Design Engineer

Actalent; Whittier (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid time off

Life Insurance

Disability coverage

Job summary

Actalent seeks a Design Engineer in Whittier, CA to design and support cryogenic pumping systems and process equipment across the lifecycle, from 3D design to BOM and documentation.

This hands-on role offers cross‑functional collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and engineering in a small, supportive team with mentoring and growth opportunities. Expect active project ownership from concept to testing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 13 years of engineering experience; internships or co-op may be considered.
• Hands-on experience with 3D CAD software; Siemens NX highly preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for 2D drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and assembly docs.
• Knowledge of fluid dynamics and mechanical systems.
• Strong problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and layouts using Siemens NX or similar CAD software.
• Develop and revise 2D drawings using AutoCAD.
• Review requirements to ensure designs meet functional and performance needs.
• Create and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for projects.
• Develop general arrangement and detailed assembly drawings for pumping systems.
• Support design of pumping systems, rotating equipment, and fluid systems.
• Prepare manufacturing packages and project documentation for fabrication and assembly.
• Generate work instructions, test procedures, and manuals for production.
• Provide hands-on support to manufacturing, testing, and quality teams.
• Troubleshoot design and production issues and implement solutions.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, sales, and service teams.
• Participate in engineering reviews and continuous improvement.
• Own projects from design through manufacturing release and testing.
• Learn product lines quickly and apply knowledge to projects.
• Demonstrate accountability with minimal supervision.

Skills

3D CAD

Siemens NX

AutoCAD

Engineering drawings

BOMs

Fluid dynamics

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Title: Design Engineer

Job Description

Join a growing engineering team that designs and supports specialized cryogenic pumping systems and industrial process equipment used in critical applications across the industrial gas and energy sectors. In this hands‑on role, you will contribute across the full project lifecycle, from 3D design and customer drawings to BOM creation, manufacturing support, testing, and final project documentation. This opportunity is ideal for an early to intermediate career Mechanical Design Engineer who enjoys problem‑solving, learning new technologies, and collaborating closely with manufacturing, quality, and engineering teams in a small, supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D models, assemblies, and equipment layouts using Siemens NX or similar 3D CAD software.
• Develop and revise 2D engineering drawings using AutoCAD.
• Review project requirements and customer specifications to ensure designs meet functional and performance needs.
• Create and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs) for all assigned projects.
• Develop general arrangement drawings and detailed assembly drawings for industrial pumping systems and related equipment.
• Support the design and configuration of industrial pumping systems, rotating equipment, and associated fluid systems.
• Prepare complete manufacturing packages and production documentation to enable efficient fabrication and assembly.
• Generate clear work instructions, test procedures, manuals, and other project documentation to support production and testing activities.
• Provide hands‑on support to manufacturing, assembly, testing, and quality teams throughout project execution.
• Troubleshoot design and production‑related issues, recommending and implementing effective solutions.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, production, sales, and service teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Participate in engineering reviews and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality and process efficiency.
• Take ownership of projects from initial design through manufacturing release and testing, ensuring timely and accurate completion.
• Learn product lines, systems, and internal engineering processes quickly and apply this knowledge to ongoing projects.
• Demonstrate strong accountability by managing tasks with minimal supervision and knowing when to seek guidance or support.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 13 years of engineering experience; relevant internships or co‑op experience may be considered.
• Hands‑on experience with 3D CAD software; Siemens NX is highly preferred.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD for creating and modifying 2D engineering drawings.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, including layouts and assembly documentation.
• Strong understanding of engineering fundamentals, particularly fluid dynamics and mechanical systems.
• Demonstrated problem‑solving skills with the ability to analyze issues and develop practical solutions.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, for collaborating with cross‑functional teams.
• Self‑starter mindset with the ability to learn quickly and work independently.
• Comfort working in a role that requires wearing multiple hats and supporting projects from design through production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Direct experience using Siemens NX for 3D modeling and design.
• Experience creating and maintaining Bills of Materials (BOMs) in an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to P&IDs (Process and Instrumentation Diagrams) and their application in industrial systems.
• Previous experience in creating assembly drawings and detailed manufacturing documentation.
• Experience supporting manufacturing or production environments, including collaboration with shop floor teams.
• Exposure to pumps, rotating equipment, fluid systems, or industrial machinery.
• Hands‑on testing, quality, or production support experience related to mechanical systems or equipment.
• Experience taking projects from concept through manufacturing release and testing.
• Demonstrated ownership mentality, with a track record of managing projects from start to finish.
• Familiarity with other 3D CAD platforms such as Creo, Inventor, SolidEdge, or CATIA.
• Knowledge of fluid mechanics, arrangements, pumping systems, rotating equipment, assembly instructions, work instructions, test procedures, machining, and quality standards.

Work Environment

This is a 100% onsite position within a small, collaborative engineering team that values hands‑on involvement and project ownership. You will work in an environment that provides exposure to the full engineering lifecycle, including design, manufacturing, testing, quality, and project execution. The role offers the opportunity to work on highly specialized cryogenic and industrial process equipment, with visibility into projects ranging from smaller systems to high‑value industrial installations. You will receive mentorship from experienced engineers while maintaining a high level of autonomy, allowing you to develop a broad skill set beyond traditional CAD design work. The culture emphasizes collaboration, continuous learning, and meaningful contributions, giving you the chance to take ownership of projects early in your career and grow technically and professionally over the long term.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $48.00/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 Whittier,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 21, 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.