Mechanical Designer

Actalent; Poway (CA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) plan

Life Insurance

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Actalent in Poway, CA seeks a senior Mechanical Designer to own drawing, modeling, and sustainment projects, guiding complex CAD work and coordinating with engineering teams.

The role requires 9+ years of CAD experience, proficiency in Creo, NX, and SolidWorks, and a strong grasp of ANSI Y14.5. Hybrid work is offered on a contract basis with a 9/80 schedule.

Qualifications

• Progressive 3D CAD design experience with 9+ years.
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles and ANSI Y14.5.
• Proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks.
• Experience leading drawing updates and engineering change activities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute drawing, modeling, and sustainment projects.
• Lead engineering drawing updates and change management activities.
• Create and modify complex 3D models and assemblies.
• Interpret engineering requirements and develop design solutions independently.
• Provide guidance to less-experienced drafting and design personnel.
• Drive projects to completion with minimal oversight.

Skills

CAD design experience

ANSI Y14.5

Creo/NX/SolidWorks

drawing updates & ECAs

communication skills

Education

AS degree with 7+ years experience

High School Diploma with 9+ years experience

Tools

Creo

NX

SolidWorks

AutoCAD/CATIA acceptable

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical DesignerJob Description

The Designer 4 is a senior-level role responsible for owning drawing and sustainment projects from initiation through completion. This position requires extensive modeling experience, strong engineering design knowledge, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Own and execute drawing, modeling, and sustainment projects.
• Lead engineering drawing updates and change management activities.
• Create and modify complex 3D models and assemblies.
• Interpret engineering requirements and develop design solutions independently.
• Provide guidance to less-experienced drafting and design personnel.
• Drive projects to completion with minimal oversight.

Essential Skills

• Associate degree or equivalent technical training with 9+ years of progressive 3D CAD design experience.
• Strong understanding of engineering design principles, drawing standards, and ANSI Y14.5.
• Advanced proficiency in CAD tools such as Creo, NX, SolidWorks, or similar.
• Experience leading complex drawing updates, modeling efforts, and engineering change activities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with any CAD software (Creo preferred, NX/SolidWorks/AutoCAD/CATIA acceptable).
• Engineering drawing understanding.
• AS degree with 7+ years experience OR High School Diploma with 9+ years work experience.

Work Environment

This role supports the Engines and Propulsion Systems team, working directly with engineering teams to execute drawing updates, documentation releases, and sustainment efforts across multiple aerospace programs. The work environment offers a collaborative engineering setting with opportunities for hybrid work flexibility after onboarding. The schedule includes a 9/80 work schedule, providing every other Friday off.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $39.00 - $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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Poway, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 27, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Poway,CA.

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.