Careers

About the Position

Tanbark is seeking a hands-on Product Design Engineer to help turn innovative ideas into manufacturable molded fiber products. Using SolidWorks and other design tools, you'll create drawings, 3D models, prototypes, and diagrams that meet performance, cost, sustainability, and aesthetic goals. You'll work closely with engineering, tooling vendors, manufacturing, sales, and customers, supporting prototype development, tooling communication, and production-ready documentation across a variety of products.

Compensation & Location

Pay: $70,000 – $85,000 per year

Work Location: In-person — time will be split between 5 Moulton Street, Portland, ME 04101 and 34 Spring Hill Road, Saco, ME 04072

What You'll Do

• Design and update molded fiber products in SolidWorks, including layouts, detail and assembly drawings, sketches, and 3D models.
• Collaborate with internal teams, tooling vendors, and customers to ensure designs can be manufactured efficiently and reliably.
• Support prototypes and samples, adjusting designs based on testing and production feedback.
• Incorporate molded fiber process considerations such as draft angles, drainage, fiber distribution, venting, and tooling requirements.
• Maintain organized, version-controlled design files and documentation.
• Contribute to design standards, lessons learned, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Work with production teams to help troubleshoot, diagnose, and repair tool and/or machine issues.
• Support new tool installations, calibration, and integration.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• 2–4 years of experience in product design, industrial design, or manufacturing design environments
• Proficiency in SolidWorks 3D CAD software, creating production-ready drawings and 3D models
• Understanding of design principles and product development processes
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including engineering, manufacturing, and sales
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage design revisions and documentation
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to support design troubleshooting
• Passion for sustainability and replacing single-use plastics with renewable, compostable alternatives
• Mechanical aptitude / understanding of mechanical systems

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Experience developing rapid prototypes and iterating designs through prototype testing
• Working knowledge of CNC machining and additive manufacturing methods
• Understanding of dimensional inspection techniques for machined components
• Experience using CMM equipment or willingness to become proficient
• Background in packaging design or molded fiber product development
• Familiarity with molded fiber manufacturing processes, including vacuum forming, transfer molding, or thermoforming
• Knowledge of molded fiber design-for-manufacturing considerations, such as draft angles, fiber distribution, drainage optimization, and tooling constraints
• Experience collaborating with tooling vendors and external manufacturing partners to support production-ready designs

Benefits

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health savings account & flexible spending account
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role requires frequent use of hands or fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Must be able to stand, walk, sit, 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.