Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / Manufacturing Design EngineerJob Description
This entry-level Mechanical Engineer / Manufacturing Design Engineer role focuses on turning customer requirements into manufacturable designs using SolidWorks. You will spend most of your time creating 3D models and 2D drawings for parts and tooling, while also gaining regular, structured exposure to the machine shop floor to see how your designs are built. This position is ideal for early-career engineers who want to develop strong CAD and drafting skills on real hardware, grow under mentorship from experienced engineers, and progress toward a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role.
Responsibilities
Develop detailed 3D models and precise 2D technical drawings for new products and associated tooling using SolidWorks.
Review customer drawings, specifications, and requirements to design process flows and tooling layouts that meet quality and performance standards.
Initiate, issue, and revise engineering drawings, manufacturing specifications, and work instructions to support production.
Provide CAD and design support to manufacturing, sales, and customers to troubleshoot issues and optimize designs for manufacturability.
Maintain accurate and organized engineering records, including CAD files, drawing packages, and revision histories.
Spend regular, structured time on the shop floor alongside senior engineers to observe how designs translate into finished parts.
Support tooling development and process improvement initiatives based on shop floor feedback and observations.
Contribute ideas for cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction across products and processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment, adapting to shifting priorities while maintaining high-quality design output.
Communicate clearly with engineers, machinists, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on design intent and manufacturability.
Essential Skills
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related field.
0-2 years of professional experience in engineering, design, or manufacturing; substantial hands-on project experience is valued similarly to internships.
Strong SolidWorks skills, including 3D modeling and 2D drafting, developed through coursework, internships, or independent projects.
Experience with mechanical design and CAD, with the ability to produce clear, manufacturable drawings and technical documentation.
Understanding of sheet metal design principles and their application in mechanical components and assemblies.
Demonstrated track record of taking ownership of projects, such as leading a team, managing a project timeline, or seeing a build through from concept to finished product.
Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to organizing engineering records and revision histories.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with frequently shifting priorities.
Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with engineers, machinists, and other team members.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
Experience with alternative CAD platforms such as Fusion 360 or similar tools.
Hands-on familiarity with sheet metal fabrication processes and design for sheet metal parts.
Exposure to manufacturing environments and an interest in how parts are made, not just how they are designed.
Basic familiarity with hand and shop tools such as bandsaws, drill presses, and mills is a plus but not required.
Experience in senior design projects, robotics or competition teams, research projects, or personal builds that demonstrate practical engineering skills.
Ability to contribute to cost reduction, quality improvement, and cycle-time reduction initiatives.
Interest in growing into a Manufacturing/Design Engineer II role with increasing ownership of projects and customer interfaces.
Motivation to learn from structured mentorship provided by senior design and manufacturing engineers.
Work Environment
You will work primarily at a CAD workstation, spending the majority of your time in SolidWorks creating models, drawings, and documentation, while also maintaining organized digital engineering records. Regular, guided time on the machine shop floor is built into the role, giving you direct exposure to machining, tooling, and production processes, and allowing you to see your own drawings become finished parts. The environment is fast-paced, with priorities that can shift daily, and you will collaborate closely with engineers, machinists, and other team members. The culture emphasizes structured mentorship, hands-on learning, and increasing responsibility, offering a clear path for growth into more advanced manufacturing and design engineering roles.
Job Type & Location
This is a Permanent position based out of Oxnard, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $90000.00/yr.
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.
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - 401(k) Savings Plan - Company-Sponsored Life Insurance - Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Coverage - Paid Holidays - Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Workplace Type
This is a fully onsite position in Oxnard,CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 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.
