Lead Design Engineer: CAD, Tooling & Leadership

Placon Corp.; Plymouth (MN); On-site; USD 105,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Placon is seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer to guide an on-site design team in Plymouth, MN. You will translate customer requirements into innovative product and tooling designs using CAD (2D/3D) and manage priorities to meet deadlines.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration with operations and tooling, drive continuous improvement, and support lifecycle changes while upholding safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; 5+ years of experience.
• Associate degree; 7+ years of relevant design experience in plastics or tooling.
• Proven leadership experience managing or guiding engineering teams.
• Strong proficiency in CAD (2D and 3D design systems).
• Experience in tooling design, product development, or plastics manufacturing.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to interpret customer requirements and deliver innovative solutions.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and toolroom environments.
• Regular interaction with production, tooling, and engineering teams.
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.).

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct an on-site design engineering team, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely project delivery.
• Translate customer requirements into innovative product and tooling designs.
• Utilize CAD software (2D & 3D) to develop complex geometries and solutions.
• Manage project priorities, schedules, and workloads to meet customer expectations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, tooling, and account management.
• Oversee tool development, modifications, and vendor performance.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using performance data and design standards.
• Support product lifecycle activities including change management, material selection, and corrective actions.
• Ensure adherence to safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards.
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to build a high-performing engineering team.

Skills

CAD (2D/3D)

Leadership

Design engineering

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Associate degree + 7+ years design experience

Job description

Placon is seeking an experienced Lead Design Engineer to guide an on-site design team in Plymouth, MN. You will translate customer requirements into innovative product and tooling designs using CAD (2D/3D) and manage priorities to meet deadlines.

You will lead cross-functional collaboration with operations and tooling, drive continuous improvement, and support lifecycle changes while upholding safety and quality standards.