Machine Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

This Design Engineer role focuses on creating custom mechanical solutions using SolidWorks, including jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, and specialized equipment. You will combine hands-on mechanical design with structural analysis, collaborate closely with customers on project plans and updates, and support the full lifecycle of your designs from concept through assembly and installation. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to a growing organization and to work on a variety of machining, fabrication, and new product development projects.

Responsibilities

• Use SolidWorks to design jigs, fixtures, end effector tooling, and other custom mechanical equipment.
• Develop detailed 3D models and engineering drawings to support machining, fabrication, and assembly processes.
• Perform structural design and finite element analysis (FEA) as needed to validate and optimize designs.
• Collaborate closely with customers to review design concepts, clarify requirements, and communicate project plans, schedules, and status updates.
• Incorporate feedback from customers and internal stakeholders into design revisions and improvements.
• Support the assembly of your designs in the shop, working with machining and fabrication teams to ensure manufacturability and fit.
• Provide on-site support during installation of equipment at customer locations, helping to troubleshoot and resolve any design-related issues.
• Coordinate with project stakeholders to manage priorities and ensure projects meet quality, cost, and schedule targets.
• Prepare and maintain accurate design documentation, including models, drawings, and technical notes.
• Apply basic sheet metal design principles where required to ensure robust and efficient solutions.

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, drafting, and mechanical design.
• Experience in mechanical design, including tooling and fixture design, machine design, and custom equipment development.
• Ability to perform structural design and FEA analysis to validate mechanical components and assemblies.
• Hands-on understanding of machining equipment, fabrication equipment, and machine shop practices.
• Strong computer skills with Microsoft products for documentation, communication, and project tracking.
• Experience with machining, fabrication, and new product development processes.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD for supplemental drafting and layout work.
• Basic knowledge of sheet metal design and fabrication considerations.
• Background in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a design and engineering environment.

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field is favorable.
• Experience working in a fabrication or machine shop environment.
• Exposure to project management activities such as planning, scheduling, and coordinating design work.
• Strong communication skills for working directly with customers and cross-functional teams.
• Attention to detail in creating accurate models, drawings, and documentation.
• Interest in contributing to a small, growing company where responsibilities can be diverse and evolving.

This role is based in a small, growing company environment where you work closely with a compact team of engineers, machinists, and fabricators. You will spend time in both an office setting using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Microsoft tools, and in a shop environment supporting machining, fabrication, and assembly of your designs. The position involves direct interaction with customers, including occasional visits to customer sites to assist with equipment installation and support. The work setting emphasizes collaboration, hands-on problem solving, and exposure to a variety of mechanical design and new product development projects.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Georgetown, KY.

The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $45.00/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 Georgetown,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 3, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

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.