Mechanical Designer I

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Alkar-RapidPak, Inc. seeks an entry-level Mechanical Designer I to create 3D models and 2D fabrication drawings in SolidWorks for custom thermal processing equipment. The role emphasizes close supervision and regular design reviews as you learn company standards.

Ideal candidates include new graduates or those with solid CAD experience in manufacturing. You will support senior engineers and collaborate with shop floor personnel, purchasing, and engineering leadership to ensure accurate,

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical design or BS in mechanical engineering.
• 3+ years CAD experience with SolidWorks and drawing creation.
• Understanding of welding, machining, sheet metal basics.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in design output.
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Hands-on manufacturing or fabrication experience preferred.
• Familiarity with ERP or PDM systems preferred.
• Clear communication and collaborative approach.
• Culture values trust, teamwork and proactive problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Create 3D models and 2D detail drawings using SolidWorks per company standards.
• Apply best practices in modeling, dimensioning, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Produce clean, manufacturable fabrication drawings and bills of material.
• Support senior engineers and design leads with revisions and redlines.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and purchasing to resolve drawing discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate file management in PDM or other design repositories.
• Participate in team meetings and design reviews as required.
• Other duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Clear communication

Analytical thinking

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Associate degree in mechanical design/drafting

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM/ERP systems

Job description

Description

The Mechanical Designer I is an entry-level role focused on generating 3D models and 2D fabrication drawings using SolidWorks. This position supports the mechanical engineering team in the design and detailing of custom thermal processing equipment and requires close supervision and regular design review. This role is suited for new graduates or individuals with strong CAD experience and practical knowledge of manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Create 3D models and 2D detail drawings using SolidWorks in accordance with company standards
• Apply best practices in modeling, dimensioning, and tolerance stack-ups
• Produce clean, manufacturable fabrication drawings and bills of material
• Support senior engineers and design leads with revisions and redlines
• Collaborate with manufacturing and purchasing to resolve part or drawing discrepancies
• Maintain accurate file management in PDM or other design repositories
• Participate in team meetings and design reviews as required
• Other duties as assigned by leadership

Requirements

Qualifications

• Associate degree in mechanical design/drafting, or BS in Mechanical Engineering
• Alternatively, 3+ years of CAD experience with demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks and drawing creation
• Understanding of basic manufacturing processes (e.g., welding, machining, sheet metal)
• Attention to detail and accuracy in design output
• Willingness to learn and accept feedback
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Hands-on manufacturing or fabrication experience (preferred)
• Familiarity with ERP or PDM systems (preferred)
• Clear communication skills with a collaborative, professional approach
• Aligned with a culture that values trust, teamwork, follow-through, and proactive problem solving

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based, with occasional work on the shop floor or at customer sites
• Environments may include temperature-controlled areas (heated or refrigerated)
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 lbs may be required