Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer designs and develops mechanical assemblies for street sweepers with a strong focus on sheet metal components using SolidWorks. This role combines detailed CAD design work with hands-on involvement on the manufacturing floor to verify dimensions, ensure conformance to drawing standards, and resolve design-related issues during production. The engineer collaborates closely with manufacturing and engineering teams to create robust, manufacturable designs for heavy industrial and mobile equipment.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks for mechanical assemblies and components used in street sweepers, with a primary focus on sheet metal parts.
• Produce production-ready drawings for mechanical parts such as bearings, races, cylinders, part casings, and basic body components, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
• Visit the manufacturing floor regularly to take precise measurements of parts and assemblies and confirm that they conform to drawing standards and specifications.
• Verify that designed parts meet dimensional, functional, and fit requirements by using measuring tools and comparing manufactured components to engineering drawings.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve design-related issues that arise during the manufacturing process by working directly with production and engineering personnel.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to observe machines and processes, gather feedback, and incorporate improvements into new or existing designs.
• Support the design and development of heavy industrial equipment, mobile vehicles, agricultural equipment, heavy trucks, and related product lines as needed.
• Ensure that sheet metal designs are optimized for manufacturability, durability, and performance in heavy-duty applications.
• Maintain consistency with internal design standards and best practices across all drawings and models.
• Contribute to a collaborative, feedback-driven engineering environment by participating in design reviews and sharing design insights and improvements.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor of Science degree in a relevant engineering discipline.
• At least 1 year of experience in mechanical design or a closely related field.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or another 3D CAD design platform, with the ability to adapt to SolidWorks.
• Hands-on experience working in machining or a similar manufacturing environment.
• Experience designing sheet metal components and assemblies.
• Mechanical design experience related to heavy industrial equipment, mobile vehicles, agricultural equipment, heavy trucks, or similar products.
• Ability to read, create, and interpret detailed mechanical drawings and specifications.
• Strong measurement skills and the ability to verify dimensions and tolerances on manufactured parts.
• Capability to work both in an engineering lab and on a manufacturing floor, engaging directly with equipment and production processes.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with engineering and manufacturing teams.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with chassis design or similar structural mechanical design.
• Experience supporting product lines in heavy equipment, mobile vehicles, agriculture, heavy trucks, sweepers, or sewer-related equipment.
• Familiarity with product design processes for heavy-duty mechanical systems.
• Experience troubleshooting design issues in a production environment and implementing design improvements.
• Comfort working in a feedback-driven, collaborative engineering culture.

Work Environment

The role operates in both an engineering design lab and a manufacturing floor environment. Time is split between working at a computer in a collaborative engineering setting and being on the shop floor taking measurements, observing machines, and interacting closely with production staff. The engineering team emphasizes collaboration and feedback, encouraging open communication and continuous improvement. Work hours are flexible, with the plant opening as early as 4:00 a.m.; a typical schedule runs from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with some overtime as needed. The environment involves exposure to heavy industrial equipment and mobile vehicles, requiring comfort working around machinery and active production areas.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of HUNTSVILLE, AL.

The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $42.00/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 HUNTSVILLE,AL.

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.