Contract Design Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

The Design Engineer performs complex mechanical design and analysis to develop safe, reliable, and manufacturable products. This role uses advanced engineering calculations and CAD tools to create and evaluate designs, leads major design projects through the full product lifecycle, and supports manufacturing, testing, and commissioning activities. The position blends hands-on involvement with equipment and experimental builds with technical responsibilities in stress, vibration, and structural analysis.

• Perform complex engineering calculations using algebraic, trigonometric, and geometric formulas to support product design and analysis.
• Utilize standard product engineering data to create accurate and efficient product configurations.
• Evaluate designs to ensure they operate safely, reliably, and effectively over extended periods of use.
• Employ computer-aided design (CAD) tools, particularly SolidWorks, to develop detailed 3D models, drawings, and assemblies.
• Conduct stress and vibration simulations and analyses to verify structural integrity and performance of products.
• Serve as project lead for major design initiatives, coordinating activities and providing technical direction to designers and drafters.
• Oversee new product designs through all stages of the manufacturing process, from concept and design to production support.
• Supervise and participate in experimental manufacturing and testing of prototypes and finished products to validate design intent.
• Assist with assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning of equipment to ensure successful implementation and operation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to address design issues, optimize manufacturability, and maintain project schedules.
• Manage time and priorities effectively to ensure projects and deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Apply knowledge of structural and equipment design to develop robust, practical, and cost-effective engineering solutions.

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or at least 5 years of experience in a related engineering or design field.
• Strong mechanical design and design engineering background, with experience in mechanical engineering and mechanical design principles.
• Proficiency in CAD, specifically SolidWorks, for creating detailed product designs, models, and drawings.
• Technical knowledge and demonstrated ability to perform stress and vibration analysis on products.
• Experience or familiarity with structural and equipment design.
• Ability to effectively manage time and handle multiple tasks to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
• Ability to assist with and understand assembly, troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning of mechanical equipment.

• Experience designing pneumatic systems is a plus.
• Experience designing hydraulic systems is a plus.
• Experience designing electrical systems is a plus.
• Knowledge of electrical design using SolidWorks Electrical is beneficial.
• Basic programming knowledge related to equipment or controls is a plus.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including lasers, brakes, machining, welding, and related fabrication methods.
• Experience supervising or guiding other designers and drafters is advantageous.
• Experience participating in experimental manufacturing and testing of prototypes or finished products is preferred.

The Design Engineer works in a professional engineering and manufacturing environment that combines office-based design tasks with hands-on activities in shop or test areas. The role involves extensive use of computer-aided design tools, primarily SolidWorks and related simulation software, to create and analyze mechanical and structural designs. The engineer collaborates closely with manufacturing teams and may spend time on the production floor overseeing builds, supporting experimental manufacturing, and participating in testing and commissioning of equipment. The environment emphasizes safety, precision, and quality, with regular interaction across engineering, production, and testing functions to ensure designs are manufacturable and perform as intended.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Albert Lea, MN.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $45.00/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 Albert Lea,MN.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 17, 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.