Design Engineering Manager

Actalent; Jefferson City (MO); Hybrid; USD 135,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid schedule (Mon & Fri)

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Sr. Design Engineering Manager to build and lead a brand-new design engineering team in the Jefferson City Innovation Center, MO.

This role shapes engineering culture, guides product strategy, and drives development of innovative plastic injection molded products from concept to production. You will mentor engineers, oversee projects from concept through prototyping and launch, partner with manufacturing and leadership, and champion DFM/DFA excellence.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of product design experience with plastic injection molded products.
• Previous engineering leadership or team management experience.
• Background in prototyping, product development, and manufacturing-focused design.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of design engineers.
• Drive the design and development of innovative plastic injection molded products.
• Oversee projects from concept through prototyping, validation, and production.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and executive leadership to bring new products to market.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Prototyping

Product development

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Sr. Design Engineering Manager

Build the Team. Drive Innovation. Shape the Future.

We're looking for a Sr. Design Engineering Manager to lead and grow a brand-new design engineering team inside a newly built Innovation Center in Jefferson City, MO. This is a rare opportunity to help establish the engineering culture, influence product strategy, and lead the development of innovative plastic products from concept through production.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Lead & build a new team of designers and engineers
• Work in a brand-new Innovation Center focused on new product development
• High visibility role reporting directly to the VP of Engineering
• Own products from concept, prototyping, testing, and launch
• Aggressive compensation package and strong career growth potential
• Hybrid schedule (WFH Mondays & Fridays)

What You’ll Do

• Lead, mentor, and develop a growing team of design engineers.
• Drive the design and development of innovative plastic injection molded products.
• Oversee projects from concept through prototyping, validation, and production.
• Partner with manufacturing, quality, and executive leadership to bring new products to market.
• Champion design excellence, innovation, DFM/DFA best practices, and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• 7+ years of product design experience with plastic injection molded products.
• Previous engineering leadership or team management experience.
• Strong SolidWorks proficiency.
• Background in prototyping, product development, and manufacturing-focused design.

The Bottom Line

If you’re an engineering leader who wants to build a team, influence product strategy, and put your stamp on a growing innovation organization, this is the kind of opportunity that rarely comes open. Join a company investing heavily in its future and help shape the next generation of products from the ground up.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Jefferson City, MO.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical plans Dental/vision coverage 401(k) match PTO and holidays Life and disability insurance Bonus/incentive eligibility Employee assistance programs

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 23, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Jefferson City,MO.

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 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

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 [e-mail] 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.