Design Engineer

Actalent; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to design and develop aerospace and defense components. You will create 3D models and drawings in SolidWorks and drive projects from concept through testing into production.

You will collaborate with customers, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to resolve design challenges and will mentor junior engineers. The position is based in Glendale, CA as a contract-to-hire role with onsite work.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or electro‑mechanical products.
• Strong SolidWorks and 3D CAD experience.
• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical design principles.
• Experience designing machined, molded, stamped, or electro‑mechanical components.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Strong project management and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop aerospace and defense components such as connectors, cable assemblies, and other electro‑mechanical products.
• Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.
• Take products from concept through testing and into production.
• Work with customers, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to solve design challenges.
• Improve products for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Support testing, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations.
• Mentor junior engineers and help lead engineering projects.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Manufacturing processes

Project management

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

Senior Design EngineerWhat You’ll Do

• Design and develop aerospace and defense components such as connectors, cable assemblies, and other electro‑mechanical products.

• Create 3D models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks.

• Take products from concept through testing and into production.

• Work with customers, manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams to solve design challenges.

• Improve products for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.

• Support testing, troubleshooting, and root cause investigations.

• Mentor junior engineers and help lead engineering projects.

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or electro‑mechanical products.

• Strong SolidWorks and 3D CAD experience.

• Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical design principles.

• Experience designing machined, molded, stamped, or electro‑mechanical components.

• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as CNC machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.

• Strong project management and communication skills.

Nice to Have

• Experience with connectors, cable assemblies, and interconnect systems.

• Knowledge of aerospace or military standards and product qualification testing.

• Experience working closely with manufacturing and quality teams.

• Leadership or mentoring experience.

Work Environment

• Mix of office and manufacturing floor work.

• Hands‑on collaboration with engineering and production teams.

• Opportunity to work on aerospace, defense, and space‑related products.

• Stable company with employee development opportunities and profit sharing

Summary

This engineer will design and develop the cables, connectors, and hardware that allow aerospace and defense equipment to connect and communicate. They use SolidWorks to create designs, work with manufacturing to build them, test them to ensure they work correctly, and help bring them into production. They also lead projects and mentor less experienced engineers.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $40.00 - $55.00/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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Glendale, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 3, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Glendale,CA.

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.