Mechanical/ Piping CAD Designer

Actalent; Birmingham (AL); Hybrid; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision

401(k) Retirement Plan

Short-term disability

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Actalent in Birmingham, AL is seeking a Mechanical/Piping CAD Designer for a contract-to-hire role. The candidate will draft detailed mechanical and piping designs, develop layouts, and prepare construction drawing packages under supervision, using AutoCAD and Cadworx Plant 3D.

Collaboration with a Lead Designer and multiple stakeholders is essential. The position requires extensive AutoCAD experience, familiarity with pipe stress coordination, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• This role requires extensive mechanical drafting and design experience, preferably in Petro-Chemical environments.
• Hands-on AutoCAD experience is essential for physical design projects.
• Strong communication and coordination with Lead Designer and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Lead Mechanical Designer to support drafting and design across projects.
• Translate engineer concepts into detailed mechanical and piping drawings.
• Prepare construction drawing packages for engineer review and approval.
• Develop equipment and piping layouts from project scope and vendor data.
• Ensure designs meet project requirements, standards, and schedules.

Skills

AutoCAD

Cadworx Plant 3D

Autodesk Inventor

3D CAD

Piping design

Pipe stress coordination

MS Office

Associate degree preferred

Education

Associate degree in related discipline

Tools

AutoCAD

Cadworx Plant 3D

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical / Piping CAD Designer

Job Description

This Mechanical / Piping CAD Designer role supports one or more projects by providing high-quality mechanical and piping drafting and design in collaboration with a Lead Mechanical Designer. You will interpret engineering concepts, develop detailed designs and construction drawing packages, and help ensure deliverables meet project schedules and technical standards. The position offers a hybrid work schedule, a flexible environment, and the opportunity to work on complex physical design projects using industry-standard CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Mechanical Designer to support drafting and design efforts across one or more projects.
• Interpret and analyze general design information provided by engineers and translate it into detailed, accurate drawings.
• Prepare detailed mechanical and piping designs for engineer review and approval, ensuring adherence to project requirements and standards.
• Produce complete construction drawing packages under supervision, using company standards and established drafting techniques.
• Apply principles of pipe stress and coordinate related analysis with engineers to support safe and constructible designs.
• Assume responsibility for the technical accuracy, clarity, and constructability of finished designs and drawings.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with all disciplines and project stakeholders to resolve design issues and maintain alignment.
• Review vendor equipment drawings to verify compliance with project specifications and integrate them into overall layouts.
• Develop equipment and piping layouts based on project scope, vendor data, and engineering input.
• Support the overall production of deliverables to meet project schedules and quality expectations.
• Participate in ongoing interactions with project staff and management to ensure design progress and address project needs.

Essential Skills

• At least 35 years of experience in mechanical drafting and design, with the ability to perform effectively at a design level.
• Minimum of 35 years of drafting and design experience in a related field; experience in the Petro-Chemical industry is highly preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of hands‑on experience utilizing AutoCAD for physical design projects.
• Ability to utilize AutoCAD 3D software for mechanical and piping design.
• Experience working directly with a Lead Designer and engaging with multiple project stakeholders.
• Background and understanding of physical design projects using AutoCAD, regardless of industry segment.
• Familiarity with principles of pipe stress and experience coordinating pipe stress analysis with engineers.
• Proficiency with MS Windows, MS Outlook, MS Excel, and MS Word.
• Technology training in drafting and design from an accredited school; an associate degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to interface effectively with all levels of project staff and management.
• Ability to assume responsibility for the technical accuracy and constructability of designs.
• Residence within daily commuting distance of Birmingham, AL.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the Petro-Chemical industry field is highly preferred.
• Experience with a consulting engineering firm is preferred.
• Cadworx Plant 3D experience is preferred and considered a strong asset.
• Experience in a piping-related industry and involvement with pipe stress or coordinating analysis is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with Autodesk Inventor and other mechanical CAD tools is beneficial.
• Experience supporting projects using Cadworx or similar 3D plant design software is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to work within established company standards and drafting practices.
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate, high-quality drawings and designs.

Work Environment

This role operates in a hybrid work environment with a blend of in-office and remote work. The standard schedule includes in-office work on Tuesdays and Thursdays, remote work on Mondays and Wednesdays, and shortened operating hours on Fridays, with the workday ending at 11:00. Candidates should expect to work in the office initially while they learn internal systems, standards, and processes and build confidence before transitioning fully to the hybrid schedule. The position involves working in a professional office setting using technologies such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD 3D, Cadworx Plant 3D (preferred), and Microsoft Office applications. The environment emphasizes flexibility, consistent management support, and collaboration with local team members on complex mechanical and piping design projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Birmingham, AL.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $25.00 - $30.00/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 hybrid position in Birmingham,AL.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 9, 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 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.