Designer

Actalent; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Paid time off

Parental leave

Specialized employer

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Designer I in Ann Arbor, MI, to design, document, and release models, drawings, and BOMs for battery-related components. You will collaborate with engineers and suppliers across the product lifecycle, applying GD&T and performing FEA to ensure fit, function, and quality.

The role emphasizes accuracy, revision control, and on-site work with prototype builds, design reviews, and data analysis, supporting continuous improvement and safe, reliable power solutions.

Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline.
• 1–5 years of design experience using SolidWorks or a comparable CAD platform.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software for models, drawings, assemblies, and work in a revision-controlled environment.
• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience with BOM management and drawing release within a PDM or document control system.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise CAD models, drawings, and BOMs in a revision-controlled environment.
• Generate detailed design concepts and support engineering teams throughout the development cycle.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T to part and assembly drawings.
• Conduct upfront finite element analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Simulation tools to evaluate structural performance.
• Define critical characteristics and inspection criteria for components and assemblies.
• Support prototype supplier sourcing and manage technical communication with external partners.

Skills

CAD modeling

GD&T proficiency

Cross-functional collaboration

Excel data analysis

Education

Associate degree or higher in a technical discipline

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM / document control

Job description

Job Title: Designer I

The Designer I designs, develops, and releases models, drawings, and bills of materials (BOMs) for battery cells, modules, and packs used in government, military, aerospace, and other high-performance specialty markets. This role supports the full product lifecycle—from concept design through successful production launch—by creating accurate design documentation, supporting prototype builds, and actively participating in design reviews. The Designer I collaborates closely with engineers, suppliers, and cross-functional teams to ensure that designs meet functional, manufacturability, and quality requirements while adhering to established procedures and maintaining high standards of accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Create and revise CAD models, drawings, and BOMs in a revision-controlled environment.
• Generate detailed design concepts and support engineering teams throughout the development cycle from concept to production.
• Perform tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T to part and assembly drawings to ensure proper fit and function.
• Conduct upfront finite element analysis (FEA) using SolidWorks Simulation tools to evaluate structural performance.
• Define critical characteristics and inspection criteria for components and assemblies to support quality and reliability.
• Support prototype supplier sourcing and manage technical communication with external partners.
• Manage prototype part acquisition, including coordination of ordering, inspection, and initial assembly activities.
• Prepare comprehensive design review packages and complete follow-up actions arising from review feedback.
• Design fixtures and tooling required for prototype builds and measurement activities.
• Support measurement activities for critical characteristics both internally and at supplier locations.
• Meet team targets and key performance indicators (KPIs) while contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Follow all safety guidelines and maintain a safe and orderly work environment.
• Maintain a reliable on-site presence and support occasional work on weekends or holidays as project needs require.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support engineering, prototyping, and product development activities.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s degree or higher in a technical discipline.
• 1–5 years of design experience using SolidWorks or a comparable CAD platform.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD software for models, drawings, assemblies, and work in a revision-controlled environment.
• Strong understanding and practical application of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience designing structural components using molding, casting, machining, or additive manufacturing processes.
• Experience with BOM management and drawing release within a PDM or document control system.
• Ability to perform basic FEA using SolidWorks Simulation tools.
• Experience supporting products that involve electrical assemblies.
• Strong verbal, written, and visual communication skills for cross-functional collaboration and documentation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Ability to follow structured processes and maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with sheet metal or stamped components.
• Battery system product development experience.
• Exposure to phase-gate product development processes.
• Design for Six Sigma project experience.
• Assembly design experience across complex mechanical and electro-mechanical systems.

Work Environment

The role operates in a temperature-controlled engineering and prototype environment that supports high-performance energy solutions. The position involves hands‑on work with prototype parts, assemblies, and measurement activities, requiring consistent on‑site presence to support engineering, prototyping, and design review activities. Occasional extended hours, weekends, or holidays may be required based on project demands. The culture emphasizes innovation, precision, continuous improvement, and technical excellence, offering opportunities to work on cutting‑edge battery technologies for aerospace, defense, and specialty markets. Employees benefit from a collaborative engineering environment where design work directly impacts real‑world applications and provides exposure to the full product lifecycle, supported by strong teamwork and a focus on professional growth.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Ann Arbor, MI.

Pay And Benefits

• The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $80000.00/yr.
• 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.
• 401k pto parental leave specalized employer

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Ann Arbor,MI.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 4, 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.