Mechanical Designer

Actalent; United States; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) retirement plan

PTO / Vacation

Life insurance

Disability coverage

HSA

Commuter benefits

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Designer to support our engineering team in Cincinnati, OH. The role focuses on creating detailed 2D/3D models, compiling documentation, and collaborating with engineers on complex components and systems.

Ideal candidates have 0–2 years of design experience or strong co-op internships, and familiarity with NX. This hybrid role begins with on-site training and transitions to a four-day remote work pattern with one on-site day weekly.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of mechanical design experience; strong co-op or internship experience in mechanical design preferred.
• Hands-on 2D and 3D modeling experience, ideally in a mechanical engineering context.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and NX for creating detailed models and drawings.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Ability to apply design principles to create manufacturable components and assemblies.
• Understanding of dimensioning and tolerancing practices for drawings.

Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical engineering team throughout the order fulfillment process by contributing to the design and documentation of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Create accurate 2D and 3D models using NX modeling software for a variety of projects.
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for applicable projects.
• Coordinate with the engineering team to ensure all design requirements and specifications are met.
• Calculate appropriate dimensioning and tolerances to ensure manufacturability and proper fit.
• Review drawings and design packages for accuracy and adherence to standards.
• Perform material selection based on design requirements and performance criteria.
• Assist with basic project management tasks such as tracking progress and aligning design work with timelines.

Skills

2D/3D modeling

NX modeling software

CAD tools

Attention to detail

Communication & teamwork

Manufacturability awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

NX modeling software

CAD tools

Job description

Mechanical Designer

Job Description

The Mechanical Designer will support the mechanical engineering team in fulfilling customer orders by creating detailed 2D and 3D models, preparing complete documentation, and collaborating closely with engineers to deliver high-quality mechanical designs. This role is ideal for early-career mechanical engineers who are eager to apply their academic background and co-op experience to real-world projects involving complex mechanical components and systems.

Responsibilities

• Support the mechanical engineering team throughout the order fulfillment process by contributing to the design and documentation of mechanical components and assemblies.
• Create accurate and detailed 2D and 3D models using NX modeling software for a variety of mechanical projects.
• Develop and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) for applicable projects, ensuring all parts, materials, and components are correctly specified and documented.
• Coordinate closely with the engineering team to complete full project designs, ensuring that all design requirements and specifications are met.
• Calculate appropriate dimensioning and tolerances for drawings to ensure manufacturability, proper fit, and reliable function of components and assemblies.
• Review completed drawings and design packages for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to internal standards and engineering best practices.
• Perform material selection for products based on design requirements, performance criteria, and project specifications.
• Contribute to project planning and execution by supporting basic project management activities as needed, such as tracking progress and aligning design work with project timelines.

Essential Skills

• 0–2 years of mechanical design experience; candidates with no professional experience should have strong co‑op or internship experience in mechanical design.
• Hands‑on experience with 2D and 3D modeling, preferably in a mechanical engineering or product design context.
• Proficiency with CAD tools and NX modeling software for creating detailed mechanical models and drawings.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent mechanical engineering discipline.
• Ability to apply mechanical design principles to create functional, manufacturable components and assemblies.
• Understanding of dimensioning and tolerance practices for mechanical drawings.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing drawings, models, and Bills of Materials.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills for working with engineering team members on shared projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and the ability to interpret and apply GD&T standards to mechanical drawings.
• Exposure to project management concepts, including organizing tasks, monitoring progress, and supporting on‑time delivery of design work.
• Experience designing or working with moving or rotating equipment, such as rotating machinery, mechanical drives, or similar systems.
• Knowledge of ANSYS or similar engineering simulation tools for analyzing mechanical performance.
• Prior co‑op, internship, or academic project experience in mechanical design, CAD modeling, or product development.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and the ability to troubleshoot design challenges and propose practical solutions.

Work Environment

The role begins with a comprehensive training period during the first two weeks, which is fully on-site from Monday through Friday to ensure familiarity with tools, processes, and team workflows. After the initial training, the position transitions to a hybrid schedule with four days remote and one day on‑site each week, with on‑site work typically scheduled on Thursdays. The Mechanical Designer will work closely with the engineering team, using NX modeling software and other CAD tools in a collaborative, project‑focused environment that emphasizes accuracy, clear documentation, and effective communication.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Cincinnati, OH.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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.

• 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 hybrid position in Cincinnati, OH.

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.