Senior Design Engineer (Relocation Available)

Winpak; Sauk Village (IL); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Winpak is seeking a Senior Design Engineer for its Engineering and Technology team in Sauk Village, IL. This onsite role leads design and development of new products, tooling, and equipment, coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet performance, quality, and cost targets.

You will mentor junior engineers, ensure adherence to GMP and food safety standards, and drive projects from concept through production while collaborating with vendors and suppliers.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of design engineering experience in manufacturing.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, machinery, and plastic thermoforming.
• Proficiency in 3D modeling CAD software AutoCAD and SolidWorks.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Create and review conceptual and detailed CAD designs (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Plan and execute projects for new product and tooling design or modifications.
• Develop project plans, cost estimates, and timelines to meet budgets.
• Coordinate prototype fabrication, testing, and debugging of tooling/equipment.
• Partner with vendors to source components and manage deliverables.
• Assist in production of sample parts for customer approval and troubleshoot tooling issues.
• Maintain engineering documentation and revision control.
• Mentor junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure design/production activities follow food safety, GMP, and quality standards.
• Lead production trials to verify tooling meets design specs.

Skills

7+ years experience

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Winpak Portion Packaging Ltd. is seeking a Senior Design Engineer to join our Engineering and Technology team in Sauk Village, IL. This role is onsite and includes a competitive relocation package for qualified candidate outside the local area. In this role, you will lead the design and development of new products, tooling, and equipment while improving existing processes. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to bring innovative packaging solutions to life that meet performance, quality, and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and review conceptual and detailed designs using CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Plan, organize, and execute projects related to new product and tooling design or modifications to existing tooling.
• Develop project plans, cost estimates, and timelines to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Coordinate prototype fabrication, testing, and debugging of tooling and equipment.
• Partner with vendors and suppliers to source components and manage project deliverables.
• Support the production of sample parts for customer approval and assist in troubleshooting manufacturing or tooling issues.
• Maintain accurate engineering documentation, including layouts, and revision control.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior engineers and technical staff.
• Ensure all design and production activities follow food safety, GMP, and quality standards.
• Lead production trials to ensure new tooling is meeting part design specifications.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in design engineering, tooling, or product development within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of tooling, machinery, and plastic thermoforming (materials such as PS, PP, PET).
• Proficiency in 3D modeling and CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks).
• Proven experience managing multiple engineering projects from concept to completion.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical field.
• Experience in packaging or plastics manufacturing.
• Familiarity with automation design and equipment development.
• Hands‑on experience with prototype fabrication and testing.
• Supervisory or mentorship experience in an engineering setting.

Additional Details

• Work Environment: 75% office / 25% manufacturing floor (exposure to noise and machinery).
• Physical Requirements: Occasionally lift up to 50 lbs; hands‑on work with tools and machinery.
• Travel: May occasionally be required to visit vendors, customers, or manufacturing facilities.

Compensation range

The compensation range is $105,000-$135,000 and is a general guideline only. Pay will be determined based on the candidate's experience and expertise and is subject to vary.

Why Winpak?

Winpak is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to support the physical, mental, financial and social well‑being of our employees and their families. Our benefit package includes the following:

• Medical, dental, vision & prescription coverage
• Travel coverage
• Disability coverage
• Voluntary life insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance
• Tuition assistance program
• Retirement savings plans
• A comprehensive employee and family assistance program which includes short term counselling, wellbeing coaching, financial and legal consultations services.

Winpak's vision

Winpak is a leading supplier of innovative packaging solutions, known for providing high‑quality products that meet the needs of a variety of industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and consumer products. With a commitment to sustainability, safety, and excellence, Winpak continues to grow as a global leader in the packaging industry.

At Winpak, inclusion is one of our core values.

We believe that an inclusive culture fosters a sense of belonging, drives innovation, and provides our brand a competitive advantage. Our goal is to create an environment free from harassment and discrimination, and where every individual feels respected, valued, and appreciated.

Equal Opportunity Employer

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to an equitable and inclusive recruitment process, evaluating applicants based on merit, capability, and qualifications related to the job - never on identity factors such as race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, national origin, or any other protected status. To support this commitment, if you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.

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