Entry Level Design Engineer Solidworks Jobs in Madison, WI

Job Title: Designer

Job Description

The Designer will support the engineering team by creating precise 2D and 3D models and production drawings using SolidWorks and AutoCAD. This role focuses on designing and updating components for dehumidifiers and environmental control systems, ensuring that sheet metal parts, plastic components, mechanical assemblies, and airflow-related elements are accurately documented for manufacturing. The position offers significant ownership of projects, direct impact on product performance, and a strong opportunity to grow CAD skills in a supportive, smaller-team environment.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 2D and 3D models of components and assemblies using SolidWorks and AutoCAD.
• Develop production-ready drawings for sheet metal parts, plastic components, brackets, frames, and internal mechanical assemblies.
• Design and update airflow-related components, including duct interfaces, panels, housings, and other air-handling parts.
• Model and document smaller mechanical subcomponents used in refrigeration and moisture-control products.
• Update and revise existing drawings and models to reflect engineering changes and production feedback.
• Support manufacturing by preparing and maintaining accurate documentation and drawings for production use.
• Incorporate engineering direction and design standards into new and existing component models.
• Apply drafting best practices and, where applicable, GD&T principles to ensure manufacturability and clarity.
• Collaborate with engineering team members to clarify requirements, resolve design questions, and ensure alignment with project goals.
• Work independently to manage assigned design tasks, prioritize workload, and meet project deadlines.
• Communicate effectively with cross-functional partners to support new product development and design updates.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD for 2D drafting and production drawings.
• 0–2 years of experience in a CAD or mechanical design role.
• 2-year technical degree in Mechanical Design, Drafting, or a related field, or equivalent CAD experience.
• Ability to create and update mechanical component and assembly models with attention to detail.
• Understanding of mechanical design principles for sheet metal, plastic parts, and mechanical assemblies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with engineering and manufacturing teams.
• Ability to operate independently, take ownership of tasks, and ask clarifying questions when needed.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience or coursework in new product development and mechanical design projects.
• Familiarity with drafting standards and GD&T to improve clarity and manufacturability of drawings.
• Comfort working with CAD tools across both 2D and 3D environments.
• Interest in environmental control systems, dehumidifiers, refrigeration, or moisture-control products.
• Motivation to grow CAD skills and take on increasing project ownership in a smaller, high-visibility team.
• Ability to adapt to evolving engineering direction and production requirements in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This is an office-based, on-site role working directly with the engineering team in a small design sub-department. The Designer works largely independently while having regular access to engineering support and guidance. The environment is flexible and supportive, making it well-suited for early-career professionals who are eager to learn and take ownership of their work. Daily work centers around using SolidWorks and AutoCAD in a collaborative setting where contributions have a direct and visible impact on products and manufacturing.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Madison, WI.

The pay range for this position is $24.00 - $28.00/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 Madison,WI.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 10, 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.