Sr. Design Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Design Engineer

Minneapolis, MN Area- On site

Salary : $72,000 – $92,000 per year (based on experience)

Full-time | On-site

About the Role

A leading plastics manufacturing company in the Minneapolis area is seeking an on site  Senior Design Engineer to join our growing team. This individual will play a key role in transforming customer concepts and requirements into innovative thermoformed packaging solutions. The Senior Design Engineer will collaborate with customers, sales, product development, and tooling vendors to create designs that deliver quality, functionality, and manufacturability.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional who thrives working with limited supervision, takes initiative to lead projects from concept through completion, and demonstrates the ability to mentor and support other team members in a collaborative, professional manner. They should also be hands-on and not afraid to get their hands dirty—spending time on the production floor when needed to troubleshoot tooling, validate designs, and ensure successful project execution.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of thermoformed packaging products and production tooling.

Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, engineering, and operations to ensure customer expectations are met or exceeded.

Manage project priorities, timelines, and communications between internal teams and external vendors.

Work independently with minimal supervision, taking ownership of design projects and ensuring successful outcomes.

Provide professional mentorship and technical guidance to junior designers or cross-functional team members as needed.

Support and improve existing production tooling, including coordinating with tool vendors for maintenance and enhancements.

Generate detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for both products and tooling.

Integrate a strong understanding of thermoforming processes, materials, and design-for-manufacturing principles.

Support new product development, concept ideation, prototyping, and approval processes.

Work directly on the production floor when necessary to assist with tooling verification, product trials, or process optimization.

Provide technical support to Sales / Account Managers and represent the company during customer meetings as needed.

Review and approve parts, manage engineering change orders, and support lifecycle improvements.

Lead initiatives to expand technical knowledge and design efficiency within the organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements :

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with at least 5 years of product and tool design experience,

– OR – an Associate degree with 9+ years of relevant experience in the plastics industry.

Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD software (SolidWorks or similar).

Experience in product design, tooling, and project leadership within a manufacturing environment.

Preferred Skills :

Thermoforming plastics manufacturing experience.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects independently and meet deadlines.

Strong leadership and communication skills with a professional, team-oriented approach.

Comfortable mentoring others and promoting continuous improvement.

Willingness to work hands-on in production environments to support testing and implementation.

Familiarity with quality and documentation systems.

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

Highly organized, self-directed, and proactive.

Work Environment

Primary : Office and design lab

Occasional : Tool shop and production floor

Use of computers, CAD systems, 3D printers / scanners, and precision measuring tools.

Travel :

Minimal (less than 5%) – occasional visits to customers, vendors, or trade shows.

ABR Employment Services is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veterans' status.PandoLogic. Keywords : Mechanical Design Engineer, Location : PLYMOUTH, MN - 55405 , PL : 601671443