Mechanical Designer Jobs in Minnesota
Mechanical Designer jobs in Minnesota concentrate in aerospace and defense, industrial machinery, and medical device manufacturing, with steady openings at every experience level from entry-level CAD drafters to senior mechanical engineers who work closely on product development. The Twin Cities metro, Rochester, and the St. Cloud corridor are the most active hiring areas, anchored by established employers such as Honeywell, Medtronic, and Polaris Industries. The most in-demand specialties are SolidWorks-based product design, precision tooling, and mechanical systems development for medical and aerospace applications. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 22+ Mechanical Designer jobs
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
- Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
- There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Essential skills and experience:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Five or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
- Under the direction of the Mechanical Project Lead, this position will offer you the opportunity to work with multi-disciplined engineering and design project teams in developing mechanical physical layout drawings in a 3-D model
- Challenging assignments that include the design of mechanical systems, and investigating, trouble-shooting, and solving a wide variety of mechanical design issues
- Utilize 3D modeling software tools to generate mechanical design schematics
- Act as the Mechanical design team lead in the coordination of detailed design phases for all aspects of an integrated mechanical design model
- Coordinate and provide guidance to other designers and project team members to ensure a complete and timely design
- Independently plan and execute design deliverables, such as general arrangements, piping isometrics, piping composites, pipe support drawings, and equipment location drawings
- There may be the opportunity to conduct field walkdowns and data gathering at client facilities
- Provide guidance as a mentor in the development of less experienced drafters and designers
Essential skills and experience:
- An Associate's Degree in drafting, or a high school diploma and 1 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience
- Five or more years of detailed physical design experience in the development of mechanical general arrangements, piping systems, and supports
- Proficiency with design software tools in executing 3D plant layout models
- Experience in the review of mechanical equipment, including outlines and interface points, and coordinating and developing the associated deliverables
- Ability to interface with engineering and design teams of other disciplines in the power plant design process
Valued but not required experience:
- Proficiency with MicroStation
We value candidates who demonstrate an interest in learning and effectively using emerging technologies where relevant to their role. Employees remain accountable for their work and are expected to apply appropriate professional judgment and review when using technology-assisted tools.
Experience with AI, automation, programming, or similar technologies is valued where relevant but is not required unless specifically identified elsewhere in the job description.
At Sargent & Lundy, we care about the health and well-being of our employees. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, offering comprehensive healthcare plans and generous paid time off to support our team members in every aspect of their lives. We understand the importance of work-life balance, which is why we are proud to provide competitive, award-winning benefits. Our dedication to employee satisfaction has earned us the prestigious Top Workplaces Culture Excellence Award for compensation and benefits in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Health & Wellness
- Health Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
- Life & Accident Insurance
- Disability Coverage
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Back-Up Daycare
- FSA & HSA
- 401(k)
- Pre-Tax Commuter Account
- Merit Scholarship Program
- Employee Discount Program
- Corporate Charitable Giving Program
- Tuition Assistance
- First Professional Licensure Bonus
- Employee Referral Bonus
- Paid Annual Personal/Sick Time (PST)
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Paid Bereavement Leave
- Flexible Work Arrangements
See All 22 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer JobsMechanical Designer Jobs by City in Minnesota
Where Minnesota roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Designer Job Market in Minnesota
A snapshot from current Minnesota openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Telecommunications
What Minnesota Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical designer jobs across Minnesota.
- Associate or bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering technology or a related field
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or Creo
- Experience creating detailed engineering drawings and GD&T documentation
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes including sheet metal, machining, and injection molding
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional engineering and production teams
- Strong attention to detail and experience managing design revisions through a PDM or PLM system
Mechanical Designer Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical designer in Minnesota?
Most mechanical designers in Minnesota enter the field with an associate degree in mechanical engineering technology or a bachelor's in mechanical engineering, with SolidWorks or CATIA proficiency expected from day one. Minnesota does not require a state license to work as a mechanical designer, though engineers who sign off on final designs typically hold a Professional Engineer license through the Minnesota Board of Architecture, Engineering, Land Surveying, Landscape Architecture, Geoscience and Interior Design. Building a strong portfolio of CAD drawings and GD&T documentation is the most direct path to your first role.
Which companies hire mechanical designers in Minnesota?
Companies currently hiring mechanical designers in Minnesota include KFI Engineers, Sargent & Lundy, and Northrop Grumman, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Minnesota's concentration of medical device, aerospace, and industrial equipment manufacturers means demand stays consistent even outside major hiring cycles.
Which Minnesota cities have the most mechanical designer jobs?
Minneapolis, Shakopee, and Saint Paul have the most mechanical designer openings in Minnesota. The Twin Cities drive the bulk of demand through their dense cluster of medical device firms, defense contractors, and industrial manufacturers, while Rochester's strong ties to precision manufacturing and medical technology support a secondary market, and St. Cloud's machine shops and fabrication facilities draw designers who specialize in tooling and production support.
Are there remote mechanical designer jobs in Minnesota?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely analytical roles because mechanical designers regularly need to review physical prototypes, collaborate on the shop floor, and access hardware. About 63% of mechanical designer openings tied to Minnesota are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, which reflects the hands-on nature of most positions. The portions of the role most likely to go remote are early-stage concept design and documentation review, particularly at larger firms with distributed engineering teams.
How can I get hired as a mechanical designer in Minnesota with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a co-op or internship through an accredited Minnesota engineering technology program, since employers such as Honeywell and Medtronic recruit heavily from schools like Minnesota State University Mankato, St. Cloud State University, and Dunwoody College of Technology. Adjacent roles like CAD technician, drafting associate, or manufacturing support specialist are common stepping stones that build the drawing and GD&T skills hiring managers look for. Earning a CSWA certification through SolidWorks and assembling a portfolio of school projects or personal designs gives candidates without professional experience a concrete edge.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Minnesota?
You can find and apply to mechanical designer jobs in Minnesota on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 22 Mechanical Designer Jobs in Minnesota
Find roles in Minnesota that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Designer Jobs