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:- Bachelor's 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 YOU'LL 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 management–driven 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 Client's Global Performance System (GPS) in the design engineering area
WE'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU IF: You have a Bachelor's 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 $140,000 to $160,000 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 Corporationwww.espocorp.com630-789-2525View all open jobs at www.espocorp.com/jobsLeaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965ESPO 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.
