Step into a contract opportunity where your mechanical design expertise and CAD skills will directly shape complex engineering projects for a growing Nashville-based organisation. You’ll work on varied, technically challenging assignments, collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions on time and to specification. This is a hands-on design role ideal for an engineer who enjoys ownership, precision, and clear project outcomes.

About the Role:
As a Contract Design Engineer, you will be responsible for creating, developing, and refining mechanical designs and engineering drawings that meet performance, cost, and manufacturability targets. You will support multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring design integrity through accurate CAD models, GD&T application, and informed materials selection. Your work will have a direct impact on product quality, reliability, and project delivery timelines.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop detailed 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and Inventor in line with project requirements.
• Produce clear, complete engineering drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances, and GD&T for manufacturing and inspection.
• Translate functional and performance requirements into practical mechanical design solutions and design modifications.
• Select materials and define engineering properties to meet structural, thermal, and durability requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and operations) to ensure designs are feasible and cost-effective.
• Manage assigned design tasks and mini-projects, including planning, tracking progress, and reporting status against milestones.
• Support design reviews, provide technical input, and incorporate feedback to refine and optimise designs.
• Resolve design-related issues during prototyping and production, implementing corrective actions and design improvements.

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Mechanical or Design Engineer with a strong focus on engineering drawing creation and mechanical design.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD modelling and 2D drafting using SolidWorks and at least one of AutoCAD or Inventor.
• Solid working knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and its application to production drawings.
• Strong understanding of materials selection, engineering properties, and their impact on design performance and manufacturability.
• Demonstrated ability to manage design tasks within project timelines, including prioritisation and coordination of work.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams to align design intent with manufacturing and operational constraints.
• Ability to interpret and work from engineering specifications, standards, and customer requirements.
• Effective communication skills for presenting design concepts and documenting design decisions.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience working in a contract or consultancy environment with multiple concurrent projects.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Exposure to finite element analysis (FEA) or other engineering analysis tools to support design validation.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory requirements relevant to mechanical products.
• Background in continuous improvement or lean manufacturing initiatives related to product design.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Professional engineering experience in mechanical design and CAD modelling in an industrial or product development setting.
• Formal training or certification in GD&T application (preferred).
• Additional CAD certifications in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor (preferred).

If you are a detail-driven mechanical designer who enjoys turning requirements into precise, manufacturable solutions, this contract role offers the variety and technical challenge you’re looking for—submit your application to be considered.