Lead Design Engineer

Lead Design Engineer

We're looking for an experienced Lead Design Engineer who thrives on leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering high-quality product and tooling designs. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys guiding engineers, collaborating cross-functionally, and transforming customer needs into manufacturing solutions.

If you have strong CAD experience, a background in tooling or product design, and a passion for leadership and continuous improvement, this is a great opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

Compensation

• Competitive salary based on experience - $105,000-$115,000
• Comprehensive benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, paid time off, 401K with Company match, Profit Sharing.

Work Schedule

• Full-time position-Onsite role based in Plymouth, MN. Monday-Friday; Day shift (typically 7am -4pm)
• Standard business hours with occasional flexibility required for project deadlines.
• Minimal travel (approximately 10%) to customers, vendors, or other company locations.

Why Placon – You'll Love It Here

• A hands-on leadership role where your expertise drives innovation
• Opportunities to lead, mentor, and develop engineering talent
• Collaborative, cross-functional environment focused on customer success
• Exposure to advanced product and tooling design technologies
• A culture centered on continuous improvement, safety, and quality
• Ability to make a direct impact on product development and manufacturing success

What You'll Do

• Lead and direct an on-site design engineering team, ensuring quality, accuracy, and timely project delivery
• Translate customer requirements into innovative product and tooling designs
• Utilize CAD software (2D3D) to develop complex geometries and solutions
• Manage project priorities, schedules, and workloads to meet customer expectations
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, tooling, and account management
• Oversee tool development, modifications, and vendor performance
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using performance data and design standards
• Support product lifecycle activities including change management, material selection, and corrective actions
• Ensure adherence to safety, ISO, SQF, and GMP standards
• Coach, mentor, and develop team members to build a high-performing engineering team

What You Bring

• EducationExperience
• • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field 5+ years of experience or-
  • Associate degree 7+ years of relevant design experience in plastics or tooling
• Proven leadership experience managing or guiding engineering teams
• Strong proficiency in CAD (2D and 3D design systems)
• Experience in tooling design, product development, or plastics manufacturing
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to interpret customer requirements and deliver innovative solutions
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Self-directed with the ability to manage multiple priorities

Work Environment

• Combination of office, manufacturing floor, and toolroom environments
• Regular interaction with production, tooling, and engineering teams
• Occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs.) and hands-on involvement with tooling

Ready to Apply?

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we'd love to hear from you. Applying is quick and easy-just follow the instructions on this page.

Join Placon and help lead the design of innovative products and tooling solutions.