Design Engineer (Entry Level Bsme)

Actalent; Rockford (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Design / Quoting Engineer to support both product design and cost estimating activities in Rockford, IL. You will perform 3D mechanical design in SolidWorks and develop accurate customer quotations and proposals, collaborating with sales, engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams.

The role emphasizes manufacturing process understanding, cost estimation, and quotation development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Associate's degree with relevant experience.
• Experience with SolidWorks and mechanical design.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, costing, and quoting.
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D mechanical designs using SolidWorks
• Review customer RFQs, drawings, and technical specifications
• Develop cost estimates and customer quotations for manufactured products
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams to assess feasibility, lead times, and pricing
• Support customer and sales inquiries with technical information
• Maintain quote documentation and pricing records in ERP/CRM systems

Skills

Mechanical design

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Associate's degree with relevant experience

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Design / Quoting Engineer

We are seeking a Design Engineer to support both product design and cost estimating activities. This role combines 3D mechanical design in SolidWorks with the development of accurate customer quotations and proposals. The ideal candidate will work closely with sales, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, and customers to deliver technically sound and competitive solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and modify 3D mechanical designs using SolidWorks
• Review customer RFQs, drawings, and technical specifications
• Develop cost estimates and customer quotations for manufactured products
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and purchasing teams to assess feasibility, lead times, and pricing
• Support customer and sales inquiries with technical information
• Maintain quote documentation and pricing records in ERP/CRM systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Associate's degree with relevant experience
• Experience with SolidWorks and mechanical design
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, costing, and quoting
• Strong communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills

Preferred

• Experience preparing quotes, cost estimates, or proposals in a manufacturing environment
• Knowledge of machining, fabrication, or custom engineered products
• Sheet metal experience is a plus

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockford, IL.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $33.00/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 Rockford, IL. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.