Design Engineer

Job Title:

Motor Design Engineer Job Description The Motor Design Engineer designs and optimizes high‑performance electric motors for demanding aerospace and defense applications, ensuring they meet customer requirements for performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost. This role covers all aspects of electric motor design and implementation, including magnetics, materials, GD&T, assembly, analysis, testing, and verification, while collaborating closely with internal teams and external suppliers to support the capture and retention of profitable business. Responsibilities Design, prototype, assemble, and test electromagnetic motor topologies for high‑performance, high‑reliability aerospace and defense products in an AS9100 environment. Develop breakthrough motor technologies that enable the company to win in its served market segments. Select materials and apply GD&T to optimize motor designs for manufacturability, performance, and cost. Apply electromagnetic principles and perform analysis using finite element analysis (FEA), simulation, and modeling tools to refine designs. Lead and facilitate motor design and manufacturing activities, leveraging prior experience to optimize cost, efficiency, mass, thermal performance, and other system trade‑offs. Define and refine materials selection, secondary processing, and workmanship principles required in a high‑performance motor manufacturing environment. Collaborate closely with actuation system engineering and test engineering to create manufacturable designs that support winning new programs. Design and develop motor subcomponents, including magnet wires, insulation systems, laminations, magnets, shafts, bearings, enclosures, EMI features, sealing elements, and related components, ensuring robust operation, testing, and reliability. Work with suppliers to ensure products conform to requirements and specifications defined in contracts, drawings, and technical documentation. Inspect, witness, and verify in‑process and final inspections of products to ensure conformity to specifications and requirements. Audit and review supplier manufacturing processes to confirm appropriate risk‑mitigation steps are in place. Review technical documents such as prints and specifications during product development to identify potential manufacturing challenges or design‑related cost drivers. Travel to company facilities and supplier manufacturing sites as needed to support design, production, and supplier oversight activities. Drive initiatives and activities to timely closure through effective interaction with internal and external stakeholders. Develop a thorough understanding of customer requirements while balancing cost, technology, schedule, and risk in design decisions. Follow all safety, quality, housekeeping, and company policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and internal system requirements. Contribute to a positive and cooperative work environment through clear, professional communication at all levels inside and outside the organization. Actively participate in team meetings and continuous improvement initiatives, supporting actions that drive company goals and initiatives. Assist in training personnel to perform required technical tasks when directed. Demonstrate consistent commitment to company values in daily work and decision‑making. Keep leadership informed about the competitive landscape and evolving technologies relevant to electric motors and associated systems. Complete special projects and miscellaneous assignments as required to support engineering and business objectives. Essential Skills 5-10 years of experience in electromagnetic motors, windings, products, and systems engineering. Hands‑on experience designing, prototyping, assembling, and testing electric motors such as brushless DC motors, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM), induction motors, or similar technologies. Experience designing motors for aerospace, defense, or other high‑reliability applications. Strong knowledge of electromagnetic principles and analysis, including finite element analysis (FEA), simulation, and modeling. Experience with electromagnetic FEA tools such as ANSYS, Motor‑CAD, or similar software. Expertise in materials selection and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) for optimized manufacturability and cost. Knowledge of design principles, operation, testing, and reliability for motor subcomponents including magnet wires, insulation systems, laminations, magnets, shafts, bearings, enclosures, EMI features, and sealing systems. Ability to work effectively with suppliers to interpret and implement technical requirements, drawings, and specifications. Strong problem‑solving techniques and analytical ability applied to complex electro‑mechanical systems. Excellent verbal and written communication skills for interaction with internal teams, suppliers, customers, and other external partners. High level of computer literacy, including proficiency with MS Office and relevant engineering systems and tools. Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent experience (other degrees may be considered). Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience working within an AS9100 quality environment. Experience in high‑performance motor manufacturing processes, including secondary processing and workmanship standards. Ability to balance cost, technology, schedule, and risk while translating customer requirements into practical motor designs. Experience collaborating with cross‑functional teams such as actuation systems engineering, test engineering, program management, procurement, supply chain, and manufacturing. Comfort reviewing technical prints and specifications to identify manufacturing risks and cost drivers. Experience auditing or reviewing supplier processes to ensure appropriate risk mitigation in manufacturing. Capability to mentor and assist in training other personnel on technical tasks. Motivation to work on mission‑critical aerospace and defense systems where contributions directly impact real‑world applications. Interest in a fast‑paced, hands‑on engineering environment that supports career growth and technical development. Work Environment This full‑time role operates in both professional office and manufacturing or machine shop environments. In the office, you will use standard equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers while collaborating closely with engineering, program management, supply chain, and other functions. In the manufacturing and shop areas, you will work around production equipment and test setups and will use appropriate personal protective equipment such as eye, hearing, and foot protection as required. The position may require additional hours and occasional weekend work based on project and program demands. Infrequent travel is required to visit company facilities and supplier manufacturing sites. The culture emphasizes a people‑first, team‑oriented environment with accessible leadership, strong alignment to mission, and opportunities for hands‑on engineering, technical development, and career growth while working on mission‑critical aerospace and defense systems Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Chaska, MN. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $38.00 - $58.00/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 Chaska,MN.

Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 12, 2026. 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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.