Contract Design Engineer Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer will design, update, and improve mechanical parts and assemblies in both 3D and 2D, while actively supporting the full product lifecycle. This role combines hands-on work with manufacturing processes and CAD modeling with SolidWorks, along with close collaboration across engineering and operations to ensure designs are accurate, manufacturable, and cost-effective. The engineer will contribute to product quoting, cost analysis, and documentation, and will play a key role in maintaining Bills of Materials and project data within PDM and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and update mechanical parts and assemblies using 3D and 2D CAD tools, with a primary focus on SolidWorks.
• Review designs and engineering work produced by junior engineers and provide constructive feedback and guidance.
• Manage and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOM) for assigned projects, ensuring completeness and alignment with design changes.
• Develop product quotes and support cost analysis activities for new and existing projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical designs are manufacturable, meet performance specifications, and align with project requirements.
• Work with Product Data Management (PDM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to maintain project documentation and track product lifecycle information.
• Apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards to mechanical designs and technical documentation to ensure precise manufacturing and quality control.
• Utilize knowledge of CNC machining, lathes, laser cutting, and other manufacturing techniques when developing and refining designs.
• Write and review detailed technical reports, ensuring clear, concise, and accurate documentation for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support hands-on engineering activities involving aluminum, welding, and machining processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design practices and documentation standards within a small engineering team.
• Leverage any experience with marine equipment design and relevant industry standards as a plus to enhance product development.
• Optionally program CNC machines, where professional experience in CNC programming is considered a beneficial addition.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 5 years of professional mechanical engineering or mechanical design experience, excluding academic experience.
• High proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling and related design tools.
• Strong experience designing mechanical parts and assemblies in both 3D and 2D.
• Hands-on experience with aluminum, welding, and machining processes.
• Familiarity with CNC, lathe, and laser cutting equipment and their implications for design and manufacturing.
• Solid understanding and practical application of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) standards.
• Experience managing Bills of Materials (BOM) and ensuring accuracy across project documentation.
• Experience using PDM (Product Data Management) and ERP systems to manage product data, workflows, and lifecycle information.
• Proven ability to write detailed technical reports and documentation for engineering projects.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills, with close attention to detail.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a small, collaborative engineering team.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with marine equipment design, including familiarity with relevant standards and materials used in the marine industry, is a plus.
• Professional experience programming CNC machines is a plus.
• Experience in mechanical engineering or a related engineering discipline is beneficial.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams, such as manufacturing, operations, and procurement.
• Ability to provide mentorship and feedback to junior engineers.
• Strong organizational skills for managing multiple projects, documentation, and BOMs concurrently.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in a small, closely knit engineering environment where you will be both hands-on with equipment and actively working at a computer. You will collaborate directly with a compact engineering group, which requires a high degree of engagement, flexibility, and teamwork. The setting emphasizes practical involvement with manufacturing processes such as welding, machining, and CNC operations, while also relying heavily on SolidWorks, PDM, and ERP systems for design and data management. The environment supports direct communication, quick decision-making, and close collaboration across functions.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Raleigh, NC.

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $60.00/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 Raleigh,NC.

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.