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Mechanical Designer

Actalent

Big Lake, MNContract$29–38/hrSeen 6 days agoSeen in employer's feed 6 days ago

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At a glance

Compensation
$29–38/hr
Location
Big Lake, MN
Schedule
Contract
Work Authorization
Not specified

Olive focuses on jobs in the United States, including remote roles you can work from there.

Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

Associate's degree, required

Job overview

The Mechanical Designer collaborates with engineering and project teams to create 3D models and detailed design and shop drawings for equipment and components. The role uses AutoCAD and SolidWorks, supports project schedules and budgets, and produces documentation such as maintenance manuals and parts lists. This is a contract-to-hire, onsite position based in Big Lake, Minnesota.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

3D Modeling, requiredMechanical Design, requiredAutoCAD, requiredSolidWorks, requiredStatics, requiredStrengths of Materials, requiredTrigonometry, requiredBlueprint Interpretation, requiredMechanical Drafting, requiredCAD Documentation, requiredAttention to Detail, requiredMachine Design, nice to haveIndustrial Equipment Design, nice to haveSheet Metal Design, nice to haveNew Product Development, nice to haveMechanical Engineering, nice to haveOrganization, nice to haveCross-Functional Collaboration, nice to have

Qualifications

AAS in Mechanical Design or Related, required1+ Years 3D Design Experience, requiredIndustrial Design Experience, nice to haveMachine Design Experience, nice to haveNew Product Development Experience, nice to have

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
401(k) Match
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Job Title: Mechanical Designer

Job Description

The Mechanical Designer collaborates closely with the engineering team to create accurate 3D models and detailed drawings for equipment and components. This role focuses on producing high-quality design and shop detail drawings using current versions of AutoCAD and SolidWorks, supporting project schedules and budgets. The Mechanical Designer also contributes to documentation such as maintenance manuals and parts lists, and provides support to other teams to ensure deadlines are met.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the engineering team to generate precise 3D models of equipment and parts.

  • Prepare design drawings and shop detail drawings using the latest versions of AutoCAD and SolidWorks in alignment with project budgets and schedules.

  • Produce prints and copies for projects as requested to support manufacturing and project documentation.

  • Apply working knowledge of statics and strengths of materials to ensure robust and reliable designs.

  • Use trigonometry skills to support accurate measurements, layouts, and geometric calculations in designs.

  • Interpret and read blueprints to translate design concepts into detailed drawings and models.

  • Assist other teams and departments in meeting project deadlines by providing timely design support and documentation.

  • Create maintenance manuals, bolt lists, and spare parts lists for assigned projects as requested to support ongoing service and maintenance.

  • Perform additional design-related tasks and responsibilities as assigned by management to support overall engineering and project needs.

Essential Skills

  • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Mechanical Design or a closely related discipline.

  • At least 1 year of experience with 3D design in an engineering or manufacturing environment.

  • Proficiency in 3D modeling and mechanical design, including the ability to develop detailed models of equipment and components.

  • Ability to prepare design and shop detail drawings using AutoCAD.

  • Ability to prepare 3D models and detailed drawings using SolidWorks.

  • Working knowledge of statics and strengths of materials to support sound mechanical design decisions.

  • Working knowledge of trigonometry for accurate geometric and dimensional calculations.

  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical drawings.

  • Experience with mechanical drafting and CAD-based documentation.

  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in creating models, drawings, and project documentation.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience with machine design, particularly in industrial or specialized equipment applications.

  • Experience in industrial or machine design environments.

  • Familiarity with sheet metal design and fabrication considerations.

  • Experience in new product development, including translating concepts into manufacturable designs.

  • General mechanical engineering knowledge to support cross-functional collaboration.

  • Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and documentation requirements.

  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and support shared project goals.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role in an engineering and design-focused environment. The Mechanical Designer works closely with engineering and other project teams, using modern CAD tools such as AutoCAD and SolidWorks to produce 3D models and detailed drawings. The setting is structured around project schedules and deadlines, with access to printing and documentation resources to support design and manufacturing activities.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Big Lake, MN.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $29.00 - $38.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Big Lake, MN.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 19, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Big Lake,MN.

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 [email protected] 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.

How this job compares

Set against the 556 open Mechanical Designer jobs on Olive Jobs, counted November 13, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$29–38/hr
  • US median$35–45/hr91 hourly ranges

This range's midpoint, $33.50/hr, is 14% below the US median midpoint ($39/hr) — in the middle half of Mechanical Designer hourly ranges across the US.

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 21 open Mechanical Designer jobs in Minnesota and 556 across the US. 3% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Minnesota
Experience
This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience — less than three in four Mechanical Designer postings that state a minimum ask for (median 5 years, across 471 postings).
Education
This posting asks for an associate degree; 143 of the 556 open Mechanical Designer jobs (26%) ask for an associate degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on November 13, 2026. Figures based on too few postings are left out.

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