Contract Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Design Engineer

Job Description

This Design Engineer role focuses on designing, testing, and improving mechanical components and equipment within the appliance industry. You will review project instructions, create and refine mechanical designs, and collaborate closely with internal teams and external vendors. This position offers the opportunity to grow and develop as a Design Engineer while working in a supportive, family-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Review project instructions and specifications to understand design requirements and objectives.
• Conduct tests on units and components to evaluate performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Investigate and implement ways to enhance the performance, reliability, and efficiency of mechanical components and equipment.
• Devise, fabricate, and assemble new or modified mechanical components to meet project needs.
• Analyze test results of equipment and prepare clear documentation and recommendations based on findings.
• Identify necessary modifications to designs and plan the required fabrication, assembly, and testing activities.
• Coordinate and oversee the fabrication and assembly of prototypes or modified components to ensure they meet design specifications.
• Discuss design changes and technical issues with the rest of the staff to ensure alignment and effective implementation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members, including engineering, drafting, and production personnel, to support project success.
• Communicate with vendors to gather technical information, obtain assistance, and ensure components meet design and quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate design, drafting, and engineering documentation using relevant software tools.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by suggesting design enhancements and process optimizations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience in design engineering, with a focus on mechanical design and mechanical engineering.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D mechanical design and modeling.
• Experience with AutoCAD for drafting and engineering documentation.
• Ability to perform design, drafting, and engineering tasks related to mechanical equipment and components.
• Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerances, and manufacturing methods.
• Ability to analyze test results and translate findings into actionable design improvements.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to investigate and resolve design and performance issues.
• Effective communication skills to discuss design changes with staff and interact with vendors.
• Attention to detail in preparing and reviewing design documentation and test reports.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in an engineering or technical discipline.
• Previous experience in a Design Engineering role, with multiple years of hands-on mechanical design work.
• Experience working with mechanical equipment in an industrial or appliance-related environment.
• Ability to collaborate in a team-oriented environment and contribute to a family-focused culture.
• Willingness to learn, develop, and grow within the Design Engineer career path.
• Strong organizational skills to manage multiple design and testing tasks simultaneously.

Work Environment

The work environment is laid back, relaxed, and family-oriented, fostering collaboration and support among team members. You will work primarily in an office setting, spending approximately 75% of the day at a computer screen using design and drafting tools such as SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This contract-to-hire position offers exposure to the appliance industry and provides opportunities for professional growth as part of a close-knit engineering team.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Gray, KY.

The pay range for this position is $33.65 - $38.46/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 Gray,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 19, 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.