Project Engineer

Toppan

$115K — $125K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in packaging design, especially thermoformed or plastic packaging.
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD software, particularly SolidWorks.
  • Strong understanding of thin-gauge thermoformed packaging principles, such as draft angles and wall thickness.
  • Knowledge of material properties relevant to common plastics like PET, HIPS, and PVC.
  • Familiarity with production tooling processes to integrate packaging and tooling design efficiently.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills, with an emphasis on aesthetics and functionality.

Responsibilities

  • Design thermoformed packaging products from concept to production using CAD software.
  • Translate customer requirements into innovative packaging designs.
  • Develop detailed 3D models and 2D drawings for packaging.
  • Design production thermoform tooling to support high-quality manufacturing.
  • Utilize 3D scanning and printing for prototype development and validation.
  • Evaluate material selections based on performance and sustainability factors.
  • Conduct design feasibility studies on structural integrity and efficiency.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, including FSA and HSA options.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
  • Employee Assistance Program offering a range of wellbeing resources.
  • Paid time off and holidays to promote work-life balance.
  • Variety of insurance plans including life, disability, and personal accident insurance.
  • Tuition reimbursement to support continuing education.
Full Job Description
Summary Description:

Alloyd, a division of Toppan, is an industry leader in designing and producing innovative thermoformed packaging solutions for retail and food markets. Our focus on sustainability, quality, and engineering excellence drives our commitment to delivering packaging that protects products and enhances the customer experience.

The Project Engineer will lead the design and development of thermoformed packaging products, transforming customer requirements into manufacturable, high-performance packaging solutions. This role emphasizes creative product design, tooling design, cross-functional collaboration, and risk mitigation to ensure the successful commercialization of products.

What you'll be doing:
  • Design thermoformed packaging products from concept through production using CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks).
  • Translate customer specifications and performance requirements into innovative packaging designs.
  • Develop detailed 3D models, assemblies, and 2D drawings for packaging products.
  • Design and develop production thermoform tooling and seal tooling to support efficient, high-quality manufacturing.
  • Utilize 3D scanning and 3D printing technologies to support prototype development, design validation, and rapid iteration.
  • Evaluate and select materials aligned with performance, sustainability, and cost objectives.
  • Conduct design feasibility studies, including draft analysis, stackability, and structural integrity of thermoformed parts.
  • Collaborate with sales, project management, and manufacturing teams to ensure product and tooling designs are practical, efficient, and manufacturable.
  • Collaborate closely with Tool Design Engineering to develop a comprehensive understanding of production tooling requirements and capabilities, and cross-train to support integrated design-to-tooling solutions.
  • Participate in customer meetings to understand needs, present design concepts, and refine solutions.
  • Support prototype development and validation, including coordinating sample production and testing.
  • Identify potential design, material, or process risks early in the project lifecycle, and proactively develop solutions to mitigate these risks through critical thinking and effective communication.
  • Ensure designs comply with industry standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines relevant to food and retail packaging.
  • Maintain organized, accurate design documentation and manage design revisions through PDM/PLM systems.
  • Stay current with new materials, design trends, and technologies relevant to the thermoformed packaging industry.


This position is located in DeKalb, IL and 100% onsite

We'd love to hear from you if:
  • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, or related field.
  • 2+ years of experience in packaging design, preferably thermoformed or plastic packaging.
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks strongly preferred).
  • Strong knowledge of design principles for thin-gauge thermoformed packaging, including draft angles, wall thickness, and undercuts.
  • Understanding of material properties relevant to PET, HIPS, PVC, or similar plastics.
  • Familiarity with production tooling processes, with the ability to integrate packaging and tooling design considerations with manufacturing requirements.
  • Ability to identify potential risks during design and commercialization phases, and develop effective mitigation strategies.
  • Excellent problem-solving and communication skills with an eye for design aesthetics and functionality.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.


Compensation:

The annual base salary range for this role is from $115,000 to $125,000

At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support our employees' overall wellbeing. This includes competitive pay, robust benefits, and programs that help you thrive both personally and professionally. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary based on your work location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
  • Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
  • Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
  • Tuition reimbursement


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