CAD Designer

Actalent; Lake Crystal (MN); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a CAD Designer for a contract-to-hire role in Lake Crystal, MN. The role focuses on creating accurate project and shop drawings to support safe, efficient manufacturing and fabrication using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.

You will collaborate with customers, vendors and internal teams to translate concepts into precise 2D/3D designs, contribute to process improvements, and ensure designs meet specifications and timelines.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Familiarity with sheet metal fabrication.
• Experience with 2D and 3D CAD drawing production.
• Proficient with Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed project and shop drawings that meet technical requirements and design specifications.
• Create accurate 2D and 3D drawings for fabrication and manufacturing.
• Assist fabrication teams by answering design-related questions during manufacturing.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to identify and implement process improvements based on design and production feedback.
• Provide clear and complete design information to support safe manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate with internal teams, vendors and customers to ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines.
• Apply knowledge of mechanical design, sheet metal and fabrication practices to produce manufacturable designs.
• Prepare and update drafting documentation reflecting design changes and project progress.

Skills

Mechanical design

Drafting

Manufacturing experience

Communication skills

Sheet metal

Education

Associate degree in technical field

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Revit

Job description

Job Description

This CAD Designer role focuses on creating accurate and detailed project and shop drawings that support safe and efficient manufacturing and fabrication processes. You will collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal manufacturing teams to translate concepts into precise 2D and 3D designs using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. The position offers exposure to a variety of projects in construction, mechanical, and fabrication environments, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and continuous process improvement.

Job Title: CAD Designer

This CAD Designer role focuses on creating accurate and detailed project and shop drawings that support safe and efficient manufacturing and fabrication processes. You will collaborate closely with customers, vendors, and internal manufacturing teams to translate concepts into precise 2D and 3D designs using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD. The position offers exposure to a variety of projects in construction, mechanical, and fabrication environments, with a strong emphasis on clear communication and continuous process improvement.

Responsibilities

• Work with customers to develop detailed project and shop drawings that meet technical requirements and design specifications.
• Create accurate 2D and 3D custom drawings using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD for use in fabrication and manufacturing.
• Assist fabrication teams by answering design-related questions that arise during the manufacturing process.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams to identify and implement process improvements based on design and production feedback.
• Provide clear and complete design information to support safe and efficient manufacturing processes.
• Coordinate and maintain a high level of communication with internal teams and external vendors and customers to ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines.
• Apply knowledge of mechanical design, sheet metal, and fabrication practices to produce practical and manufacturable designs.
• Prepare and update drafting and mechanical drafting documentation to reflect design changes and project progress.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with CAD software, including experience using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD for 2D and 3D design.
• Experience in mechanical design and drafting, with the ability to produce detailed and accurate technical drawings.
• Background in construction, mechanical, or fabrication environments.
• Understanding of fabrication processes, including sheet metal and mechanical components.
• Strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with customers, vendors, and internal manufacturing teams.
• Ability to support safe manufacturing processes through clear and complete design documentation.
• At least 1 year of experience working in a manufacturing environment, with fabrication experience preferred.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree in a technical field preferred.
• Experience with mechanical drafting and design in a production or fabrication setting.
• Familiarity with Revit as an additional design tool.
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
• Comfort working in environments related to construction, mechanical systems, or fabrication.

Work Environment

The role is based in a manufacturing and fabrication-focused environment where you collaborate closely with production and engineering teams. You will regularly use Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and other CAD tools to create 2D and 3D drawings that support real-world manufacturing processes. The work involves frequent interaction with internal stakeholders and external vendors and customers to ensure designs are practical, safe, and aligned with project requirements. Expect a setting that emphasizes process improvement, clear communication, and hands-on collaboration with fabrication and mechanical teams.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Lake Crystal, MN.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $35.00/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) Workplace Type This is a fully onsite position in Lake Crystal,MN. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Sep 28, 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 [e-mail] 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.