Design Engineering Manager

This role leads a team of design engineers focused on the design and development of plastic components and products at a new Innovation Center in Jefferson City, MO. The Design Engineering Manager ensures that products are functional, manufacturable, and cost-effective while overseeing the full product design lifecycle from concept through prototyping and production support. The position collaborates closely with cross-functional teams, leverages CAD tools such as SolidWorks, and stays current with industry trends and technologies to drive innovation in plastic injection molded products.

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of design engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and support for professional growth.
• Conceptualize, design, and develop plastic components and products that meet project requirements for functionality, aesthetics, manufacturability, and cost-effectiveness.
• Use SolidWorks to create detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings of plastic parts and assemblies, ensuring accuracy and adherence to engineering standards.
• Oversee the prototyping process by selecting appropriate materials, coordinating with prototype technicians, and validating designs for fit, form, and function.
• Evaluate and select suitable plastic materials based on performance requirements, environmental conditions, and cost considerations.
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles to ensure efficient, high-quality production of plastic injection molded products.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, and other stakeholders, to align designs with production capabilities and business objectives.
• Support and guide hands-on injection molding activities as needed, working closely with manufacturing teams to resolve design-related production issues.
• Drive rapid iteration and improvement through the use of prototyping techniques, testing, and design validation activities.
• Ensure designs meet quality standards and customer expectations by incorporating feedback, performing reviews, and implementing corrective actions where necessary.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks, setting timelines, and ensuring timely completion of design deliverables.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with internal teams and leadership, including reporting progress and issues to the Vice President of Engineering.
• Stay current with industry trends, materials, and technologies related to plastic injection molding and product design, and incorporate relevant advancements into design practices.

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering or Plastics Engineering.
• At least 7 years of experience in product design of plastic injection molded products.
• Proven ability to lead and develop a team of design engineers.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and 2D drafting.
• Experience with prototyping techniques and rapid iteration processes.
• Hands-on experience with injection molding processes (experience is a plus but strongly preferred).
• Strong problem-solving skills and high attention to detail in design and documentation.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Familiarity with design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) principles.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for technical and cross-functional interactions.

• Experience working in environments focused on plastic injection molded products for household, garage storage, or commercial applications.
• Background in manufacturing engineering or close collaboration with manufacturing teams.
• Experience partnering with quality assurance teams to ensure robust product performance.
• Exposure to innovation-focused environments and new product development centers.
• Interest in staying current with emerging materials, processes, and technologies in plastics and injection molding.

This role operates on a hybrid schedule, with work-from-home days on Monday and Friday and on-site work at the Innovation Center in Jefferson City from Tuesday through Thursday. The position is based in a brand-new, innovation-focused facility dedicated to the design and development of plastic injection molded products. The Design Engineering Manager works closely with the Vice President of Engineering and collaborates with cross-functional teams such as manufacturing engineering and quality assurance. The environment emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and continuous improvement, with regular use of CAD tools like SolidWorks, prototyping equipment, and injection molding-related technologies.

This is a Permanent position based out of Jefferson City, MO.

The pay range for this position is $135000.00 - $145000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Medical plansDental/vision coverage401(k) matchPTO and holidaysLife and disability insuranceBonus/incentiveeligibilityEmployee assistance programs

This is a hybrid position in Jefferson City,MO.

This position is anticipated to close on Oct 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.