Design Engineer – Rigid Plastic Packaging

DeKalb, IL

$85,000 – $100,000

Job description:

I’m exclusively partnering with a leading packaging manufacturer to hire a Design Engineer to support continued growth within their rigid plastics and thermoformed packaging division.

This is a highly technical, design-focused engineering role centered on the development of rigid plastic packaging solutions for a range of consumer and industrial applications. The business is looking for someone with strong CAD capability and hands-on experience in thermoforming, blister, and clamshell packaging design.

The Position:

• Design and develop rigid plastic packaging solutions from concept through to production
• Work extensively on thermoformed, blister, clamshell, and custom plastic packaging structures
• Create and modify 3D CAD designs (SolidWorks or similar)
• Support prototyping, tooling trials, and production validation
• Work closely with manufacturing, tooling suppliers, and cross-functional engineering teams
• Troubleshoot design and production issues on live packaging lines
• Drive improvements in cost, material usage, and packaging performance
• Support new product development and existing product optimization projects

What They’re Looking For:

• Experience in rigid plastic packaging design (thermoforming / blister / clamshell) – MUST
• Strong CAD capability (SolidWorks or similar 3D CAD) – MUST
• Understanding of plastics materials and forming processes – MUST
• Experience with packaging design, prototyping, and production support – MUST
• Ability to work cross-functionally with engineering and manufacturing teams – MUST
• Strong problem-solving and technical design mindset – MUST

If you have any questions send me a message or email ryanf@pivotal-recruitment.co.uk