Job Title: Mechanical Designer / DrafterJob DescriptionThe Mechanical Designer / Drafter is responsible for creating, updating, and managing precise 2D drawings and 3D models that are essential for manufacturing, assembly, and quality control. This role works closely with engineering, fabrication, and assembly teams to ensure that all mechanical documentation is accurate, up to date, and aligned with design intent and production requirements.
Responsibilities
- Create, modify, and maintain accurate 3D CAD models and assemblies for mechanical components and systems using SolidWorks.
- Generate detailed, production-ready 2D technical drawings that comply with national and international standards, including geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) practices.
- Collaborate closely with Mechanical Engineers to incorporate design changes and ensure all models and drawings reflect the latest revisions and design intent.
- Manage and control engineering documentation, including drawings, models, and Bills of Materials (BOMs), within a Product Data Management (PDM) system.
- Review and check drawings created by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established drafting standards.
- Assist engineers in selecting standard components and materials, and in applying appropriate dimensioning to optimize designs for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
- Support fabrication and assembly teams by quickly resolving drawing interpretation issues that arise during the build process.
- Develop and maintain standard block libraries and drawing templates to improve drafting efficiency and standardization across the organization.
- Participate in design reviews to ensure documentation meets requirements for manufacturing, assembly, and quality inspection.
- Perform other related drafting and design duties as assigned to support the company’s engineering and production goals.
Essential Skills- Proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and 2D drafting of mechanical components and assemblies.
- Strong mechanical drafting and design skills, with the ability to produce clear and accurate technical drawings.
- Familiarity with ASME Y14.5 principles and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T).
- Ability to read, understand, and interpret engineering specifications, schematics, and technical documents.
- Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with engineering, fabrication, and assembly teams.
- Associates degree or certification in drafting, CAD technology, mechanical design, or equivalent experience in a related field.
- Experience or strong internship exposure to SolidWorks in robotics, automation, industrial machinery, or machine design environments.
- Exposure to part design and mechanical systems used in industries such as aerospace and defense, oil and gas, or construction equipment.
Additional Skills & Qualifications- Experience with Product Data Management (PDM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
- Hands-on experience applying GD&T in production drawings.
- Internship or project experience involving drafting, machine design, robotics, automation, or industrial machinery.
- Background or interest in sectors such as aerospace, defense, oil and gas, or construction equipment.
- Ability to develop and maintain drafting standards, block libraries, and templates.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to documentation accuracy and quality.
Work EnvironmentThis is an onsite position in a fun, fast-paced startup-style environment where you will primarily work at a desk creating and managing mechanical drawings and models. You will occasionally interface with production teams and visit an outdoor test facility to support build activities and resolve documentation questions. The typical schedule is approximately 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility as needed to support project deadlines and testing activities. The company offers a collaborative culture, the opportunity to contribute during an exciting early growth phase, and a generous time-off structure, including a shutdown week at the end of December and 10 paid holidays throughout the year. Dress code is generally casual office attire, with appropriate practical clothing and safety considerations when visiting production or test areas.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $30.00 - $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)
Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 22, 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.