Design Engineer
Zobility, Dekalb, IL, United States
Design Engineer – Thermoformed Packaging
We are seeking a creative and detail-driven Design Engineer to lead the development of innovative thermoformed packaging solutions for food and retail markets. In this role, you will transform customer requirements into high-performance, manufacturable packaging designs, working closely with tooling, manufacturing, and commercial teams to bring products from concept to commercialization.
This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on design professional who enjoys problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and seeing their designs move from CAD to production.
What You’ll Do
Design and develop thermoformed packaging products from concept through production using SolidWorks
Translate customer specifications into functional, cost-effective, and visually appealing packaging designs
Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging and tooling
Design and support thermoform and seal tooling to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing
Utilize 3D scanning and 3D printing to support prototyping, validation, and rapid design iteration
Evaluate and select materials that balance performance, sustainability, and cost
Perform design feasibility analyses , including draft, stackability, wall thickness, and structural integrity
Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, project management, manufacturing, and tool design teams
Participate in customer meetings , present design concepts, and refine solutions based on feedback
Support prototype builds, testing, and sample production through commercialization
Proactively identify design, material, and process risks and develop mitigation strategies early
Ensure designs meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
Maintain accurate documentation and manage revisions using PDM/PLM systems
Stay current with new materials, technologies, and design trends in thermoformed packaging
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design , or related field
2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD tools)
Solid understanding of thin-gauge thermoforming principles (draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts)
Working knowledge of PET, HIPS, PVC , or similar packaging materials
Experience collaborating with or designing for production tooling
Ability to recognize potential risks during design and commercialization and develop practical solutions
Strong communication skills with a balance of technical rigor and design aesthetics
Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Must-Have Experience
Thermoformed packaging design for food and retail markets
Strong foundation in materials, tooling, and manufacturability
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Manufacturing
Industries
Packaging and Containers Manufacturing and Freight and Package Transportation
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Tuition assistance
Base pay range
$85,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr
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We are seeking a creative and detail-driven Design Engineer to lead the development of innovative thermoformed packaging solutions for food and retail markets. In this role, you will transform customer requirements into high-performance, manufacturable packaging designs, working closely with tooling, manufacturing, and commercial teams to bring products from concept to commercialization.
This is an ideal opportunity for a hands-on design professional who enjoys problem-solving, rapid prototyping, and seeing their designs move from CAD to production.
What You’ll Do
Design and develop thermoformed packaging products from concept through production using SolidWorks
Translate customer specifications into functional, cost-effective, and visually appealing packaging designs
Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging and tooling
Design and support thermoform and seal tooling to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing
Utilize 3D scanning and 3D printing to support prototyping, validation, and rapid design iteration
Evaluate and select materials that balance performance, sustainability, and cost
Perform design feasibility analyses , including draft, stackability, wall thickness, and structural integrity
Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, project management, manufacturing, and tool design teams
Participate in customer meetings , present design concepts, and refine solutions based on feedback
Support prototype builds, testing, and sample production through commercialization
Proactively identify design, material, and process risks and develop mitigation strategies early
Ensure designs meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications
Maintain accurate documentation and manage revisions using PDM/PLM systems
Stay current with new materials, technologies, and design trends in thermoformed packaging
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design , or related field
2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging
Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (or similar 3D CAD tools)
Solid understanding of thin-gauge thermoforming principles (draft angles, wall thickness, undercuts)
Working knowledge of PET, HIPS, PVC , or similar packaging materials
Experience collaborating with or designing for production tooling
Ability to recognize potential risks during design and commercialization and develop practical solutions
Strong communication skills with a balance of technical rigor and design aesthetics
Comfortable managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
Must-Have Experience
Thermoformed packaging design for food and retail markets
Strong foundation in materials, tooling, and manufacturability
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Manufacturing
Industries
Packaging and Containers Manufacturing and Freight and Package Transportation
Benefits
Medical insurance
Vision insurance
401(k)
Tuition assistance
Base pay range
$85,000.00/yr - $95,000.00/yr
#J-18808-Ljbffr