Senior Design Engineer

ITW • Rockford, IL

8d

About The Position

ITW Seats specializes in delivering innovative precision-engineered plastic solutions to the furniture industry and to leading OEMs and their tier suppliers globally. In addition to automotive seating applications, the division also supports non-automotive markets, including office seating and commercial furniture, delivering high-quality plastic injection molded components and mechanisms tailored for ergonomic performance and durability. We are also experts in the interface between the seat back and head restraint; we create solutions that facilitate smooth adjustment and positioning with minimized efforts, enabling optimal passenger safety and creative architectural seating. The division has over 200 employees, 3 global manufacturing sites, and a presence in North America and Spain. Our capabilities include advanced plastic injection molding processes, supporting both high-volume automotive programs and office seating product lines. The Senior Design Engineer leads conceptualization, development, and validation of new products through our Customer Back Innovation process, using advanced materials, rapid prototyping, CAD tools, and creative thinking, bridging early-stage innovation with feasible engineering solutions. This role reports to Innovation Leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology, preferably in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 5 years of experience in engineering and product design, preferably within an industrial or automotive environment.
• Experience with CAD tools such as CATIA V5, Siemens NX or SolidWorks; familiarity with CAE tools, Moldflow analysis, Solid Works and dynamic simulation is considered a strong advantage.
• Ability to create both concept-level and detailed CAD models suitable for prototyping, visualization, and technical evaluation.
• Knowledge of plastic injection molding processes, including basic understanding of assembly methods and tooling technologies.
• Experience creating technical drawings for injection-molded plastic components, including appropriate tolerances and design considerations.
• Strong structured problem-solving capability, with the ability to challenge conventional solutions and propose innovative alternatives.
• Comfort working with ambiguity and early-stage concepts typical of innovation and advanced engineering projects.
• Hands-on mindset with interest in rapid prototyping, experimentation, and development of proof-of-concept solutions.
• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in a technical environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and effective decision-making.
• Proficient in standard engineering and office software tools.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting office seating or commercial furniture product development is preferred.
• Furniture industry or automotive experience is highly preferred.
• Strong proficiency in CATIA, Siemens NX and SolidWorks for product and component design.
• Ability to design for high-volume plastic injection molding environments across multiple industries, including automotive and office furniture.
• Product design capabilities with a focus on plastic components, with openness to other materials and technologies.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with solid understanding of component functionality and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with application engineering processes supporting product development and customer integration.
• Team player.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative concepts and generate new ideas by applying analytical methods and creative problem-solving tools to identify optimal technical solutions.
• Manage, lead, and coordinate local activities related to innovation projects within the ITW framework, under the direction of the Manager.
• Support the integration of innovative product development projects into the company CBI process, ensuring compliance as well as proper documentation, storage, and communication of project data and information.
• Build strong relationships with key internal stakeholders and departments to foster an open-minded culture and facilitate the adoption of innovative concepts, processes, and technologies.
• Develop plastic-compatible 3D CAD designs, including components and assemblies, and create technical drawings according to design requirements, installation constraints, and specifications.
• Apply and/or coordinate engineering analysis methods (e.g., CAE/FEM simulations) to define, evaluate, and optimize future product concepts into high-performance solutions.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend materials and manufacturing processes, leveraging internal expertise and external investigation of emerging technologies and industry developments.
• Plan, organize, and execute concept verification activities, ranging from initial proof-of-concept assessments with 3D-printed samples to prototype testing aligned with key DVP validation requirements.
• Provide clear and concise project updates to the Innovation Team, ensuring regular communication of progress and supporting the preparation of technical reviews and project meetings.
• Apply ITW Toolbox principles to ensure structured and effective execution of innovation projects from concept design through manufacturing readiness.
• Actively contribute to technology scouting, competitive benchmarking, and identification of emerging solutions that can expand the company’s innovation pipeline.
• Apply knowledge of plastic injection molding to ensure designs are optimized for manufacturability, tooling efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across both automotive and non-automotive (office seating) products.

Benefits

• ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential. As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior