Entry level materials engineer Jobs in Orange, CA

Job Title: Drafter / Designer

1) word copy of resume

2) 2-3 professional references

3) 4-5 brief bullet points highlighting technical qualifications

Job Description

The Drafter / Designer develops and designs effective packaging solutions by creating appropriate experimental protocols, engineering concepts, and detailed drawings. This role collaborates closely with manufacturing, quality control, purchasing, and sales teams to evaluate customer equipment and packaging needs, and to translate those requirements into high-quality, manufacturable designs using SolidWorks and other CAD tools.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging concepts and molds using SolidWorks and other CAD tools to meet customer equipment and product protection requirements.
• Create and implement appropriate experimental protocols and test approaches related to assigned projects to ensure packaging effectiveness and manufacturability.
• Review and evaluate customer equipment and applications on-site to determine packaging requirements and constraints.
• Engineer solutions using a variety of packaging materials, including foam and other substrates, based on equipment evaluations and customer specifications.
• Collaborate with manufacturing and quality control teams to ensure designs are feasible, efficient to produce, and meet quality standards.
• Work closely with purchasing to align material specifications with availability and cost considerations.
• Support the sales team with technical input during customer visits, including presenting design concepts, answering technical questions, and gathering design requirements.
• Provide research and technical data to support design decisions and customer proposals.
• Participate as an active member of the design team to manage workflow, prioritize projects, and meet agreed-upon deadlines.
• Update and maintain design documentation, drawings, and records in accordance with internal standards and procedures.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design methods, packaging solutions, and team processes.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling and design.
• Strong CAD drafting and design skills with the ability to create accurate and detailed drawings.
• Experience designing packaging solutions, including an understanding of packaging requirements and protective design principles.
• Ability to evaluate customer equipment and translate findings into practical packaging designs.
• Familiarity with manufacturing environments and processes, particularly as they relate to producing packaging and molded components.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with internal teams and interacting with customers.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and contribute to overall workflow management.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality, accurate work.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience working with foam or similar packaging materials is beneficial.
• Prior experience supporting sales teams with technical data and customer-facing design discussions is a plus.
• Background in packaging design, industrial design, mechanical design, or a related technical discipline is advantageous.
• Ability to conduct basic research and compile technical data to support design decisions.
• Comfort visiting customer sites to review equipment and gather requirements.

Work Environment

The Drafter / Designer works in a modest office setting alongside a collaborative design team, using SolidWorks and other CAD tools to create molds and packaging materials for customers. The role involves occasional walks to the production floor to review manufacturability and coordinate with manufacturing and quality personnel. The culture emphasizes a relaxed, low-pressure environment focused on doing quality work rather than meeting extreme or rigid deadlines. The new designer receives training and support from the team to become proficient with internal processes and products.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Irvine, CA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $28.00 - $30.00/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 Irvine,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 12, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.