Design Engineer

Job Description: Design Engineer - Retail & Food Packaging

We are seeking a Design Engineer with experience in packaging design for retail and food markets, with a strong focus on thermoforming. This role is perfect for someone who enjoys creating innovative, functional, and sustainable packaging solutions that meet customer needs and industry standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Design thermoformed packaging products from concept through production using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Translate customer requirements into practical, high-quality packaging designs.
• Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging components.
• Design and develop production tooling for thermoforming and sealing to ensure efficient, high-quality manufacturing.
• Use 3D scanning and 3D printing to support prototype development, design validation, and rapid iterations.
• Select materials based on performance, sustainability, and cost considerations.
• Conduct feasibility studies, including draft analysis, stackability, and structural integrity of packaging parts.
• Collaborate with sales, project management, and manufacturing teams to ensure designs are practical and manufacturable.
• Work closely with tooling engineers to understand production requirements and integrate design with tooling capabilities.
• Participate in customer meetings to present concepts and refine solutions.
• Support prototype development and validation, including coordinating sample production and testing.
• Identify potential risks in design, materials, or processes early and develop effective mitigation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and regulatory guidelines for food and retail packaging.
• Maintain accurate design documentation and manage revisions through PDM/PLM systems.
• Stay updated on new materials, design trends, and technologies in thermoformed packaging.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks strongly preferred).
• Strong knowledge of thin-gauge thermoformed packaging principles, including draft angles, wall thickness, and undercuts.
• Understanding of material properties for plastics like PET, HIPS, PVC, or similar.
• Familiarity with production tooling processes and ability to integrate design with manufacturing requirements.
• Ability to identify risks during design and commercialization phases and develop effective solutions.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with attention to aesthetics and functionality.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience designing thermoformed trays or packaging for retail and food products.
• Knowledge of sustainability trends and materials in packaging.
• Familiarity with validation processes and documentation practices.
• Strong collaboration skills for working with cross-functional teams.