This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
71% STARs in role.
Job Title: Mechanical Designer / Drafter
Job Description
This role focuses on high-impact mechanical CAD design and drafting using Creo and Windchill to support mechanical and electromechanical product development. The Mechanical Designer / Drafter creates, manages, and releases detailed CAD models, assemblies, drawings, and production documentation so engineers can concentrate on analysis and system-level design. The position emphasizes CAD execution, documentation, and configuration control rather than engineering analysis, and is ideal for a career CAD professional who enjoys operating as a CAD power user.
Responsibilities
- Create, maintain, and release 3D CAD models and drawings in Creo and manage associated data in Windchill.
- Build and manage parts and assemblies, including top-down modeling approaches for complex mechanical and electromechanical systems.
- Develop detailed drawings with exploded views, complete bills of materials (BOMs), and comprehensive release packages for production.
- Administer CAD data flow from prototype through production, ensuring accurate configuration control and traceability.
- Manage and maintain CAD templates, libraries, and off-the-shelf component models to support efficient design reuse.
- Source and integrate off-the-shelf components by downloading CAD models from vendor websites and incorporating them into assemblies.
- Modify and adapt existing components such as bearings, housings, and covers to meet evolving system requirements.
- Design simple mechanical components including covers, brackets, fastener selections, and gasket interfaces.
- Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards on drawings and models.
- Incorporate engineering feedback, including model edits and updates based on finite element analysis (FEA) or other engineering inputs.
- Generate CAD screenshots, section views, and visual materials to support design reviews, gate reviews, and presentations.
- Act as a CAD execution partner to mechanical engineers by translating design intent into robust models and drawings while engineers validate stress and physics.
- Produce production-ready documentation for shipped products, ensuring that designs are fully defined and manufacturable.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams working on mechanical and electromechanical machines such as robotics, manufacturing equipment, test equipment, industrial machinery, automotive, or aerospace systems.
Essential Skills
- Strong, hands-on proficiency with Creo Parametric (including Pro/ENGINEER experience).
- Strong, hands-on proficiency with Windchill for product lifecycle and CAD data management.
- Demonstrated ability to perform top-down modeling in Creo for complex assemblies.
- Proficiency in drawing creation and drafting, including detailed views, exploded views, and clear dimensioning.
- Experience applying GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
- Experience creating production documentation for shipped products rather than concept-only designs.
- Experience working with mechanical or electromechanical machines such as robotics, manufacturing equipment, test equipment, industrial machines, automotive, or aerospace systems.
- Comfort operating as a CAD power user and building a career around CAD design and drafting.
- Ability to partner closely with mechanical engineers, interpret design intent, and translate it into accurate models and drawings.
- Willingness and ability to work in a hybrid arrangement, including periodic travel to on-site locations.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience beyond consumer products or plastics-only environments is strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with sheet metal design in a CAD environment.
- Experience creating and managing bills of materials (BOMs) and related documentation.
- Exposure to mechanical design for industrial or high-reliability applications.
- Engineers who strongly gravitate toward CAD work may be considered if they are comfortable in a CAD-focused career path.
- Interest in a long-term career as a designer/drafter rather than a transition to a traditional mechanical engineering role in the near term.
Work Environment
The role begins as a heavily remote position, with an expectation of approximately four days per month on-site. Over time, the position transitions to a hybrid work arrangement with regular in-person collaboration at designated facilities, including locations such as Salem, OR. The work environment centers on digital design using Creo and Windchill within a structured product lifecycle management framework, supporting mechanical and electromechanical systems. You will collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams while working primarily in a CAD and documentation-focused setting, balancing remote work with periodic on-site engagement for reviews, collaboration, and hands-on coordination.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Fremont, CA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $45.00 - $72.00/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 hybrid position in Fremont,CA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Aug 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 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.
Posting ID: JP-006168969