Director of Design Engineering

About Tanbark

Established in 2021, Tanbark Molded Fiber Products is dedicated to delivering sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging. We specialize in producing Type 3 Molded Fiber, an environmentally friendly replacement for rigid single-use plastic products. Our mission is to provide access to planet-friendly, purpose-driven products by pushing the limits of molded fiber design.

At Tanbark, we don't just create sustainable products—we create a culture of innovation and responsibility. Our A.C.T.S. values guide us in everything we do:

• Adaptable & Accountable – We anticipate challenges, embrace new ideas, and take ownership of our work.
• Curious & Collaborative – We thrive on learning, problem-solving, and working together to achieve shared success.
• Trust & Transparency – We communicate openly, assume good intentions, and build strong relationships.
• Safe & Sustainable – We prioritize well-being, ethical conduct, and environmental responsibility.

If you're seeking a collaborative and supportive environment and are excited to join a dynamic startup poised for growth, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Position Summary

The Director of Design Engineering leads the design and engineering function to create innovative, manufacturable molded fiber products while bridging the gap between part and tooling design. This role manages the design and engineering team and product development process, identifies opportunities and risks, maintains a strong customer focus, and takes ownership of all aspects of product development. The Director fosters early collaboration between part and tooling design, drives a transparent, repeatable process, and ensures concepts move efficiently from customer request through prototyping to production. They are responsible for establishing internal design guidelines, improving design-to-production workflows, and shaping the future of Tanbark's design capability.

Accountabilities

• Deliver innovative, manufacturable products that balance customer needs, production realities, cost efficiency, and sustainability
• Bridge part and tooling design to reduce errors and rework, ensuring smoother launches into production
• Establish and maintain internal design guidelines that create a repeatable, scalable foundation for design excellence
• Shorten design-to-production timelines by streamlining workflows and proactively removing bottlenecks
• Build and lead a high-performing design and engineering team, setting clear goals, coaching talent, and developing future leaders
• Communicate transparently with executives and Sales, providing visibility into project status, risks, and opportunities
• Strengthen collaboration with Production, Process Engineering, and tooling vendors to ensure product designs are both innovative and manufacturable
• Drive innovation in molded fiber design by exploring new tooling approaches, materials, and processes

Responsibilities

• Lead part and tooling design efforts, producing 3D models, drawings, and documentation
• Integrate the application of SolidWorks Simulation across all design engineering projects to ensure optimized product performance, structural integrity, and manufacturability from concept through production.
• Manage projects through the full design cycle — from customer request and concepting through prototyping and into production
• Collaborate closely with Production, Process Engineering, Sales, and tooling vendors to align product designs with manufacturing capabilities and timelines
• Implement and maintain design and engineering processes, documentation, and SOPs that ensure consistency and repeatability
• Partner with the Design Lead and other team members on hands-on design work as needed
• Coach and support designers and engineers, providing feedback, training, and opportunities for growth
• Stay current on materials, technologies, and methods relevant to molded fiber design and manufacturing
• Represent the design function in cross-functional meetings, providing input that supports both customer satisfaction and company goals

Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities)

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Packaging, Industrial, Manufacturing, or Materials Science; advanced degree preferred
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in product design, including 3+ years in a leadership role, managing and developing design teams
• Hands-on experience in tooling and part design, with the ability to translate conceptual designs into manufacturable solutions through collaboration with production, operations, and customers
• Proficient in SolidWorks and Solidworks Simulation, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and maintain written documentation, SOPs, and internal design guidelines to ensure consistent, repeatable processes
• Strong project management, organizational, and execution skills; able to manage multiple projects while balancing innovation, manufacturability, sustainability, and cost efficiency
• Knowledge of materials, structural design, and manufacturing processes, with the ability to learn new materials or methods quickly
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing design and/or engineering teams
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills; able to influence across departments and external partners
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset suited to a startup/growth environment

Physical Demands

This role requires frequent use of hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The role requires the ability to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus are required. The production environment includes exposure to moving mechanical parts, pulp dust, chemicals, and moderate noise. Proper PPE must be worn in specified work areas.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person