Designer New Product Development

Job Description

Job Description

Job Purpose

The NPD Designer is responsible for developing innovative packaging concepts and transforming ideas into manufacturable products. This role supports the entire product development lifecycle, from concept generation and customer requirements gathering through prototype development, testing, commercialization, and production launch. The NPD Designer works closely with Sales, Marketing, Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and customers to create packaging solutions that meet functional, aesthetic, regulatory, and commercial objectives. Tooling modifications, continuous improvement initiatives, and new product development projects.

Essential Functions and ResponsibilitiesA. Product Design & Development

• Create innovative packaging concepts, product designs, and technical solutions for new and existing customers.
• Develop 3D models, renderings, prototypes, and detailed engineering drawings using CAD software.
• Translate customer requirements, sketches, and specifications into manufacturable product designs.
• Design products with consideration for performance, sustainability, manufacturability, and cost.
• Support the development of thermoformed and extruded plastic packaging products.

B. Prototype & Testing Support

• Coordinate prototype creation and sample production activities.
• Participate in product testing, validation, and qualification activities.
• Evaluate prototype performance and recommend design modifications.
• Document test results and communicate findings to project stakeholders.

C. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Sales and Customer Success teams to understand customer needs and project requirements.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Tooling, and Engineering teams to ensure designs can be efficiently produced.
• Support customer presentations and design reviews.
• Work with Quality and Regulatory teams to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2–4 years of planning experience in a supply chain role.
• 3-7 years of experience in product design, packaging design, industrial design, or new product development.
• Experience within plastics manufacturing, thermoforming, extrusion, consumer products, food packaging, or related industries preferred.
• Experience managing multiple development projects simultaneously.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar 3D CAD software.
• Experience creating details engineering drawings and technical documentation.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, materials, and design for manufacturability principles.
• Ability to develop product renderings and visual presentations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft applications.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while working at a computer.
• Frequent movement throughout the office and warehouse to support users and inspect, install, or troubleshoot equipment.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move computer equipment and peripherals up to 25 lbs.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity required for wiring, cabling, and small-component assembly.
• May require occasional kneeling, crawling, or climbing to access equipment.
• Work is performed in offices, warehouse, and server-room environments with moderate noise levels and occasional temperature variation.
• Typical schedule Monday through Friday; occasional after-hours or weekend support may be required during system upgrades or outages.

Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Performance and Behavioral Attributes

Innovation

• Generates creative and practical solutions to customer and business challenges.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for product and process improvement.

Customer Focus

• Understands customer requirements and translates them into successful product solutions.
• Balances customer expectations with manufacturing capabilities and business objectives.

Analytical Thinking

• Evaluates design alternatives using data, testing, and technical expertise.
• Identifies and resolves design challenges proactively.

Communication and Collaboration

• Builds effective partnerships across departments.
• Communicates technical information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Results Oriented

• Delivers projects on time while maintaining quality standards.
• Manage priorities effectively in a fast-paced development environment.

Safety and Compliance

• Adheres to all company, IT security, and safety protocols, including SQF/ISO standards.

Working Conditions

• Office, laboratory, and manufacturing environments.
• Frequent interaction with engineering, production, and customer-facing teams.
• Exposure to manufacturing equipment and moderate noise levels during plant visits.

At-Will Employment

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.

Equal Opportunity & ADA Statement: Lacerta Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status, and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Steven Crager in Human Resources at [email protected] or 608-745-9251.