Design Associate Jobs in Newton, NJ (NOW HIRING)

Are you passionate about design, engineering, and the built environment? Join a collaborative and growing MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Protection) consulting firm where you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape schools, hospitals, universities, commercial buildings, and community facilities across the region.

Whether you're an emerging designer just starting your career or an experienced CAD professional looking to expand your technical expertise, this role offers hands-on mentorship, exposure to a wide variety of projects, and a clear path for professional growth within the building sciences industry.

As a CAD Designer, you'll work directly with engineers and fellow design professionals to develop accurate construction documents and building system layouts that bring projects to life.

• Create and revise Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, and HVAC drawings using AutoCAD and other design software.
• Transform engineer markups and redlines into precise, high-quality construction documents.
• Support projects ranging from K-12 schools and universities to healthcare facilities, commercial properties, retail spaces, and institutional buildings.
• Utilize X-Refs, layer management, and drafting best practices to maintain organized and coordinated drawing packages.
• Collaborate closely with engineers and design teams to ensure project goals, schedules, and quality standards are achieved.
• Assist with design coordination and drawing revisions throughout all phases of a project, from conceptual design through construction.
• Contribute to increasingly complex projects as your skills and experience grow.
• Support project documentation, schedules, and reporting using Microsoft Office applications.
• Continuously expand your technical knowledge by learning new software, design methodologies, and industry best practices.

• 0–8 years of experience in CAD drafting or design.
• Experience working with MEP, HVAC, or building systems projects.
• Strong working knowledge of AutoCAD.
• Understanding of X-Refs, layer management, and CAD best practices.
• Ability to accurately interpret and implement engineering markups and redlines.
• Knowledge of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire Protection, or HVAC systems.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Eagerness to learn and grow within a professional engineering environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

• AutoCAD and/or Revit certification.
• Experience using Revit for MEP design and modeling.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Engineering Technology, Drafting, Design, Architecture, or a related field.
• Exposure to building systems design and construction documentation.
• Genuine interest in developing a long-term career in MEP engineering and building sciences.

This is more than a drafting position—it's an opportunity to build a rewarding career with a respected firm that has been serving clients for more than 60 years.

✅ Hands-on mentorship from experienced engineers and designers

✅ Career-specific training and professional development opportunities

✅ Exposure to a diverse portfolio of educational, healthcare, commercial, retail, and institutional projects

✅ Modern design tools and collaborative project teams

✅ Stable, employee-focused work environment with long-term growth potential

✅ Comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical coverage
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Paid continuing education and training
• 401(k) retirement plan

✅ Opportunity to work for a Certified Veteran-Owned organization with a strong reputation in the industry

This position is based out of our Middletown, NY office and follows a standard Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM schedule. You'll join a dedicated CAD team within a well-established 45+ person engineering firm operating from offices in Middletown and Poughkeepsie.

You'll work alongside talented engineers and designers on meaningful projects that support schools, hospitals, universities, businesses, and communities throughout the region—all while developing your technical skills and advancing your career in building systems design.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Middletown, NY.

The pay range for this position is $20.00 - $30.00/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 Middletown,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 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.