Design Engineer

We're looking for a dependable Design Engineer who will support our Elkhart, IN facility that thrives in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment and takes pride in transforming customer needs into innovative thermoformed packaging solutions. If you're skilled in CAD design, product development, and cross‑functional collaboration - and ready to make an impact - this is a great opportunity to grow your engineering career.

Compensation

Commensurate with experience, the range is $70,000 – $85,000 annually.

Work Schedule

Onsite: 8 AM – 5 PM | Monday - Friday

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here

A hands‑on technical role where your design and problem‑solving skills truly matter
Opportunities to grow your skills in product development, tooling design, and customer collaboration
A supportive manufacturing environment with modern CAD tools, 3D printing, and advanced technology
Competitive pay, great benefits, and a stable onsite Monday–Friday schedule
A culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvement

What You'll Do

Partner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutions
Lead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projects
Create complex 2D/3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for products and tooling
Integrate thermoforming and manufacturing knowledge into all design work
Ensure tooling specifications and performance standards are met by collaborating with Pricing, Process Engineering, and tooling vendors
Support process engineering and production teams with tooling development and optimization
Approve parts and maintain specification databases
Review and initiate engineering change orders for customer and production updates
Support corrective action efforts and evaluate financial impacts of design changes
Provide design support for existing tooling through the work order system
Comply with all safety, ISO, and documentation procedures

What You Bring

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 3+ years of product/tool design experience OR Associate degree with 7+ years of plastics industry design experience
Proficiency in 2D and 3D CAD systems
Strong communication skills and customer‑focused mindset
Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently
Experience with thermoforming or plastics manufacturing preferred
Knowledge of quality systems and controlled documentation
Strong problem‑solving, multitasking, and analytical skills
Ability to use standard office software, ERP systems, and QMS tools
Ability to lift 10–50 lbs. and work in office, sample lab, and manufacturing environments
Minimal travel (less than 5%) to customers, vendors, and tradeshows

Does this sound like you?

If you feel that this job is what you're looking for, applying is a piece of cake - just follow the instructions on this page. Good luck!

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.
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