Engineering Jobs in Dekalb Dekalb County, IL

Job Title: Packaging Design Engineer

Industry: Thermoformed Food Grade and Consumer Grade Packaging Products

Location: On-site in the DeKalb, IL Area

Position Brief:

The Chatham Group Advanced Materials and Technologies Recruiting Team is seeking highly qualified candidates for a Packaging Design Engineer for a client in the specialty packaging technology industry. This is a mid-junior level position that requires hands-on experience with rigid thermoformed packaging design concepts with experience in sustainable food grade and/or consumer packaging technology and manufacturing methods. You will work closely with the manufacturing engineering and quality assurance teams to deliver compliant and production ready packaging solutions for new and existing products.

Responsibilities:

• Design food device packaging systems from initial concept through testing and production using CAD programs, particularly SolidWorks
• Focus on Thermoforming technologies to develop portion-separated trays, blister packs, tubs, clamshells, etc
• Use CAD programs to develop 3D models and assemblies as well as 2D drawings for specification
• Evaluate various polymeric materials such as PET, HIPS, PVC, etc for their performance properties such as wall thickness, strength, rigidity, and more
• Create prototype products using new or existing tooling, and/or 3D printing technologies and conduct feasibility reviews for functional integrity, stackability, etc
• Lead the IQ/OQ/PQ product validation process and comply with ISO manufacturing quality standards

Requirements:

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, or other highly relevant field
• 3+ years of experience in packaging design preferably in thermoformed food grade or consumer packaging
• High proficiency with CAD programs, particularly SolidWorks
• Working knowledge of thin-gauge thermoformed packing design
• Understanding of product lifecycle and circularity in packaging design
• Ability to conduct market research and potentially attend trade shows

Compensation will be commensurate with experience and relocation may be provided to qualified candidates.

Aegis is seeking a Thermoforming Manager to join our client's organization in Dekalb, IL. The ideal candidate has the following skills and experience:

• 4+ years of experience working in a plant leadership type of position
• Industry; plastics packaging, or manufacturing related.
• Experience with daily production control & implementing new ideas for production control.
• Thermoforming process management experience
• Sheet heat zones, plus assist timing, vacuum/pressure, cooling.
• Experience troubleshooting and planning out common issues within the packaging process – webbing, thin corners, haze, warpage or trim.
• Experience with quality and regulatory compliance
• Assisting in audits
• Tracking mold performance and cycles
• Leading the team on root cause analysis for scrap, defects, and customer complaints.
• Leadership – non union plant – 80 hourly folks and 2 supervisors, no supervisor on 3rd shift !
• Experience enforcing safety practices – lockout/tagout, guarding, and hot sheet safety.
• Experience with attendance, performance issues, hiring & firing.
• Experience implementing CI processes. (5S, Lean six sigma)
• Experience tracking OEE, scrap %, yield, downtime and labor efficiency.
• Experience communicating cross functionally with similar sized organizations. And collaborating with sales, engineering, maintenance, QA and other members of plant leadership.

Nice to have:

• Bachelors degree, associates or continued education training.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish.

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to oversee operations in a manufacturing facility focused on industrial equipment. This role involves managing production to ensure high-quality output, safety, and efficiency while leading teams and driving improvements. It offers opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment dedicated to innovation in the manufacturing sector.

• Anticipate $140,000 - $190,000, BOE
• Benefits include: Health, Vision, Dental, 401K w/ match
• Additional perks: Structured bonus, vacation, PTO
• Onsite, Sycamore, IL area

Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations to ensure timely, cost-effective production
• Develop schedules and monitor processes to minimize downtime
• Lead and train teams, fostering safety and accountability
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards
• Collaborate on quality control and implement continuous improvement methods
• Manage budgets, inventory, and equipment maintenance
• Generate reports and analyze data for performance insights

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field (preferred)
• Relevant certifications in manufacturing management or Lean Six Sigma (a plus)
• 10+ years in plant or production management, preferably in manufacturing
• Proven team leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality, and safety
• Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and manufacturing software

Keywords: Plant Manager, Manufacturing Operations, Lean Six Sigma, Production Management, Safety Compliance, Quality Control, Industrial Engineering, Process Optimization, ERP Systems, ISO Certification

EEO

Job Title : Nuclear Engineer (Naval Reactors Engineer) Category / Component : Officer • Active Overview Design, regulate, and oversee the Navy's nuclear propulsion program, including reactor design, fleet operations, and eventual defueling and decommissioning of nuclear powered ships and submarines from Naval Reactors Headquarters and associated Department of Energy laboratories and shipyards.

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design, reactor physics, materials development, component design for steam generators, pumps, and valves, instrumentation and control for reactor and propulsion plants, testing and quality control, radiation shielding, and chemistry and radiological controls; review designs and analyses from laboratories, shipyards, and industry partners; coordinate with fleet units to ensure safe and reliable nuclear plant operation.

What to Expect Assume significant technical responsibility early in your career as part of a lean headquarters staff; work primarily in an analytical and oversight role rather than operating plants at sea; balance long term engineering projects with time sensitive fleet and shipyard issues; frequent coordination with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for attention to detail, judgment, and written and oral communication.

Work Environment Work mainly at Naval Reactors Headquarters in the Washington, District of Columbia area with regular engagement with Department of Energy laboratories, nuclear training sites, shipyards, and nuclear powered ships and submarines; office based work that includes document reviews, technical meetings, inspections, and site visits rather than day to day shipboard watchstanding.

Pathways, Training & Advancement Officer commissioning through programs such as Officer Candidate School or the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program followed by a structured technical qualification program at Naval Reactors; rotational exposure to laboratories, prototypes, shipyards, and fleet support issues; progressive responsibility leading projects and becoming a subject matter expert, with opportunities for professional military education and advanced graduate study in technical fields.

Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for those who already hold qualifying degrees; all applicants must meet Nuclear Propulsion Program academic and technical screening standards in addition to general officer commissioning requirements.

Qualifications All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include: Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy.

Some communities have more restrictive age ranges Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include: Completion of a rigorous technical degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or a closely related field that includes strong backgrounds in calculus and physics; outstanding academic record, particularly in technical coursework; United States citizenship and eligibility for a high level security clearance; strong technical aptitude and comfort with detailed analytical work.

Education Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities.

Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options.

Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed.

Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community.

It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes.

Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.