Mechanical Designer

Job Description

This Mechanical Designer role focuses on developing detailed 3D CAD models and precise 2D drawings to support complex machinery and industrial systems, including work on large aerostat airships. You will translate concepts and sketches into manufacturable designs, revise existing drawings to reflect design changes, and ensure all work aligns with established standards and tolerances. The position offers interesting, technically challenging projects in a structured engineering environment.

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models from initial sketches, concepts, and engineering inputs using Solid Works and Creo.
• Create accurate 2D production and assembly drawings that clearly define dimensions, tolerances, and fabrication details.
• Revise and update existing engineering drawings to incorporate design changes, improvements, and corrections.
• Ensure all designs meet internal standards, industry practices, and specified tolerances for form, fit, and function.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and other team members to solve design challenges and refine concepts.
• Apply knowledge of machinery and industrial systems to produce robust, manufacturable designs.
• Incorporate manufacturing process considerations into designs to optimize cost, quality, and ease of production.
• Follow established standards for design, drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing, including MIL and ANSI standards.
• Communicate design intent, changes, and technical information clearly in both written and oral form.
• Support engineering documentation and configuration control by maintaining accurate and up-to-date CAD files and drawings.

• Proven experience as a mechanical designer with a focus on machinery or industrial systems.
• Hands‑on experience with both Solid Works and Creo CAD software.
• Minimum of five years of drafting experience, including at least three years of experience on one or more CAD systems.
• Drafting experience covering multiple engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, and aeronautical.
• Strong mechanical design skills with the ability to translate concepts into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Thorough background in algebra, plane and solid geometry, trigonometry, and strength of materials.
• Good working knowledge of manufacturing processes and how design decisions affect cost and producibility.
• Familiarity with standards for design, drafting, dimensioning, and tolerancing, including MIL‑STD‑12 and ANSI Y14.100 series.
• Ability to ensure designs meet specified tolerances and internal engineering standards.
• Effective communication skills to pass and receive information, ideas, and processes in both written and oral form.

• Experience supporting complex systems such as aerostats or large airships is a plus.
• Exposure to multidisciplinary engineering environments involving mechanical, electrical/electronic, civil, or aeronautical disciplines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and cross‑functional teams to resolve design issues.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing accurate, high‑quality drawings and models.
• Capability to manage multiple design tasks and revisions while maintaining documentation accuracy.

This role operates in an engineering environment within an office setting, working primarily with CAD tools such as Solid Works and Creo to support the design of machinery, industrial systems, and large aerostat airships. The organization follows a 9/80 schedule, providing a structured workweek with every other Friday typically off, supporting work‑life balance.

Contract position based out of Columbia, MD.

Pay range: $40.00 - $42.50 per hour.

Benefits may include:

• 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 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)

Actalent 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 actalentaccom for other accommodation options.