Design Engineer

Design Engineer

Creative Plastics, a designer, and manufacturer of award winning, quality displays for a variety of markets, including retailers in the Health and Beauty sector, is seeking a Design Engineer. As a Design Engineer, you will utilize SolidWorks to produce detailed drawings and instructions for displays and fixtures for a variety of retailers in the Health and Beauty/Point of Purchase market.

Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Utilizes SolidWorks to engineer retail display fixtures for the Health and Beauty sector by translating customer specifications into parametric three-dimensional models; selecting appropriate materials based on load-bearing requirements and manufacturing constraints; performing tolerance analysis and dimensional verification; evaluating structural integrity and assembly feasibility; and incorporating design modifications based on documented feedback from the Customer and Account Management teams to ensure compliance with functional, aesthetic, and manufacturability requirements.
• Conducts cross-functional design review meetings with account management, industrial design, engineering, project management, and production teams to evaluate product specifications, performance requirements, customer expectations, cost targets, and manufacturing constraints. Upon resolution of all technical and commercial requirements, compiles and finalizes the complete manufacturing print package.
• Review and validate engineered retail display fixtures to ensure compliance with documented customer specifications, including dimensional requirements, merchandising objectives, material selections, and aesthetic standards. Analyze structural components such as acrylic panels, sheet metal frames, extrusions, and molded plastic parts to evaluate load distribution, joint integrity, fastening methods, and overall stability to ensure mechanical soundness during fabrication, shipping, installation, and in-store use.
• Develop three-dimensional CAD models and virtual assemblies using SolidWorks to represent individual components and complete retail display systems.
• Develop comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) engineering drawings for plastic components and assemblies using computer-aided design (CAD) software, incorporating precise dimensional tolerances, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) specifications, material callouts, surface finish requirements, and manufacturing notes.
• Collaborate with internal production teams and external vendors to communicate engineering specifications, material requirements, dimensional tolerances, and assembly procedures for retail display fixtures. Analyze manufacturing feedback to identify quality issues or assembly inefficiencies and implement engineering design revisions to improve structural performance, manufacturability, and workflow efficiency.
• Engage with production personnel, sales representatives, and customers to gather technical requirements, clarify functional specifications, and translate merchandising objectives into engineered design solutions.
• Develop retail planograms (scaled merchandising layout diagrams) to demonstrate product placement, spatial configuration, and fixture integration within store environments. Present layout renderings to customers and sales personnel to illustrate functional design intent and incorporate documented feedback into revised engineering specifications.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles and systematic problem-solving methodologies to create original and innovative solutions.
• Utilize Adobe Illustrator to prepare scaled graphic layout files for integration into engineered display components by aligning artwork dimensions with CAD-generated structural drawings. Verify measurement accuracy, bleed specifications, and material tolerances to ensure compatibility between printed graphics and fabricated components prior to production release.
• Provide technical oversight and mentorship to Junior Design Engineers but does not have direct hire/fire authority
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated professional experience utilizing SolidWorks to develop parametric three-dimensional models, virtual assemblies, and detailed two-dimensional engineering drawings incorporating geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), material specifications, and manufacturing notes. SolidWorks certification is preferred.
• Experience using Adobe Illustrator to prepare scaled layout files and integrate graphic elements with engineering drawings to ensure dimensional compatibility between printed materials and fabricated components.
• Advanced knowledge of engineering drawing standards, including interpretation and preparation of detailed technical documentation in accordance with recognized industry and manufacturing standards.
• Proficiency in three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) software to create, modify, and validate complex mechanical components and assemblies for manufacturability and structural performance.
• Ability to apply mechanical engineering principles, material science concepts, and structured problem-solving methodologies to analyze design constraints and develop engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated professional experience applying advanced engineering practices, including tolerance analysis, structural evaluation, manufacturing feasibility assessment, and design validation within a production environment.
• Ability to prepare and organize comprehensive engineering documentation, including detailed drawings, specifications, material callouts, and manufacturing instructions, and to communicate technical information clearly to engineering, production, and project management personnel.
• Experience managing engineering design projects through defined phases, including concept development, technical review, revision control, and final production release
• Flexibility to adapt to deadlines, changing schedules, priorities, and unpredictable events within a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Experience working collaboratively with engineering, production, and project management personnel to communicate technical requirements and ensure adherence to engineering specifications.
• Strong written and verbal technical communication skills are sufficient to prepare engineering documentation, present technical concepts to internal teams and customers, and respond to technical inquiries.

Supervision Received: Issues and concerns need to be communicated to Director of Engineering.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• 3-6 years' experience in a design engineering role.
• High level knowledge of the following manufacturing methods: Acrylic Fabrication, Sheet metal, Plastic & Aluminum Extrusions, Vacuum Forming, CNC machining, Plastic Injection molding a plus
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a closely related engineering field.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting: Occasionally raises objects from a lower to a higher position or moves objects horizontally from position-to position. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
• Push/Pull: Occasionally uses upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
• Reaching: Extends hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
• Stooping: Bends body downward and forward at the waist. Weight is usually less than 20 lbs.
• Standing: Standing for moderate levels of time. Infrequently more than 30 minutes at a time.
• Sitting: Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on computer.
• Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks. In frequently more than 30 minutes at a time

Must be able to work in a variety of weather conditions and tolerate exposure to typical noises and smells associated with the plant.