Design Drafter

Mechanical Designer / Design Drafter

The Mechanical Designer / Design Drafter is responsible for creating and updating mechanical designs, engineering drawings, and 3D models for industrial equipment and manufacturing applications. This role supports engineering teams by developing accurate documentation, implementing design revisions, and ensuring designs meet project, quality, and manufacturing requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Create and modify 2D and 3D designs using AutoCAD and CAD software such as Inventor, Solid Works, or Creo.
• Develop detailed part, assembly, and layout drawings for mechanical systems and equipment.
• Interpret engineering specifications and technical requirements to produce accurate designs.
• Generate and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs) and related documentation.
• Perform basic engineering calculations involving dimensions, tolerances, materials, and weight.
• Collaborate with engineering, production, and quality teams to improve design functionality and manufacturability.
• Support design revisions and product updates throughout the project lifecycle.
• Ensure designs comply with applicable quality, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Essential

Skills:

• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting.
• Experience with 3D CAD software such as Inventor, Solid Works, or Creo.
• Experience with mechanical drafting, design, or engineering technology.
• Experience creating detailed drawings, assemblies, and 3D models.
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and engineering documentation.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and design-for-production principles.
• Experience creating and maintaining BOMs.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of mechanical design principles and practices.

Additional Skills &

Qualifications:

• Experience designing industrial machinery or heavy equipment.
• Knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing).
• Experience integrating BOMs with ERP systems.
• Understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Associate degree or technical certification in drafting, mechanical design, or a related field.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or production environment.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies and document standardization.

Work Environment:

This position is based in a manufacturing environment with regular interaction between the engineering office and production floor. The role utilizes AutoCAD, Inventor, Solid Works, and Creo to develop mechanical designs and documentation while collaborating closely with engineering, production, and quality teams. The position offers a collaborative environment, paid time off, and company-observed holidays.

Job Type &

Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chattanooga, TN.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $33.00 - $41.00/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 Chattanooga, TN.

Final date to receive applications:

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 28, 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 Clearly Rated 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.

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