Design Engineer

Job Title: Design Engineer IIJob DescriptionThe Design Engineer II supports mid-level product design and validation for polypropylene venting systems and OEM components, translating customer, code, and performance requirements into manufacturable designs. This role owns products from concept through first article and launch, working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, Sales, and customers to deliver solutions that meet quality, cost, and timeline expectations. The position offers the opportunity to grow into managing projects independently within a fast-growing, collaborative engineering team.Responsibilities

• Design new products, assemblies, and customer-specific components using 3D CAD tools such as Creo or SolidWorks, creating detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and related documentation.
• Translate customer needs, industry codes, and performance requirements into clear technical specifications and communicate these requirements effectively to internal stakeholders and external customers.
• Develop and maintain bills of materials (BOMs), product specifications, work instructions, installation instructions, and other technical documentation needed to support production and customers.
• Ensure all designs comply with relevant codes and standards, including UL-1738, ULC-S636, ANSI Z21, and NFPA 54, and maintain a working knowledge of these requirements.
• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM), design-for-assembly (DFA), and target-cost methodologies to create manufacturable, cost-effective, and scalable designs while incorporating lean thinking and continuous improvement.
• Support product application needs such as vent sizing, system layouts, configuration guidance, and feasibility and cost analysis for custom customer requests.
• Design parts for plastic injection molding, incorporating molding best practices such as appropriate draft, wall thickness, parting lines, and tolerances, and coordinate with suppliers on tooling feedback and design revisions.
• Design or support the development of tooling, jigs, fixtures, and gauges, and coordinate their fabrication with internal resources or external suppliers, including the use of 3D printing where appropriate.
• Support prototype and first-article builds by partnering with Manufacturing, troubleshooting issues on the production floor, documenting findings, and implementing design or process improvements.
• Create and execute design verification plans and test procedures, build test setups and fixtures, operate or coordinate use of lab equipment, analyze test results, and produce clear, actionable test reports.
• Lead or participate in DFMEA and PFMEA activities, and support corrective actions and quality improvements based on test results, field feedback, and production performance.
• Support manufacturing readiness by providing necessary engineering outputs, including DXF files, CNC-related documentation, inspection points, critical dimensions, and process guidance.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Quality, and Product/Engineering teams to support new product launches, address customer support needs, and implement ongoing product updates.
• Interact directly with customers in a professional, customer-focused manner to clarify requirements, provide technical guidance, and coordinate project activities.
• Mentor or support junior engineers as assigned by sharing technical knowledge, reviewing work, and providing guidance on best practices.
• Effectively manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, prioritizing high-value work and meeting agreed-upon timelines.
• Perform other engineering duties, projects, and assignments as needed to support business objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelors degree or associate degree in mechanical engineering or an equivalent discipline from an accredited institution.
• Approximately 34 years of product design and/or manufacturing engineering experience, preferably in plastics, fabrication, or industrial products.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software, with experience in creating models, assemblies, drawings, and BOM structures; experience with Creo is preferred, but SolidWorks or similar tools are acceptable.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and strong foundation in mechanical design principles and 3D modeling.
• Proven ability to create clear and accurate engineering documentation, including work instructions, installation instructions, and technical specifications.
• Experience with test methods, verification planning, and the use of lab equipment, including the ability to interpret test results and implement design or process changes based on findings.
• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and Word for communication, data analysis, and documentation.
• Ability to multi-task, manage priorities, and drive high-value projects to completion within required timelines.
• High attention to detail with strong mental and visual focus to ensure accuracy in design and documentation.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to support and communicate effectively with OEMs, distributors, contractors, and internal teams.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% to customer locations for support, collaboration, and project activities.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience in the plastics industry, particularly with plastic injection molding design, is strongly preferred but not required.
• Familiarity with molding best practices, including draft angles, wall thickness, parting lines, and tolerance considerations for injection-molded parts.
• Exposure to or working knowledge of relevant codes and standards such as UL-1738, ULC-S636, ANSI Z21, and NFPA 54 is preferred.
• Experience applying DFM, DFA, and lean principles to improve manufacturability, cost, and scalability of designs.
• Experience in designing or supporting tooling, jigs, fixtures, gauges, and 3D-printed components is beneficial.
• Experience with DFMEA and PFMEA processes and participation in structured problem-solving and quality improvement activities.
• Customer-facing experience and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage expectations and communicate project status.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with an inquisitive mindset and a high level of energy, drive, and follow-through.
• Desire and potential to grow into managing projects independently and taking on increased ownership over time.
• Interest in ongoing professional development, including participation in internal career development programs.

Work EnvironmentYou will work in a collaborative, hands-on environment as part of a small, cross-functional team that takes customer concepts from initial idea through to production. The engineering department includes six or more engineers, with a mix of manufacturing and mechanical engineering expertise, providing frequent opportunities for technical collaboration and knowledge sharing. The facility operates primarily as a single-shift operation with approximately 75 or more people on site, though some departments such as extrusion and maintenance may run split shifts. This role follows a Monday through Friday schedule, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., supporting activities that range from office-based design and documentation work to on-site support on the production floor and in test labs. The environment emphasizes problem solving, continuous improvement, and close interaction with manufacturing, quality, and sales teams. Modern engineering tools, including 3D CAD software, CNC-related systems, and 3D printing, support design and development work. The company is growing rapidly, having more than doubled its headcount in recent years, offering strong opportunities for career growth and advancement. A comprehensive benefits package is available, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a retirement plan, paid time off, and structured career development opportunities. Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Albany, NY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $110000.00/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. Career Development through the UCG Exchange Program Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Retirement Plan Paid Time Off Job Type & LocationThis is a Permanent position based out of Albany, NY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Albany,NY.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.