Product Design Engineer Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Design Engineer

Job Description

The Design Engineer will design forging dies, punches, and trim tools, with a strong focus on round tooling inserts. The role also supports the creation of work instructions, process design for automation such as robotic loading and unloading in the forge process, and CAD/CAM programming. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to a growing organization that is expanding into new industries and locations.

Responsibilities

• Design forging dies, punches, and trim tools, with an emphasis on round tooling inserts.
• Develop and modify 3D models using CAD software, with a focus on Creo or comparable tools.
• Create, maintain, and improve detailed work instructions to support manufacturing processes.
• Support process design for automation, including integration of robot arms for loading and unloading in the forge process.
• Perform CAD/CAM programming to support machining and tooling requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and production teams to ensure designs are practical, efficient, and manufacturable.
• Participate in tooling and fixture design to support forging and related operations.
• Work with measurement and inspection teams, including the use or support of CMM-related activities, to ensure dimensional accuracy of tooling and components.
• Spend time on the shop floor to observe processes, gather feedback, and validate designs, adjusting designs as needed based on real-world conditions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives in design, automation, and manufacturing processes.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering.
• At least 1 year of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• 3D modeling experience using CAD software (Creo preferred, but SolidWorks or comparable tools are acceptable).
• Experience with CAD design for tooling, including dies, punches, and trim tools.
• Ability to create and interpret work instructions for manufacturing processes.
• Strong 3D modeling skills for round tooling inserts and related components.
• Fundamental understanding of manufacturing processes, particularly in a forging or heavy industrial environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate degree with strong 3D modeling experience will be considered.
• Experience with robots and automation, particularly for loading and unloading operations.
• CAD/CAM programming experience to support machining and tooling operations.
• Experience in tooling and fixture design for manufacturing applications.
• Exposure to CMM (coordinate measuring machines) and dimensional inspection practices.
• Interest in working within industries such as aerospace and defense.
• Willingness to explore growth opportunities that may include other locations.

Work Environment

This role is based in a forging environment that combines office-based design work with regular time on the production floor. The Design Engineer will work primarily in an office setting but should expect to be on the shop floor approximately 40% of the time, depending on project needs. The production floor can be hot and dirty due to the nature of forging operations, and candidates should be comfortable working in a heavy industrial setting. The environment involves close collaboration with manufacturing, automation, and inspection teams, and the use of modern CAD and CAD/CAM tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CMM-related technologies. The organization is experiencing significant growth as it supports new industries, offering opportunities for professional development and potential mobility to other facilities.

This is a Permanent position based out of Lebanon, KY.

The pay range for this position is $70000.00 - $80000.00/yr.

Health, dental, vision, 401k, PTO/holiday pay

This is a fully onsite position in Lebanon,KY.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 4, 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.

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