Manager, Packaging Design Engineering

Job Title: Manager Packaging Design Engineering
Location: Huntley IL
Job Type and Duration: Direct Hire/Permanent
Pay range:140k - $160k
Travel: Up to 20%

MUST HAVES:

• Bachelors degree in Engineering Packaging Science or Industrial Design.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in thermoforming or closely related plastics manufacturing environments.
• Strong experience in: Medical packaging design and development Thermoforming processes and tooling Project management and new product commercialization
• Proficiency with CAD and design tools (e.g. SolidWorks).

JOB DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Vice President/General Manager this role is responsible for leading and managing the Design Engineering function supporting thermoformed medical packaging solutions. The position integrates engineering design resources into a cohesive
high-performing team focused on product development package design tooling and commercialization execution.

This leader will drive innovation ensure regulatory-conscious design practices and deliver speed-to-market cost-effective and customer-centric packaging solutions that meet the stringent requirements of the medical device and healthcare industries.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING:
Team Leadership & Organizational Development
Build lead and develop a high-performance Design Engineering team specializing in thermoformed medical packaging. Create a clear vision and strategic roadmap for the evolution of the department aligned with business growth objectives. Foster a safe compliant and inclusive work environment ensuring adherence to all safety and quality standards. Lead talent development through coaching performance management training and succession planning. Promote collaboration and knowledge-sharing across locations and cross-functional teams.

Product Development & Design Engineering
Lead the end-to-end design and development of thermoformed medical packaging solutions including trays blisters and related components. Drive innovative packaging concepts while optimizing existing designs for manufacturability cost and performance. Oversee design execution using CAD tools (e.g. SolidWorks) and other engineering technologies. Provide expertise in concept development through 3D modeling renderings and prototyping. Reverse engineering and 3D scanning. Ensure designs meet regulatory sterilization and material compatibility requirements for medical applications.

Tooling & Vendor Management
Manage tooling development process including mold design and thermoforming tooling suppliers. Collaborate with suppliers and internal teams to accelerate development timelines and resolve technical issues.

New Business Commercialization
Lead the transformation of the team toward a project managementdriven organization enabling effective execution of new product commercialization. Partner with cross-functional teams (Engineering Manufacturing Quality Sales & Marketing Regulatory and Supply Chain) to ensure seamless project execution. Translate customer and market requirements into technical solutions and actionable development plans.

Operational & Technical Excellence
Drive continuous improvement in design processes systems and interdepartmental communication. Maintain responsibility for departmental equipment software and technical capabilities recommending upgrades as needed. Stay current on thermoforming technologies materials innovation and medical packaging trends. Oversee engineering documentation change control processes and design standards compliance. Optimize resource allocation to balance speed cost and quality objectives. Facilitate and drive Clients Global Performance System (GPS) in the design engineering area

WED LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF:
You have a Bachelors degree in Engineering Packaging Science or Industrial Design. Minimum 5 years of experience in thermoforming or closely related plastics manufacturing environments. Strong experience in: Medical packaging design and development Thermoforming processes and tooling Project management and new product commercialization Regulatory familiarity (ISO 13485 validation cleanroom familiarity) Customer-facing project management (direct OEM interaction design reviews) Proficiency with CAD and design tools (e.g. SolidWorks). Working knowledge of medical packaging requirements (sterilization methods barrier systems validation expectations) preferred.

COMPENSATION:
The annual base salary range for this role is from $140000 to $160000
An annual bonus is awarded to eligible employees upon attaining various business and individual goals as defined by the Company and the department leader. This annual bonus is discretionary and the Company has sole discretion to determine the amount of the award.

ESPO Corporation

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Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965
ESPO has a comprehensive benefit package which includes PTO Group Health and Dental Insurance 401k. etc after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity and expression national origin disability protected Veteran status or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law.

Required Experience:

Manager