Mechanical Designer

Actalent; Vancouver (WA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Life Insurance

Short and long-term disability

Health Spending Account (HSA)

Transportation benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Mechanical Designer to focus on sheet metal design for finishing systems, crafting precise 2D/3D models and clear manufacturing documentation. You will collaborate with an established engineering and manufacturing team, driving concepts through production while improving aesthetics and functionality.

You’ll work with Inventor, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, manage documentation with Autodesk Vault, and contribute to design automation to boost efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Designer specializing in sheet metal design.
• Strong proficiency in Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling and sheet metal design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and layout work.
• Experience designing within Inventor or SolidWorks, with SolidWorks preferred for 3D modeling.
• Ability to create detailed manufacturing drawings and 3D documentation with accurate dimensions and tolerances.
• Experience using product data management tools, such as Autodesk Vault, to manage design files and revisions.
• Familiarity with parametric modeling and design automation methods to streamline design workflows.
• Knowledge of HVAC and finishing system design principles as they relate to sheet metal components.
• Associate-level or BS-level education in a relevant field, with the capability to grow into an engineering role.
• Comfort working as an experienced Designer in a long-term capacity, taking ownership of design work from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Design sheet metal components and assemblies for finishing systems, ensuring manufacturability, durability, and high-quality finishes.
• Create accurate 2D and 3D models using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, with SolidWorks preferred for 3D design work.
• Prepare detailed manufacturing drawings and documentation, including dimensions, tolerances, materials, and finishing specifications.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and project managers to meet project goals, timelines, and performance requirements.
• Utilize product data management tools, including Autodesk Vault, to organize, control, and maintain design files and documentation.
• Apply parametric modeling and design automation techniques to improve design efficiency and consistency across product lines.
• Optimize product aesthetics and functionality, taking into account powder coating processes, structural integrity, and end‑use conditions.
• Manage design projects from concept through production, coordinating with manufacturing and operations to support successful implementation.
• Support HVAC and finishing system design efforts by integrating sheet metal components into complete system layouts.
• Engage with the production floor to review prototypes and finished products, ensuring designs translate effectively into manufacturing.
• Provide technical input and design improvements based on feedback from engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Skills

Sheet metal design

Detail-oriented

Cross-functional collaboration

Manufacturing documentation

Project execution

Education

Associate-level or BS-level degree in a relevant field

Tools

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Autodesk Vault

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

This Mechanical Designer role focuses on sheet metal design for finishing systems, creating precise 2D and 3D models and detailed manufacturing documentation. You will work closely with an established engineering and manufacturing team, contributing to projects from concept through production while optimizing product aesthetics and functionality. The position offers the opportunity to grow within the metal fabrication and manufacturing space and potentially advance into an engineering role over time.

Responsibilities

• Design sheet metal components and assemblies for finishing systems, ensuring manufacturability, durability, and high-quality finishes.


• Create accurate 2D and 3D models using Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD, with SolidWorks preferred for 3D design work.


• Prepare detailed manufacturing drawings and documentation, including dimensions, tolerances, materials, and finishing specifications.


• Collaborate closely with engineers and project managers to meet project goals, timelines, and performance requirements.


• Utilize product data management tools, including Autodesk Vault, to organize, control, and maintain design files and documentation.


• Apply parametric modeling and design automation techniques to improve design efficiency and consistency across product lines.


• Optimize product aesthetics and functionality, taking into account powder coating processes, structural integrity, and end‑use conditions.


• Manage design projects from concept through production, coordinating with manufacturing and operations to support successful implementation.


• Support HVAC and finishing system design efforts by integrating sheet metal components into complete system layouts.


• Engage with the production floor to review prototypes and finished products, ensuring designs translate effectively into manufacturing.


• Provide technical input and design improvements based on feedback from engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Designer specializing in sheet metal design and metal fabrication.


• Strong proficiency in Autodesk Inventor for 3D modeling and sheet metal design.


• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and layout work.


• Experience designing within Inventor or SolidWorks, with SolidWorks preferred for 3D modeling.


• Ability to create detailed manufacturing drawings and 3D documentation with accurate dimensions and tolerances.


• Experience using product data management tools, such as Autodesk Vault, to manage design files and revisions.


• Familiarity with parametric modeling and design automation methods to streamline design workflows.


• Knowledge of HVAC and finishing system design principles as they relate to sheet metal components.


• Associate‑level or BS-level education in a relevant field, with the capability to grow into an engineering role.


• Comfort working as an experienced Designer in a long‑term capacity, taking ownership of design work from concept to production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working within a metal fabrication and manufacturing environment.


• Exposure to powder coating operations and finishing system design for automotive and aerospace/defense applications.


• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross‑functional teams, including engineering, project management, and manufacturing.


• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, production‑ready documentation.


• Interest in career growth and advancement into engineering responsibilities over time.


• Effective communication skills to discuss design intent and resolve technical issues on the shop floor and in the office.

Work Environment

This role is based onsite in a large, modern facility located in Vancouver. You will work primarily in an office setting alongside the engineering team, using tools such as Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, Navisworks, and Autodesk Vault. The position also involves regular time on the manufacturing floor, getting hands‑on with sheet metal components and finished products, and observing powder coating and finishing processes. The facility includes multiple spray booths capable of handling work ranging from automotive parts to aerospace and defense components such as aircraft. The environment supports collaboration between design and manufacturing, with opportunities to see your designs move directly into production. The role offers a generous time‑off package, including several weeks of paid time off, five sick days, and six holidays.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Vancouver, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $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. 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 Vancouver, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 25, 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.