Design Engineer

Zobility; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Tuition assistance

Job summary

A packaging solutions provider is seeking a Design Engineer to innovate thermoformed packaging for food and retail markets. This role involves transforming customer requirements into manufacturable designs, creating 3D models, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, along with 2+ years of experience in packaging design and strong skills in SolidWorks. The position offers a full-time employment opportunity.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging.
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD tools.
• Solid understanding of thin-gauge thermoforming principles.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop thermoformed packaging products from concept through production.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, project management, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

SolidWorks

Packaging design

Collaboration with production tooling

Technical communication

Fast-paced project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or Industrial Design

Tools

PDM/PLM systems

Job description

Design Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging

We are seeking a creative and detail-driven Design Engineer to lead the development of innovative thermoformed packaging solutions for food and retail markets. In this role, you will transform customer requirements into high-performance, manufacturable packaging designs, working closely with tooling, manufacturing, and commercial teams to bring products from concept to commercialization.

This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on design professional who enjoys problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and seeing their designs move from CAD to production.

What You’ll Do

• Design and develop thermoformed packaging products from concept through production using SolidWorks
• Translate customer specifications into functional, cost-effective, and visually appealing packaging designs
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging and tooling
• Design and support thermoform and seal tooling to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing
• Utilize 3D scanning and 3D printing to support prototyping, validation, and rapid design iteration
• Evaluate and select materials that balance performance, sustainability, and cost
• Perform design feasibility analyses, including draft, stackability, wall thickness, and structural integrity
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, project management, manufacturing, and tool design teams
• Participate in customer meetings, present design concepts, and refine solutions based on feedback
• Support prototype builds, testing, and sample production through commercialization
• Proactively identify design, material, and process risks and develop mitigation strategies early
• Ensure designs meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
• Maintain accurate documentation and manage revisions using PDM/PLM systems
• Stay current with new materials, technologies, and design trends in thermoformed packaging

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field
• 2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging
• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD tools)
• Solid understanding of thin-gauge thermoforming principles (draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts)
• Working knowledge of PET, HIPS, PVC, or similar packaging materials
• Experience collaborating with or designing for production tooling
• Ability to recognize potential risks during design and commercialization and develop practical solutions
• Strong communication skills with a balance of technical rigor and design aesthetics
• Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment

Must-Have Experience

• Thermoformed packaging design for food and retail markets
• Strong foundation in materials, tooling, and manufacturability

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Manufacturing

Industries

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing and Freight and Package Transportation

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Tuition assistance

Base pay range

$85,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr