Mechanical Design Engineer

ACTalent; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Disability Insurance

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off / PTO

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Design Engineer in Des Moines, IA to partner with structural engineers to design and model steel products, produce detailed blueprints and BOMs, and support field installation.

You will use CAD tools (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, Pro/ENGINEER) to create accurate 2D/3D models, review drawings, manage documentation, and collaborate with contractors and drafters to meet project timelines.

Qualifications

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Drafting, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of structural steel detailing experience preferred.
• Proficiency in detailing software such as AutoCAD, AutoDesk Inventor/Vault, SolidWorks, or similar CAD tools.
• Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings accurately.

Responsibilities

• Partner with structural engineers to design and model products meeting customer requirements and project specifications.
• Create detailed blueprints and BOMs to support offsite manufacturing.
• Develop and update 2D and 3D models using CAD software (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, Pro/ENGINEER).
• Prepare engineering drawings for sheet metal and steel structures.
• Apply GD&T to ensure precise and manufacturable designs.
• Review and interpret drawings to produce accurate detailing and layouts.
• Coordinate with subcontractors and installation teams to clarify design intent.
• Collaborate with engineers and drafters to coordinate project deliverables.

Skills

CAD tools

AutoCAD

Inventor

SolidWorks

Creo

GD&T

Reading drawings

BOM creation

Documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Associate or Bachelor degree in Drafting/Industrial Tech/Mechanical Eng

Tools

AutoDesk Inventor/Vault

SolidWorks

Creo

Pro/ENGINEER

Job description

Design Engineer

This role focuses on partnering with structural engineers to design and model products for customers, creating detailed blueprints and bills of material for offsite manufacturing, and supporting successful installation in the field. The design engineer contributes directly to project success by collaborating with engineers, drafters, contractors, and subcontractors, while using industry-standard CAD tools to deliver accurate, high-quality structural steel designs.

Responsibilities

• Partner with structural engineers to design and model products that meet customer requirements and project specifications.
• Create detailed blueprints and bills of material (BOM) to support efficient and accurate offsite manufacturing.
• Develop and update 2D and 3D models using CAD software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, or Pro/ENGINEER.
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings and drafting documentation for sheet metal and steel structures.
• Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles to ensure precise and manufacturable designs.
• Review and interpret structural and architectural drawings to produce accurate detailing and layout plans.
• Support engineering change orders by updating drawings, models, and documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Collaborate closely with subcontractors and contractors to clarify design intent and installation expectations.
• Work with internal teams, including engineers and other drafters, to coordinate project deliverables and resolve design issues.
• Ensure all designs align with steel fabrication and erection processes and incorporate practical constructability considerations.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy and detail in all drawings, models, and documentation.
• Manage workload effectively by prioritizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and contributing to overall project timelines.
• Communicate clearly with team members and stakeholders to provide updates, address questions, and support project objectives.

Essential Skills

• Associates or Bachelors degree in Drafting, Industrial Technology, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2+ years of structural steel detailing experience preferred, with openness to entry-level candidates who have relevant education or training.
• Proficiency in detailing software such as AutoCAD, AutoDesk Inventor/Vault, SolidWorks, or similar CAD tools.
• Ability to read and interpret structural and architectural drawings accurately.
• Experience in design, drafting, and modeling of sheet metal and steel structures.
• Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
• Ability to create and manage blueprints and bills of material (BOM) for manufacturing.
• Competence in handling engineering change orders and updating documentation accordingly.
• Strong attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate across engineering and drafting teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple projects and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Strong understanding of steel fabrication and erection processes is a plus.
• Experience with structural steel detailing in a professional environment is preferred.
• Familiarity with tools such as Inventor, SolidWorks, Creo, Pro/ENGINEER, and related design software.
• Comfort working in a collaborative environment with engineers, drafters, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Demonstrated commitment to accuracy, quality, and continuous improvement in design work.
• Ability to adapt to a flexible, non-corporate work culture focused on growth and autonomy.

Work Environment

The role is based in a small office environment with approximately 15 employees, creating a close-knit, family-like atmosphere rather than a traditional corporate setting. Design engineers work closely with engineers and other drafters on a daily basis, fostering strong collaboration and knowledge sharing. The culture is laid-back and flexible, with lenient expectations around arrival and departure times as long as work is completed and project commitments are met. The organization emphasizes growth opportunities, offering weekly and monthly incentives and bonuses, as well as substantial potential for career advancement.

Employees receive comprehensive benefits, including fully covered healthcare and a 401(k) plan with a company match. The environment supports autonomy, professional development, and a balanced approach to work while maintaining high standards of quality and accuracy in all projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.85 - $31.25/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).

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

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.