Design Engineer Leader

Design Engineer LeaderWe're looking for an experienced and innovative Design Engineer Leader to work in our Elkhart, IN facility to provide technical leadership for our Design Department and drive the development of custom thermoformed packaging solutions. In this role, you'll lead a team of designers, collaborate directly with customers and cross-functional teams, and oversee projects from concept through production.This is an opportunity to influence product innovation, mentor engineering talent, and play a key role in delivering packaging solutions that exceed customer expectations. If you're passionate about design leadership, CAD engineering, manufacturing processes, and customer-driven problem solving, we'd love to hear from you.CompensationCompetitive salary commensurate with experience Comprehensive benefits packageWork ScheduleOnsite: 8 AM – 5 PM | Monday - FridayWhy Placon – You'll Love It HereLead and develop a talented design team Drive innovative packaging solutions for a diverse customer base Work directly with customers, suppliers, and internal leadership Play a key role in product development from concept through commercialization Utilize advanced 2D and 3D CAD technologies in a manufacturing environment Join a culture focused on quality, innovation, safety, and continuous improvement Opportunity to make a visible impact on company growth and customer successWhat You'll DoLead and manage the Design Department, including workload prioritization, scheduling, and utilization of external design resources Develop team members through coaching, performance management, and individual development planning Establish and monitor department performance metrics to ensure customer expectations and project timelines are achieved Lead tooling procurement efforts and manage external tooling vendors to established specifications and performance standards Provide technical support for customer projects and partner with Account Managers to present design solutions Serve as the primary technical contact with customers when needed Lead concept development, ideation activities, and product design initiatives for new and existing projects Coordinate sample development, testing, approval processes, and product implementation Create complex 2D and 3D CAD models, product drawings, tooling designs, and engineering specifications Apply expertise in thermoforming processes, material selection, and manufacturing capabilities to optimize product designs Collaborate with Pricing, Process Engineering, Production, and external partners to ensure tooling and design requirements are achieved Support production launches, tooling optimization, and ongoing process improvements Approve parts and maintain product specification databases Review and initiate engineering change orders for customer, material, tooling, and specification changes Support corrective action initiatives and evaluate the operational and financial impact of design modifications Ensure compliance with safety requirements, ISO standards, and company proceduresWhat You BringBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 5+ years of product or tooling design experience, or Associate degree with 9+ years of design experience in the plastics industry Experience leading projects and developing team members Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment Experience with thermoforming, plastics manufacturing, tooling design, or packaging development preferred Knowledge of quality systems and controlled documentation preferredDoes this sound like you?If you're an experienced engineering professional who enjoys leading teams, developing innovative packaging solutions, and working closely with customers to bring ideas to life, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of thermoformed packaging at Placon.Placon employment offers are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment drug test, basic physical, background check, educational verification, and reference checks (as applicable).Placon requires that employees have and maintain authorization to work in the country in which the role is based. In general, Placon does not sponsor candidates for non-immigrant visas or permanent residency unless based on business need.Placon is committed to equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other protected characteristics.This role requires the ability to work through differing perspectives and resolve conflict in a respectful and professional manner consistent with The Placon Way.