3D Modeling, 3D Printing, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Communication Skills, Continuous Improvement, Corrective Action, Database Administration, Design Services, Document Management, Documentation, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Engineering Change Order, Genetics, ISO (International Organization for Standardization), Lift/Move 50 Pounds, Machine Tool, Manufacturing, Mechanical Engineering, Multitasking, Partner Sales, Plastics Design, Plastics Manufacturing, Pricing, Problem Solving Skills, Process Engineering, Product Design, Product Development, Project/Program Management, Safety Compliance, Safety/Work Safety, Sales Management, Specimens/Samples, Technical Presentation, Technical Support, Technical/Engineering Design, Trade Shows
Design Engineer
We're looking for a dependable Design Engineer who will support our Madison, WI 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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Placon Corporation
At Placon, we design, manufacture, and market thermoformed plastic packaging for products in the food, retail and medical device markets.
Every day, we work together to innovate, recycle and transform valuable natural resources back into new plastic packagingwhile continuing to push the boundaries of sustainability and innovation.
At the end of the day, we know that behind every award-winning product design, improvement in process control and new customer won, there are great employees helping us realize our vision of being the industry’s leading thermoformed plastic packaging designer and manufacturer.