Freelance Computer Aided Design Designer Jobs in Missouri

Job Title: CAD Engineer

Job Description

The CAD Engineer will design and develop hydraulic equipment and steel framing solutions for applications in aerospace and construction. This role focuses on creating layouts and assemblies in SolidWorks or AutoCAD, integrating multiple components within defined frames, and collaborating closely with production technicians to troubleshoot and refine designs during manufacturing. The position is ideal for a creative, hands-on engineer who enjoys machinery, problem-solving, and working on a variety of mechanical projects.

Responsibilities

• Design hydraulic equipment and related mechanical systems for use in aerospace and construction applications.
• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings in SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD, including layouts, assemblies, and component designs.
• Integrate multiple x, y, z components into specified frames, ensuring proper fit, function, and manufacturability.
• Drop parts into assemblies, create initial layouts, and develop rough sketches in SolidWorks to validate design concepts.
• Design steel framing structures, including doors, panels, and related mechanical elements.
• Collaborate with production floor technicians to troubleshoot and refine designs in real time as equipment moves into production.
• Review and adjust designs based on feedback from manufacturing, addressing fit, function, and assembly issues.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to ensure designs meet performance, safety, and quality requirements.
• Work independently and proactively to move projects forward, demonstrating a go-getter attitude and ownership of assigned tasks.
• Participate in machinery and machine build activities, supporting the assembly and testing of designed equipment.
• Use creativity and practical mechanical experience to solve complex design and integration challenges.
• Communicate clearly with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment between design intent and production capabilities.

Essential Skills

• 1 - 2 years of experience using SolidWorks and/or AutoCAD for mechanical design.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and 2D drafting for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Experience designing mechanical systems, including hydraulic equipment or similar machinery.
• Ability to design steel framing structures such as doors, panels, and support frames.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and understanding of mechanical design principles.
• Hands-on experience working with machinery, farm equipment, cars, or similar mechanical projects.
• Willingness to work both at a desk and on the production floor, getting hands-on with equipment and prototypes.
• Ability to troubleshoot designs in collaboration with technicians and adjust models based on real-world findings.
• Creative and independent working style with a proactive, go-getter attitude.
• Comfort with wearing multiple hats in a machine build environment and contributing across stages of design and production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Hydraulic systems experience or knowledge is preferred.
• Experience with machinery and machine build projects is highly desirable.
• Background or education in mechanical engineering or a related field is beneficial.
• Personal interest in mechanical projects, such as working on vehicles, farm equipment, or home machinery projects, is a plus.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including technicians and production staff.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think creatively about design constraints and integration challenges.

Work Environment

The CAD Engineer will work primarily in an office setting, spending approximately 75–80% of their time in a cubicle environment focused on design work and documentation. The remaining 15–20% of the time will be spent on the production floor, collaborating directly with technicians and observing equipment as it is built and tested, allowing for real-time troubleshooting and design adjustments. The environment supports hands-on engagement with machinery and encourages a practical, collaborative approach to mechanical design.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Maryland Heights, MO.

The pay range for this position is $31.25 - $34.00/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 Maryland Heights,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 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.