1

Thermoforming Designer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thermoforming Operator I Location: Franklin Park, IL Shift: 2nd Shift | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Pay Rate ... designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment ...

Thermoforming Operator I Location: Franklin Park, IL Shift: 2nd Shift | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM Pay Rate ... designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment ...

Machine Operator with Thermoforming Experience Location: Huntley (F135 Main - 11320 E. Main Street ... Benefits At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to ...

Machine Operator with Thermoforming Experience Location: Huntley (F135 Main - 11320 E. Main Street ... Benefits At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to ...

Build out full project scopes-including designs, calculations, layouts, and documentation * Lead ... Serving as a subject matter expert in thermoforming processes What You Bring: * Bachelor's degree ...

TOPPAN Packaging Americas specializes in designing and manufacturing sustainable, high-performance ... Provide support to Thermoforming plant quality leaders in the application and implementation of ...

Amcor's internships are designed to encourage practical application of classroom concepts in an advanced industrial manufacturing environment. The Thermoforming Human Resources Intern will provide ...

Product Design Plastics Engineer

Elkhart, IN · On-site

$123K - $148K/yr

The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing thermoforming processes and equipment. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical design principles ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Thermoforming Designer information

See salary details

$21.5K

$65.4K

$112K

How much do thermoforming designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for thermoforming designer in the United States is $65,444.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $85,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a thermoforming designer?

Thermoforming designers are professionals who specialize in creating designs for products and packaging made using the thermoforming process. Thermoforming is a manufacturing technique where plastic sheets are heated and formed into specific shapes using molds. Designers in this field work closely with clients and engineers to develop functional, cost-effective, and visually appealing items such as trays, containers, and custom packaging. They consider factors like material selection, mold design, and product usability to ensure the final product meets industry standards and client requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a thermoforming designer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Thermoforming Designer, you need expertise in product design, material science, and CAD software, typically supported by a degree in industrial design or engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and thermoforming simulation software is standard, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards is valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication help in collaborating with cross-functional teams and translating client requirements into manufacturable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, cost-effective, and functional product solutions that meet both client specifications and production constraints.

What are the most common challenges faced by thermoforming designers, and how can they be addressed?

Thermoforming designers often encounter challenges such as material selection, ensuring part consistency, and balancing cost-efficiency with product quality. Managing shrinkage, draft angles, and undercuts in the design phase is crucial to avoid production issues. Effective collaboration with engineers, toolmakers, and production teams helps address these challenges by ensuring that designs are both manufacturable and meet client specifications. Staying current on material advancements and manufacturing techniques can also help designers create innovative and efficient solutions.

What is the difference between Thermoforming Designer vs Mold Designer?

AspectThermoforming DesignerMold Designer
CredentialsTechnical diploma or degree in manufacturing or engineeringTechnical diploma or degree in manufacturing or engineering
Work EnvironmentPlastic manufacturing facilities, design studiosTool and die shops, manufacturing plants
Industry UsagePlastic packaging, automotive, medical devicesInjection molding, blow molding, casting

Both Thermoforming Designers and Mold Designers require similar technical skills and work in manufacturing environments. However, Thermoforming Designers focus on creating molds for thermoforming processes, while Mold Designers develop molds for injection or blow molding. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What cities are hiring for Thermoforming Designer jobs?

Cities with the most Thermoforming Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Thermoforming Designer jobs?

For Thermoforming Designer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Thermoforming Designer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,444 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

Thermoforming Operator I

Franklin Park, IL

$21.31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position: Thermoforming Operator I
Location: Franklin Park, IL
Shift: 2nd Shift | 2:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Pay Rate: $21.31/hour + $1.25 shift differential

Summary Description

The Thermoforming Operator I is responsible for safely operating thermoforming equipment while supporting production, quality, and packaging processes. This role is critical to ensuring products meet customer specifications and are prepared for shipment in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Pick, inspect, pack, and bag products for shipment

  • Ensure all products meet quality standards before packaging

  • Maintain a clean and safe work environment

  • Report any defects or quality concerns to the operator or supervisor

  • Work closely with machine operators and material handlers to meet production goals

  • Follow all safety, quality, and production procedures

Training & Shift Expectations

  • New hires may train on 1st shift (6:00 AM - 2:00 PM)

  • After training, employees will transition to 2nd or 3rd shift

  • Must be able to work all shifts as needed

  • This is a union position; benefits begin the first of the month following hire

We'd Love to Hear From You If

  • You can stand for extended periods (8+ hours)

  • You can lift up to 50 lbs as needed

  • You are comfortable working in a manufacturing environment with varying temperatures

  • You have or are willing to wear steel-toe footwear

  • You have prior experience in manufacturing (food, paper, plastic, or metal preferred)

  • You have experience packing manufactured goods (preferred)

  • You are reliable, detail-oriented, and team-focused

Benefits

At TOPPAN Packaging Americas, we offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support overall wellbeing. Benefits may vary based on location, employment classification, or collective bargaining agreement and may include:

  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Employee Assistance Program and wellbeing resources

  • Paid time off and holidays

  • Company-paid and voluntary insurance plans including life, accident, and disability coverage

  • Tuition reimbursement

Equal Opportunity Employer

TOPPAN Packaging Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We are committed to providing a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to contribute to their fullest potential. Reasonable accommodations are available throughout the application and employment processes. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.