Food Packaging Design Engineer

Advanced Materials & Technology Recruiting; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruiting firm is looking for a Food Packaging Design Engineer in DeKalb, IL. This mid-junior level position requires experience in rigid thermoformed packaging and proficiency in SolidWorks. Candidates will design packaging systems, develop 3-D models, and ensure compliance with ISO standards. Ideal applicants should have a degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering and 4-5 years of experience, including work with medical devices. Competitive compensation and potential relocation support are offered.

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of experience in packaging design with 2 years in medical device packaging.
• High proficiency with CAD programs, especially SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of thin-gauge thermoformed packing design.
• Knowledge of thin-gauge thermoformed packaging design.
• Understanding of product lifecycle and circularity in packaging.
• Ability to conduct market research and attend trade shows.

Responsibilities

• Design food device packaging systems from initial concept through testing and production.
• Develop 3-D models and assemblies as well as 2-D drawings using CAD.
• Lead the IQ/OQ/PQ product validation process complying with ISO standards.
• Create prototypes using tooling or 3D printing and conduct feasibility reviews.
• Lead IQ/OQ/PQ product validation and ensure ISO compliance.

Skills

SolidWorks

Packaging design

Market research

Understanding of product lifecycle

Education

BS in Packaging Engineering

BS in Packaging Science

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D printing

Job description

Food Packaging Design Engineer

Location: On-site in the DeKalb, IL Area

Position Brief:

The Chatham Group Advanced Materials and Technologies Recruiting Team is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Food Packaging Design Engineer for a client in the specialty packaging technology industry. This is a mid‑junior level position that requires hands‑on experience with rigid thermoformed packaging design concepts, sustainable food‑grade packaging technology, and manufacturing methods. You will work closely with the manufacturing engineering and quality assurance teams to deliver compliant and production‑ready packaging solutions for new and existing products.

Responsibilities

• Design food device packaging systems from initial concept through testing and production using CAD programs, particularly SolidWorks.
• Use CAD programs to develop 3‑D models and assemblies as well as 2‑D drawings for specification.
• Evaluate various polymeric materials such as PET, HIPS, PVC, etc. for performance properties like wall thickness, strength, rigidity, and more.
• Create prototype products using new or existing tooling, and/or 3‑D printing technologies, and conduct feasibility reviews for functional integrity, stackability, etc.
• Lead the IQ/OQ/PQ product validation process and comply with ISO manufacturing quality standards.

Requirements

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, or Mechanical Engineering.
• 4‑5 years of experience in packaging design with ideally around 2 years in medical device packaging.
• High proficiency with CAD programs, particularly SolidWorks.
• Working knowledge of thin‑gauge thermoformed packing design.
• Understanding of product lifecycle and circularity in packaging design.
• Ability to conduct market research and potentially attend trade shows.

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and relocation may be provided to qualified candidates.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Design, Engineering, and Quality Assurance

Industry

Packaging and Containers Manufacturing