Manager, Design Engineering

Location: Huntley, IL (Onsite)
Travel: Up to 20%

About the Opportunity

A leading manufacturer of sustainable thermoformed and flexible packaging solutions is seeking a Manager, Design Engineering to lead the design and development of innovative medical packaging products. This position will oversee engineering resources, drive new product development, manage tooling initiatives, and support commercialization efforts while building a high-performing engineering team.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on engineering leader with expertise in thermoforming, medical packaging, product development, and project management.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing Design Engineering team.
• Establish strategic goals and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, safety-focused, and customer-centric culture.
• Support talent development, succession planning, and performance management.

Product Development & Design

• Lead the design and development of thermoformed medical packaging solutions including trays, blisters, and related components.
• Drive innovation while optimizing designs for manufacturability, performance, and cost.
• Utilize CAD tools and engineering technologies to support product development.
• Oversee concept development, 3D modeling, prototyping, reverse engineering, and design validation activities.
• Ensure compliance with medical packaging requirements, sterilization methods, and material compatibility standards.

Tooling & Commercialization

• Manage tooling development programs, mold design activities, and supplier relationships.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to execute new product launches and commercialization projects.
• Translate customer requirements into technical solutions and development plans.
• Drive project execution, timelines, and successful product introductions.

Operational Excellence

• Improve engineering processes, documentation systems, and communication workflows.
• Maintain oversight of engineering software, equipment, and technical capabilities.
• Support change management, design control, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Stay current on industry trends, materials innovation, and thermoforming technologies.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in thermoforming or related plastics manufacturing environments.
• Experience with medical packaging design and development.
• Strong understanding of thermoforming processes and tooling.
• Experience leading new product development and commercialization projects.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks.

Preferred

• Knowledge of ISO 13485 and medical packaging validation requirements.
• Familiarity with cleanroom environments and sterilization processes.
• Customer-facing project management experience.
• Experience working directly with OEM customers and conducting design reviews.

Apply Today

If you're an engineering leader passionate about medical packaging innovation, product development, and building high-performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.