Entry Level Autodesk Inventor Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Drafter / Design Engineer

Job Description

This contract-to-hire position offers the opportunity to design and develop fabricated retail displays, fixtures, themed environments, and hospitality furnishings. The Drafter / Design Engineer works closely with the engineering team to create accurate 3D models, detailed fabrication and assembly drawings, and bills of materials that support efficient and precise manufacturing. The role suits someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment, a wide variety of projects, and the challenge of translating concepts and renderings into buildable products.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models using Autodesk Inventor, with the flexibility to work in other 3D CAD tools as needed.
• Develop precise fabrication and assembly drawings for use by manufacturing and production personnel.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate bills of materials (BOMs) for all assigned projects.
• Produce drawings from redlines or marked-up documents, ensuring all changes are captured correctly.
• Interpret product sketches and renderings, break them down into individual components, and create detailed part and assembly drawings.
• Update and modify pre-existing drawings to reflect design changes, improvements, or customer requests.
• Collaborate with production personnel on the plant floor to confirm correct and accurate assembly of products.
• Support the engineering team by providing clear documentation and design intent for retail displays, fixtures, furniture, cabinetry, and related products.
• Contribute to multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, maintaining quality and meeting project deadlines.

Essential Skills

• At least 2 years of experience in 3D modeling, preferably using Autodesk Inventor, with openness to candidates experienced in SolidWorks.
• Proficiency in creating detailed 3D models and translating them into clear fabrication and assembly drawings.
• Basic knowledge of cabinetry and/or millwork, including framing concepts.
• Basic knowledge of metal work, particularly sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Experience designing retail displays, fixtures, furniture, cabinetry, or similar products.
• Ability to create and maintain accurate bills of materials (BOMs).
• Skill in interpreting redlines and mark-ups and incorporating changes into drawings.
• Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering and production teams.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in drawings and documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience using Autodesk Inventor and SolidWorks for mechanical design.
• Background in mechanical design for fixtures, millwork, woodwork, woodworking, and sheet metal components.
• Familiarity with retail fixture, furniture, cabinetry, and retail environment design.
• Exposure to Pro/ENGINEER (ProE) or similar mechanical CAD platforms.
• Experience working with SAP or other enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems.
• Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop for working with renderings or visual references.
• Ability to work efficiently on a wide variety of projects and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced setting.

Work Environment

The role is primarily office-based, working directly with a close-knit engineering team that includes three other engineers and designers. You will collaborate daily with engineering colleagues while also spending time on the plant floor as needed during product assembly to verify that builds conform to specifications. The environment is fast paced, with a steady flow of diverse projects that keep the work engaging and varied. You will use modern design tools such as Autodesk Inventor, SolidWorks, and related mechanical design software, and you will interact regularly with production personnel to ensure smooth handoffs from design to manufacturing.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Columbus, OH.

The pay range for this position is $38.46 - $45.67/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 Columbus,OH.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 24, 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.