Job Description
Job DescriptionJob Title: CAD Drafter / Mechanical Designer – Industrial Automation (SolidWorks Focus)
Job Description
This role focuses on designing and developing custom industrial automation equipment, including aluminum extrusion guards and frames, with a strong emphasis on SolidWorks. You will create detailed mechanical designs, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and support projects from initial concept through to production. This position is ideal for a mechanical designer with hands-on experience in automated systems, machinery, or tooling who enjoys working in a fast-paced, project-driven environment and wants to deepen their experience in industrial automation.
Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems for industrial automation equipment using SolidWorks and IronCAD.
- Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and complete Bills of Materials (BOMs) and documentation to support manufacturing and assembly.
- Design housings and enclosures for robotic and manufacturing equipment, primarily using aluminum extrusion framing and catalog components.
- Interpret customer specifications for sizing and performance, select appropriate components from a catalog, and design custom frames and guards to meet requirements.
- Prepare and maintain accurate BOMs for each design and hand off complete design packages to the production team.
- Participate actively in concept development, design reviews, and design-for-manufacturing discussions to ensure robust and cost-effective solutions.
- Work closely with vendors and suppliers to source components, clarify specifications, and resolve technical issues related to mechanical design.
- Collaborate with shop and assembly teams on the production floor to clarify design intent, address questions, and support successful builds.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date design documentation, models, and drawings in accordance with internal standards and processes.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by refining design standards, templates, and workflows to enhance quality and efficiency.
Essential Skills
- 3–8+ years of experience in mechanical design, preferably in industrial automation, machinery, or tooling.
- Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, including parts, assemblies, drawings, and configurations.
- Proven experience producing accurate and manufacturable mechanical drawings for fabrication and assembly.
- Familiarity with standard industrial components such as sensors, motors, gearboxes, fasteners, and related hardware.
- Experience creating and managing Bills of Materials (BOMs) for mechanical assemblies.
- Hands-on experience with CAD drafting and mechanical design for manufacturing applications.
- Ability to design aluminum extrusion frames and structures for guards, housings, and equipment enclosures.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate documentation throughout the design process.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Strong understanding of mechanical principles, including pneumatics and motion systems such as rails, ball screws, and conveyors.
- Knowledge of structural design and materials selection for industrial equipment and frames.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, or a related field.
- Experience with automated manufacturing equipment, robotics, or custom machinery.
- Working knowledge of PDM/PLM systems, with SolidWorks PDM experience preferred.
- Basic understanding of controls integration, including familiarity with PLCs, sensors, and wiring layouts.
- Experience designing sheet metal parts, weldments, and machined components.
- Hands-on shop or assembly experience, with the ability to communicate effectively with production personnel.
- Experience in design for manufacturing (DFM) and an understanding of practical manufacturing constraints.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, project-driven environment with multiple concurrent projects.
Work Environment
The role is primarily desk-based, working with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and IronCAD to develop detailed mechanical designs. You will regularly interact with the production floor to clarify assemblies, review builds, and ensure designs are practical and manufacturable. The organization is expanding into a much larger facility, creating significant opportunities for growth and exposure to a broad range of industrial automation projects. This environment offers strong hands-on collaboration with engineering, production, and vendor partners, and provides an excellent platform to gain deeper experience in industrial automation and custom equipment design.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Franklin, MA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $37.50/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 Type
This is a fully onsite position in Franklin,MA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Jun 19, 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.