Design Engineer (Solidworks)

Job Title: Design Engineer (SolidWorks)

Job Description

The Design Engineer (SolidWorks) will create accurate mechanical designs, drawings, and bills of materials that support manufacturing and product performance. This role uses SolidWorks and related tools to design complex assemblies, pressure vessels, and machine components while maintaining strict attention to detail, managing engineering changes, and collaborating closely with colleagues across engineering, manufacturing, and sales.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks for mechanical devices, machines, and large assemblies.
• Prepare accurate diagrams, drafts, and weldment prints for use in manufacturing and fabrication.
• Control and manage the Engineering Change Order (ECO) process while maintaining open communication with the sales team.
• Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), ensuring accuracy and completeness for production.
• Learn and apply calculations for pressure vessels using Codeware or similar tools.
• Learn and use the internal ERP system to control item masters, BOMs, and routing steps.
• Act as controller for the Product Data Management (PDM) system, ensuring data integrity and proper document control.
• Calculate dimensions and perform tolerance stack-up analyses using appropriate measuring instruments and engineering methods.
• Comprehend and apply Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure manufacturability and quality.
• Review, update, and modify designs to reduce production deficiencies and improve manufacturability.
• Adapt designs to align with internal manufacturing capabilities and processes.
• Provide timely updates on drawing completion status, workload, and project progress.
• Coordinate and collaborate with other design engineers and colleagues on complex diagrams and assemblies.
• Ensure all work reflects a high level of detail orientation and meets established deadlines.

Essential Skills

• Associate’s degree in a relevant field is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related discipline is preferred.
• 0-2+ years of mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks.
• Experience creating and interpreting machine drawings, with GD&T preferred.
• Ability to calculate dimensions and tolerance stack-ups using measuring instruments.
• Strong attention to detail and a deadline-oriented work style.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for cross-functional collaboration.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with ECO processes and managing BOM changes.
• Familiarity with pressure vessel calculations, ideally using Codeware or similar software.
• Experience working with ERP systems to manage item masters, BOMs, and routing steps.
• Experience with CAD-driven mechanical design in roles such as Mechanical Designer, Design Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Drafter.
• Knowledge of weldments, machine design, and GD&T best practices.
• Ability to quickly learn internal processes and manufacturing capabilities.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple design tasks simultaneously.

Work Environment

The Design Engineer works within a collaborative engineering team, reporting into the engineering function and working closely with two other Design Engineers. The role is office-based and heavily focused on computer-aided design using SolidWorks, PDM, and an internal ERP system. Daily work involves frequent interaction with engineering, manufacturing, and sales to align designs with production capabilities and customer requirements. The environment values accuracy, clear communication, and a strong focus on detail while working toward project deadlines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gages Lake, IL.

The pay range for this position is $34.00 - $38.50/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Gages Lake,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on May 15, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.