Mechanical Designer

Actalent; Chambersburg (Franklin County); On-site; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Chambersburg, PA seeks a Designer to draft and design ventilated workstations and related equipment for lab and pharmaceutical environments. You will create 2D/3D drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD, emphasizing sheet metal fabrication in stainless steel.

The role involves coordinating with fabrication teams, documenting specifications, and supporting on-time project delivery in a small shop setting. This onsite contract-to-hire position offers room for growth.

Qualifications

• 2D and 3D drawings and models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Design lab, research, and pharmaceutical equipment including workstations, tables, and cabinets.
• Apply sheet metal design principles for stainless steel fabrication.
• Collaborate with fabrication and manufacturing teams to ensure feasible designs.
• Prepare clear documentation and drawings for manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Design laboratory, research, and pharmaceutical equipment including workstations, tables, surgical equipment, animal care equipment, cabinets, and related components.
• Apply sheet metal design principles to develop manufacturable parts and assemblies, particularly in stainless steel fabrication.
• Collaborate with fabrication and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, accurate, and aligned with production capabilities.
• Prepare and maintain clear, complete, and accurate documentation, drawings, and specifications for use in the manufacturing environment.
• Use Microsoft Office tools to support project documentation, communication, and tracking.
• Participate in project management activities, including coordinating design tasks, monitoring progress, and supporting on-time delivery of projects.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues in both office and shop settings to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and support continuous improvement.
• Ensure all designs meet quality, safety, and functional requirements appropriate for laboratory and research applications.

Skills

Drafting accuracy

Team collaboration

Communication

MS Office

Education

Associate degree in drafting/design or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Sheet metal design

Job description

Job Title: Designer Job Description
This role focuses on drafting and designing custom ventilated workstations and related equipment for laboratory, research, and pharmaceutical environments. The Designer uses both AutoCAD and SolidWorks 3D design software to create detailed drawings and models for products such as workstations, tables, surgical equipment, animal care equipment, cabinets, and other fabricated components, with a strong emphasis on sheet metal design and stainless steel fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 2D and 3D drawings and models using SolidWorks and AutoCAD for custom ventilated workstations and associated equipment.
• Design laboratory, research, and pharmaceutical equipment including workstations, tables, surgical equipment, animal care equipment, cabinets, and related components.
• Apply sheet metal design principles to develop manufacturable parts and assemblies, particularly in stainless steel fabrication.
• Collaborate with fabrication and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical, accurate, and aligned with production capabilities.
• Prepare and maintain clear, complete, and accurate documentation, drawings, and specifications for use in the manufacturing environment.
• Use Microsoft Office tools to support project documentation, communication, and tracking.
• Participate in project management activities, including coordinating design tasks, monitoring progress, and supporting on-time delivery of projects.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues in both office and shop settings to clarify requirements, resolve design issues, and support continuous improvement.
• Ensure all designs meet quality, safety, and functional requirements appropriate for laboratory and research applications.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency with SolidWorks 3D CAD design software, including at least 2 years of experience using SolidWorks.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, including at least 2 years of experience using AutoCAD.
• Hands-on experience with sheet metal design, particularly for fabricated and stainless steel components.
• Ability to produce accurate, detailed technical drawings and models for fabrication and manufacturing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for documenting designs and collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications to support documentation and project coordination.
• Understanding of fabrication processes and steel manufacturing environments.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree or completion of technical or vocational schooling in drafting, design, engineering technology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working in or supporting stainless steel fabrication and manufacturing operations.
• Exposure to project management activities, including organizing tasks and supporting project timelines.
• Ability to work effectively in a small, collaborative team environment.
• Attention to detail and a strong focus on producing high-quality, manufacturable designs.

Work Environment

The role is based in a stainless steel fabrication and manufacturing setting, with work performed in an office located near plant workshops. The shop is clean and focused on stainless steel production, providing close interaction between design and fabrication teams. The position typically involves a 70/30 split between office and shop, allowing the Designer to spend most of the time on design work while regularly engaging with the manufacturing floor. The environment is relaxed and friendly, with a small team of approximately 20–25 people who work well together. Casual attire is acceptable, and shorts are allowed during the summer, contributing to an easy-going atmosphere where music is part of the daily shop experience.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chambersburg, PA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $20.00/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 Chambersburg,PA.

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.