Senior Design Engineer

OUTFORM; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

OUTFORM is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to lead the engineering development of retail display solutions, ensuring manufacturability, cost, and quality. This role drives concepts through production as the lead engineering resource on key programs across electronics, DIY, fashion, and sporting goods.

You will create ISO drawings, 3D models, BOMs, and ECOs, collaborating with Account, Project Management, and Production teams. Travel up to 10% and a fast-paced environment are expected.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical, Structural, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5–8 years of POP display engineering/manufacturing experience across various verticals.
• High proficiency in SolidWorks; ability to deliver full engineering release packs; PDM preferred.
• Experience with plastics (sheet fabrication, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusions), metals, wood fabrication/finishing, LED integration.
• Knowledge of dimensioning standards and GD&T; strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce complete engineering packs through milestone phases (ISO, L&T, 3D/2D Engineering Release) and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Create client-facing ISO drawings communicating fit, form, function, and visual intent.
• Generate detailed 2D manufacturing drawings with appropriate dimensioning and GD&T; release accurate BOMs.
• Engineer for manufacturability, assembly, cost, safety, and field durability across POP processes and materials.
• Support prototype builds and first-article inspections; participate in vendor reviews (≤10% travel).
• Maintain project documentation including parts lists, QC guidelines, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Account, Project Management, and Production teams; provide DFM input and drive continuous improvement.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM

Job description

At Outform Group, our guiding philosophy is Dare To Innovate.

Outform Group specializes in creating tangible consumer engagements that elevate, connect and humanize brand experiences. We unite leading experts in research, strategy, design, innovation and manufacturing, who work together to create unforgettable brand experiences.

Lean, interdisciplinary teams work in close collaboration with clients, helping them to solve their user’s biggest problems. Our user-centric, data-driven approach focuses on creating a seamless experience across different environments.

JOB SUMMARY

The Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the engineering development of retail display solutions, ensuring designs meet requirements for functionality, manufacturability, and cost. This role serves as a lead engineering resource on key programs, driving execution from concept through production.

This role will work on exciting projects across Outform’s established and emerging retail verticals including Consumer Electronics, Home Improvement, Food & Beverage, Fashion, and Sporting Goods.

DIRECT REPORTS

This position has no direct reports.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Responsible for delivering all engineering milestone outputs including ISO drawings, 3D models, detailed 2D drawings, BOMs, and ECOs. Ensures engineering solutions reflect manufacturability, cost efficiency, safety, assembly feasibility, and durability across POP retail displays. Supports prototype builds, first-article inspections, vendor reviews, and maintains all documentation per company process.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce complete engineering packs through milestone phases (ISO, L&T, 3D/2D Engineering Release) and manage Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
• Create client-facing ISO drawings communicating fit, form, function, and visual intent.
• Generate detailed 2D manufacturing drawings with appropriate dimensioning and GD&T; release accurate BOMs.
• Engineer for manufacturability, assembly, cost, safety, and field durability across POP processes and materials.
• Support prototype builds and first-article inspections; participate in vendor reviews (<10% travel).
• Maintain project documentation including parts lists, QC guidelines, and technical specifications.
• Collaborate with Account, Project Management, and Production teams; provide DFM input and drive continuous improvement.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

• Account Teams
• Project Management
• Production
• Vendors/Suppliers
• Quality Teams
• Engineering Leadership

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Accuracy and completeness of engineering release packs.
• On-time delivery of engineering milestone outputs.
• Prototype and first-article success rate.
• Quality, clarity, and approval rate of ISO drawings.
• Reduction of ECO cycles through improved upfront engineering quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical, Structural, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• 5-8 years of POP display engineering/manufacturing experience across various verticals (CE, DIY, Sporting, Fashion, Digital, etc.).
• High proficiency in SolidWorks with ability to deliver full engineering release packs; PDM experience preferred.
• Broad process familiarity: Plastics (sheet fabrication, vacuum forming, injection molding, extrusions); Metals (sheet, wire, tube, finishing); Wood fabrication/finishing; LED lighting integration.
• Understanding of dimensioning standards and GD&T; strong attention to detail and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable in fast-paced, cross‑functional environments; able to manage deadlines.
• Digital technology experience in POP displays is a plus.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Effective communicator able to collaborate across teams.
• Adaptable and comfortable operating in a dynamic, fast‑changing environment.
• Proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement and quality engineering.

Essential Functions

Normal office environment. Regular activities include walking, sitting, standing, and using hands for tools or computer work. Occasional crouching or kneeling and ability to lift up to 20 pounds. Requires extended periods of computer and phone work. Travel up to 10% is required.

DISCLAIMER

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of the Employer. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.