Job Title: SolidWorks Mechanical DesignerJob DescriptionThis role focuses on creating and updating detailed mechanical models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks to support an active aerospace engineering program. You will work on individual mechanical components, complex assemblies, structural layouts, and installation drawings for high-visibility projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. The position offers the opportunity to contribute immediately to real engineering work for advanced aerospace and spaceflight programs while gaining broad ownership across design, fabrication, integration, and testing activities.Responsibilities
- Create and modify accurate 3D mechanical models using SolidWorks 2024.
- Model individual mechanical components, piece parts, and complex assemblies.
- Develop clear and detailed 2D engineering drawings from SolidWorks 3D models.
- Create mechanical and structural installation drawings that show the location and integration of equipment and hardware.
- Support structural layouts involving cable trays, ladders, brackets, hardware, and other mechanical components.
- Work with existing and legacy engineering information to develop and update SolidWorks designs.
- Collaborate closely with engineers to execute designs against an accelerated project schedule.
- Complete assigned design packages with limited CAD or tool training and minimal supervision.
- Support new product development activities for aerospace and spaceflight hardware, including mechanical drafting and engineering documentation.
- Apply GD&T principles to ensure manufacturable and accurate engineering drawings.
- Utilize SolidWorks and, where applicable, SolidWorks Enterprise PDM to manage and control design data.
- Contribute to engineering drafting efforts that support fabrication, integration, and testing of mechanical and structural assemblies.
Essential Skills
- 5+ years of mechanical design and CAD experience.
- Strong, current proficiency with SolidWorks, including 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
- Proven ability to independently create and modify 3D piece parts and assemblies.
- Proven ability to generate 2D manufacturing and installation drawings from 3D models.
- Experience producing 3D mechanical models of piece parts and assemblies.
- Experience generating 2D engineering drawings that clearly communicate design intent.
- Experience creating mechanical and structural installation drawings.
- Ability to contribute quickly with minimal SolidWorks or CAD tool training.
- Strong mechanical design experience with understanding of mechanical components and assemblies.
- Working knowledge of GD&T for mechanical drafting and engineering drawings.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 510+ years of mechanical design experience in complex hardware environments.
- Experience in aerospace, spacecraft, defense, or similar high-complexity mechanical systems.
- Experience developing structural layouts and installation drawings for mechanical systems.
- Experience working with cable trays, ladders, structures, brackets, mechanical hardware, and equipment layouts.
- Prior experience supporting JPL, NASA, or similar aerospace programs.
- Experience supporting legacy hardware and translating older drawings or design information into SolidWorks.
- Experience with mechanical engineering, new product development, and aerospace design.
- Familiarity with spaceflight hardware, imaging instruments, optical systems, and precision mechanical assemblies.
- Experience with SolidWorks Enterprise PDM or similar CAD data management tools.
- Experience in CAD design, CAD drafting, and engineering drafting in a professional environment.
Work EnvironmentYou will work in a collaborative engineering environment that supports commercial aerospace, defense, and advanced spaceflight programs. The team specializes in optical instruments, imaging systems, and precision mechanical assemblies, offering exposure to highly visible imaging instruments and precision hardware used in exploration and advanced technology development. Engineers receive significant ownership and responsibility over their technical work, contributing across design, fabrication, integration, and testing activities. The environment is fast-paced due to an accelerated project schedule and growing project workload, with the organization experiencing significant expansion and increased demand. The culture emphasizes transparency, teamwork, innovation, integrity, safety, accountability, technical excellence, and customer-focused engineering solutions. This is a hands-on SolidWorks role where you can immediately contribute to real aerospace engineering work involving mechanical components, assemblies, structures, and installation drawings, with an initial assignment of approximately four months and a strong possibility of continuation based on ongoing project needs. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Pasadena, CA. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $60.00/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 & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Pasadena, CA. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 20, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Pasadena,CA.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.
