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.CompensationCommensurate with experience, the range is $70,000 – $85,000 annually.Work ScheduleOnsite: 8 AM – 5 PM | Monday - FridayWhy Placon – You'll Love It HereA hands‑on technical role where your design and problem‑solving skills truly matterOpportunities to grow your skills in product development, tooling design, and customer collaborationA supportive manufacturing environment with modern CAD tools, 3D printing, and advanced technologyCompetitive pay, great benefits, and a stable onsite Monday–Friday scheduleA culture focused on safety, quality, and continuous improvementWhat You'll DoPartner with Sales and Account Managers to provide technical support and present design solutionsLead ideation, concept development, and product design for customer projectsCreate complex 2D/3D CAD models, drawings, and specifications for products and toolingIntegrate thermoforming and manufacturing knowledge into all design work Ensure tooling specifications and performance standards are met by collaborating with Pricing, Process Engineering, and tooling vendorsSupport process engineering and production teams with tooling development and optimizationApprove parts and maintain specification databasesReview and initiate engineering change orders for customer and production updatesSupport corrective action efforts and evaluate financial impacts of design changesProvide design support for existing tooling through the work order systemComply with all safety, ISO, and documentation proceduresWhat You BringBachelor'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 experienceProficiency in 2D and 3D CAD systemsStrong communication skills and customer‑focused mindsetAbility to manage multiple projects and work independentlyExperience with thermoforming or plastics manufacturing preferredKnowledge of quality systems and controlled documentationStrong problem‑solving, multitasking, and analytical skillsAbility to use standard office software, ERP systems, and QMS toolsAbility to lift 10–50 lbs. and work in office, sample lab, and manufacturing environmentsMinimal travel (less than 5%) to customers, vendors, and tradeshowsDoes 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.