Principal Engineer- Design for Manufacturing
$100–$150,000 year
On-siteLincolnshire, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Lead comprehensive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) evaluations for elastomer components, optimizing yield, quality, and cost efficiency while influencing customer designs upstream. Serve as the technical owner of RFQs, developing detailed cost models that translate DFM decisions into cycle time, tooling, and lifecycle strategies. Define end-to-end manufacturing strategies for LSR, HCR, and extrusion processes, collaborating with cross-functional teams to validate assumptions and drive early-stage decisions. Mentor engineers in silicone and rubber processing technologies, establish standardized DFM guidelines, and support capital investment planning across the Elastomers Operation Unit. Fully site-based role requiring 10+ years of elastomer manufacturing experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Polymer, or similar)
- 10+ years of experience in elastomer manufacturing, DFM or process engineering
- Deep expertise in Silicone (LSR, HCR) and rubber materials
- Deep expertise in Compression, transfer, and injection molding processes
- Deep expertise in Tooling design principles (cavitation, gating, venting, materials)
- Deep expertise in Cost modeling and estimating for elastomer components
- Proven experience in Validation requirements (IQ/OQ/PQ), APQP, PPAP
- Proven experience in Interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models
- Proven experience in Regulatory and customer specifications (medical preferred)
- Proven experience in Experience working in cross-functional and customer-facing roles
- Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks)
- Fully site based
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in medical device manufacturing (Class II / Class III)
- Experience in technical quoting and cost modeling
- Experience with Mold flow analysis and interpretation
- Experience with Automation and high-volume manufacturing systems
- Experience with Multi-material molding (overmolding, bonding, insert molding)
- Experience in CDMO environment
- Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification
Hiring someone like this?
Get your role in front of qualified candidates on Sorce.