Mechanical Design Engineer

Silgan Plastic Food Containers Corporation; Union (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Silgan Plastic Food Containers Corporation seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design and prototype tooling for new and improved plastic containers. You will specify components, evaluate systems, and guide the installation of equipment to meet performance specs.

The role requires hands-on design work with CAD tools, problem solving, and collaboration across teams, guided by the Product Development Manager. Training development and safety ownership are also part of the responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Experience with CAD and prototype tooling is preferred.
• Ability to work in cross‑functional teams and maintain safety ownership.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and trial prototype/production tooling for new products and improvements.
• Specify system components or modify products to meet engineering specifications.
• Research, evaluate, and oversee installation of mechanical systems and processes.
• Investigate material, equipment, and process failures and recommend fixes.
• Utilize AutoCAD/SolidWorks/ProE for design work.
• Design test setups and develop testing procedures.
• Coordinate and facilitate problem-solving teams.
• Assist with training needs analysis and maintain training records.
• Support policy compliance and assist the Product Development Manager as needed.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

MS Office

Creative thinking

Teamwork

Safety ownership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology

Tools

CAD tools

Job description

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Supports plant operations and new product development with part/machine design, analysis of experimental materials, training, problem solving, and technical support.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and trial prototype/production tooling for new products and improvements to existing products
• Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance of plastic containers with engineering design and performance specifications
• Research, design, evaluate, and oversee installation of mechanical products, equipment, systems and processes to meet requirements
• Investigate materials, equipment and process failures then make recommendations to eliminate product defect, machine or system malfunctions
• Utilize computer-aided design software such as AutoCad/Solidworks/ProE
• Conduct research that tests and analyzes the feasibility, design, operation and performance of plastic materials, processing equipment, components and systems
• Design test control apparatus/equipment and develop procedures for testing products
• Performs training needs analysis, development and implementation of necessary training programs, and maintenance of required training records
• Coordinates and facilitates employee problem solving teams
• Administers Company policies and procedures, as required
• Any other duties as needed or assigned by Product Development Manager

EDUCATION

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology.

SKILLS

• Required: Written and verbal communication, Word/Excel/PowerPoint, creative thinking, teamwork, strong ownership of Safety; and willingness to be hands on in order to complete task or project.

LIMITATIONS & DISCLAIMER

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Silgan will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities unless doing so would cause undue hardship. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the associate occupying this position. Associates will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis. Silgan Plastic Food Containers is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status. Silgan Plastics is a drug-free workplace.

This page is specific to Silgan Containers, Silgan Closures, Silgan Plastics, Silgan Plastics Food Containers and Silgan Specialty packaging.

We are a leading worldwide manufacturer of dispensing and specialty closures for food, beverage, health care, garden, home, personal care, fragrance and beauty products. We are also a leading manufacturer of metal containers in North America and Europe, and we are the largest manufacturer of metal food containers in North America with a unit volume market share in the United States in 2021 of slightly more than half of the market. Additionally, we are a leading manufacturer of custom designed plastic containers in North America for a variety of markets, including the personal care, food, health care and household and industrial chemical markets.