Contract Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

This role focuses on designing and developing mechanical components, tooling, and fixtures using SolidWorks and other 3D CAD tools to support manufacturing processes. The Mechanical Design Engineer collaborates closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure designs are manufacturable, reliable, and aligned with performance requirements. The position supports prototype and production builds, testing, and validation, while maintaining accurate engineering documentation and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance product performance and reduce costs. This opportunity offers the chance to work on innovative, sustainability-focused technology within a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and engineering drawings using SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD software.
• Assist in the design of tooling, fixtures, and custom mechanical components to support manufacturing processes and equipment.
• Collaborate with production, quality, and engineering teams to ensure designs meet manufacturability, performance, and quality requirements.
• Support prototype and production builds by providing design input, resolving issues, and participating in testing and validation activities.
• Revise and maintain engineering documentation, including bills of materials (BOMs), drawing revisions, and documentation control.
• Create, read, and interpret engineering drawings, applying basic GD&T principles to ensure clear and accurate specifications.
• Troubleshoot design-related issues on the shop floor and implement design improvements to enhance product performance and manufacturability.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to improve product performance, reduce costs, and streamline manufacturing processes.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to address design challenges, optimize mechanical systems, and support project objectives.
• Apply knowledge of machining, plumbing, fabrication, and assembly processes to develop practical, production-ready designs.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field.
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical design engineering; internship or co-op experience is acceptable.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or other 3D CAD software for creating 3D models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, including the design of components, tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing equipment.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes such as machining, plumbing, fabrication, and assembly.
• Ability to read, interpret, and create engineering drawings, including basic knowledge of GD&T.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills for troubleshooting design issues and improving products and processes.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills for collaborating with production, quality, and engineering teams.
• Ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams and support project management activities related to mechanical design.

• Hands-on experience in a manufacturing or shop environment is a plus.
• Experience in the water industry is a plus.
• Experience with process controls is a plus.
• Experience or coursework in fluid dynamics is a plus.
• Familiarity with drafting practices and documentation control processes.
• Exposure to fabrication processes and machine design concepts.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams to support product development and continuous improvement initiatives.

This role operates in a combined office and shop environment, providing exposure to both engineering design work and hands-on activities on the shop floor. You will use SolidWorks and other 3D CAD tools in an office setting to develop models, assemblies, and detailed drawings, while also collaborating closely with production and quality teams in the shop to support builds, testing, and troubleshooting. The environment is collaborative and team-oriented, with a focus on innovative technology that helps manufacturers recover valuable resources, reduce waste, and improve sustainability. The organization emphasizes a mission-driven culture centered on transforming wastewater from a disposal challenge into a valuable asset through innovation and circular economy principles.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Lexington, KY.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $35.00/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 Lexington,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 29, 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.