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# Design Engineer

- **Company:** Actalent
- **Location:** Bettendorf, IA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $70,000.0 - $95,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** 3d Models, SolidWorks (CAD)
- **Published:** November 3, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careercircle.com/jobs/all/all/usa/ia/bettendorf/406ec756-c63b-4673-9089-67290b4d0e64

## About the Role

Tooling
Casting
Aluminum
Machining
Visionary
Operations
Leadership
Innovation
3D Modeling
CNC Machining
Cost Reduction
Tooling Design
Detail Oriented
Problem Solving
SolidWorks (CAD)
Mechanical Design
Tolerance Analysis
Engineering Drawings
Mechanical Engineering
New Product Development
Effective Communication
Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering Design Process
Employee Assistance Programs
Continuous Improvement Process
Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Troubleshooting (Problem Solving)

At least 5 years, * At least 5 years of experience with 3D CAD modeling and mechanical design using Solidworks.

 * Proven experience designing tooling, fixtures, patterns, molds, or similar manufacturing equipment.
 * Ability to read, create, and develop engineering drawings with strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerancing.
 * Practical understanding of how parts and tooling are manufactured within a production environment.
 * Strong troubleshooting skills and comfort working directly on the manufacturing floor.
 * Solid foundation in mechanical design and design for manufacturing principles.
 * Ability to collaborate effectively with foundry, machining, quality, and production teams.
 * Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate, production-ready documentation., * Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Design/Drafting, or equivalent relevant experience.
 * Experience with permanent mold tooling or foundry pattern design.
 * Experience designing machining fixtures for CNC or other machining operations.
 * Background in aluminum casting processes and related tooling requirements.
 * Knowledge of CNC machining and general manufacturing processes.
 * Ability to apply design for manufacturing and design for assembly best practices.
 * Interest in working closely with experienced manufacturing professionals and learning from hands-on production exposure.

## Description

The Design Engineer supports aluminum foundry and machining operations by designing and modifying permanent molds, foundry patterns, machining fixtures, and production tooling. This role takes projects from initial concept through production launch, creating detailed 3D models, drawings, and documentation. The position works closely with cross-functional manufacturing teams to troubleshoot tooling, casting, and dimensional issues, and to continuously improve tooling for quality, repeatability, productivity, and tool life.
Responsibilities

 * Design and modify permanent molds, foundry patterns, machining fixtures, and production tooling to support aluminum casting and machining operations.
 * Create accurate 3D models, detailed drawings, and supporting documentation, taking projects from concept through production launch.
 * Collaborate directly with foundry, machining, quality, and production teams to troubleshoot tooling, casting, and dimensional issues on the manufacturing floor.
 * Improve existing tooling to enhance quality, repeatability, productivity, and tool life, while supporting new product launches and cost-reduction initiatives.
 * Apply design for manufacturing principles to ensure that parts and tooling are practical, manufacturable, and aligned with production capabilities.
 * Use GD&T and tolerance analysis to develop and interpret engineering drawings that ensure dimensional accuracy and functional performance.
 * Support continuous improvement activities by identifying opportunities to optimize tooling designs and manufacturing processes.
 * Provide technical input and hands-on support during tooling build, tryout, and production ramp-up.
 * Maintain organized design files, revision histories, and documentation to support traceability and effective communication with production teams.