dimensions, tolerances, and material specifications.
• Act as the team’s subject matter expert in SolidWorks, providing guidance, best practices, and support to colleagues.
• Collaborate closely with the shop team and leadership to review designs and implement modifications as needed.
• Interpret and work from blueprints, engineering drawings, and technical documentation to develop or update designs.
• Design heavy weldments and sheet metal components suitable for a heavy industrial fabrication environment.
• Support projects ranging in duration from short two-day tasks to longer two-month initiatives, adapting to changing priorities.
• Apply mechanical design principles and mathematical skills to solve design challenges and optimize fabrication processes.
• Partner with welding and fabrication personnel to ensure designs align with welding practices, fabrication capabilities, and safety considerations.
• Maintain a high level of detail and accuracy in all design work while incorporating creative solutions to meet customer and production needs.

Requirements

• 1–3 years of experience in SolidWorks design, with a focus on mechanical design.
• Experience designing heavy weldments and sheet metal components.
• Proficiency in preparing detailed SolidWorks drawings for fabrication.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints and engineering drawings.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and mathematical skills applied to design work.
• Detail-oriented approach with the ability to produce accurate, manufacturable designs.
• Subject matter expertise in SolidWorks or the ability to quickly become the primary SolidWorks expert on the team.
• 2–3 years of experience in heavy industrial sheet metal fabrication.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with shop teams and leadership on design modifications.

Qualifications

• Certification such as CSWA (Certified SolidWorks Associate) is a strong plus.
• Experience in welding or experience working closely with welding processes is a significant advantage.
• Experience with sheet metal design in a fabrication environment.
• Associate’s degree related to SolidWorks, mechanical design, or a similar technical discipline is preferred.
• Experience in the wood industry with a desire to transition into metal fabrication will be considered.
• Creative mindset with the ability to balance aesthetics, functionality, and manufacturability.

Work Environment

The role is based in a heavy industrial fabrication shop that focuses on welding and metal fabrication, while the day-to-day work is primarily computer and desk-based using SolidWorks. You will work closely with production and welding teams in a hands-on, practical environment, yet spend most of your time in a design setting. The organization emphasizes work/life balance and does not require weekend work. Additional welding stations have been added to support daytime production and avoid night shifts. The company offers a stable and well-established customer base and a workplace culture reflected in long average employee tenure.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 & vision
• 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 position in Hudson, WI. The role emphasizes work/life balance and does not require weekend work or night shifts.