Computer Aided Design Trainee Jobs in Lansing, MI

Job Title: Product Engineer

Job Description

The Product Engineer will lead the design and development of 3D models and assemblies for custom industrial casters used across a wide range of industries. This role focuses on creating highly engineered yet relatively simple products from concept through production, using SolidWorks for CAD and FEA, and closely integrating design decisions with manufacturing processes on site. The position offers the opportunity to build a strong engineering foundation in a growing, state-of-the-art facility with a diverse product portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop 3D models, assemblies, and detailed drawings for industrial casters and related components using SolidWorks.
• Create new products from scratch, taking concepts through to fully engineered designs for custom and new product introduction (NPI) projects.
• Design products that incorporate metal, rubber, and plastic components, ensuring appropriate material selection for performance and durability.
• Apply design for manufacturability principles to ensure that products can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively in a manufacturing environment.
• Conduct FEA (finite element analysis) and stress-testing within SolidWorks to validate designs, particularly for heavy-duty casters supporting equipment weighing several tons.
• Specify and account for heat treatment, coating, and other critical processes for components subjected to high loads and demanding conditions.
• Use and manage Product Data Management (PDM) systems to control design files, revisions, and documentation throughout the product lifecycle.
• Collaborate closely with manufacturing teams on the production floor to review designs, gather feedback, and implement improvements based on real-world conditions.
• Participate in the full product lifecycle, from concept and design through testing, refinement, and release to production.
• Engage in project management activities, including planning, organizing, and tracking design work to meet deadlines and support business growth.
• Communicate effectively with internal stakeholders and customers, providing technical input and supporting design-related discussions.
• Contribute to building a strong engineering foundation for the facility’s continued expansion and increased sales volume.
• Work collaboratively within a small team of product engineers, sharing knowledge and supporting continuous improvement of design processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• 8–10+ years of experience in product or mechanical system design using SolidWorks.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD for part and assembly modeling.
• Experience performing FEA (finite element analysis) within SolidWorks or similar tools.
• Demonstrated experience in custom and conceptual design, including designing products from scratch.
• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment with a solid understanding of production processes.
• Proven ability to apply design for manufacturability principles to metal, rubber, and plastic components.
• Robust knowledge and practical experience with Product Data Management (PDM) systems.
• Direct design experience with metal parts, including welded assemblies.
• Experience with plastics manufacturing and rubber components.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to interact with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage projects and prioritize multiple design initiatives in a growing environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience designing products that support very high loads, such as equipment weighing several tons.
• Experience in heat treatment, coatings, and stress-critical component design is beneficial.
• Creative mindset with the ability to generate innovative design solutions for custom applications.
• Comfort working both at a desk and on the manufacturing floor, translating real-world observations into design improvements.
• Experience collaborating within a small engineering team and contributing to process development and standardization.
• Exposure to automotive-style engineering rigor and methodologies is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills for managing documentation, revisions, and multiple active projects.

Work Environment

This is a fully on-site role in a brand-new, state-of-the-art manufacturing plant and office space that is very clean, organized, and recently expanded with a 10,000 sq. ft. addition, with further growth planned. The facility operates with a smaller local engineering team supported by a larger parent group, offering the feel of a close-knit environment with the resources of a larger organization. You will spend approximately 50–70% of your time on design work at your workstation using SolidWorks and PDM tools, and the remaining time on the manufacturing floor collaborating directly with production teams to refine and improve designs. The environment emphasizes hands-on interaction with the product lifecycle, frequent cross-functional collaboration, and exposure to a diverse range of highly engineered caster products.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Albion, MI.

The pay range for this position is $45.67 - $55.28/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Albion,MI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 31, 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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com 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 be 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.