Principal Engineer- Design Manufacturing

Principal Engineer
- Design for Manufacturing

Location:

Lincolnshire, IL

Job title:

Principal DFM Engineer

About Us:

Imagine a company with technology leadership of over 160 years, yet it operates with the energy of a startup. Ingersoll Rand has dedicated itself to Making Life Better for its employees, customers, shareholders, and planets. We produce innovative and mission-critical flow creation and life science technologies – from compressors to precision handling of liquids, gasses, and powers – to increase industrial productivity, efficiency, and sustainability.

Supported by over 80+ brands, our products are used in various end-markets including life sciences, food and beverage, clean energy, industrial manufacturing, infrastructure, and more. Across the globe, we're driving growth with an entrepreneurial spirit and ownership mindset. Learn more at  and join us to own your future.

Job Overview:
The Principal DFM Engineer is responsible for driving design-for-manufacturability (DFM), process feasibility, and cost optimization for silicone and elastomer-based products across the organization. This role serves as a subject matter expert and strategic leader, owning the quoting process from a technical standpoint while establishing the manufacturing strategy from prototype through full-scale production. Responsibilities include developing detailed cost models, defining tooling approaches, estimating validation requirements, and translating customer designs into robust, scalable manufacturing solutions.

The Principal DFM Engineer plays a critical role in guiding cross-functional decision-making and influencing customer outcomes, directly impacting business growth, margin performance, and long-term capability development. While accountable for quotation and cost modeling, this position is primarily differentiated by its deep technical influence, shaping product design, tooling, and process strategies across the Elastomers Operation Unit. Additionally, this role advances best practices in LSR, HCR, and elastomer molding and extrusion technologies, particularly within regulated environments including Class II and Class III medical devices, while mentoring engineers and elevating organizational DFM capability.

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Leadership
• Technical Costing & Quotation Leadership
• Tooling & Manufacturing Process Strategy Development
• Cross-Functional Technical Leadership
• Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization
• Technical Mentorship & Organizational Impact

Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Materials, Polymer, or similar) 10+ years of experience in elastomer manufacturing, DFM or process engineering Deep expertise in:
Silicone (LSR, HCR) and rubber materials Compression, transfer, and injection molding processes Tooling design principles (cavitation, gating, venting, materials) Cost modeling and estimating for elastomer components Proven experience in Validation requirements (IQ/OQ/PQ), APQP, PPAP Interpreting engineering drawings, GD&T, and 3D CAD models Regulatory and customer specifications (medical preferred) Experience working in cross-functional and customer-facing roles Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works) Preferred Experience in medical device manufacturing (Class II / Class III) Experience in technical quoting and cost modeling Experience with:
Mold flow analysis and interpretation Automation and high-volume manufacturing systems Multi-material molding (overmolding, bonding, insert molding) Experience in CDMO environment Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certification Key Competencies Strong technical and commercial acumen Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills Ability to influence internal and external stakeholders Excellent communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders High level of ownership, accountability, decision-making authority Strategic mindset with attention to detail

What we Offer:

At Ingersoll Rand, we embrace a culture of personal ownership — taking responsibility for our company, our communities, and our environment, as well as our individual health and well-being. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to empower you with the tools and support necessary to take charge of your health, ensuring that together, we can continue to make life better. Our range of benefits includes health care options like medical and prescription plans, dental and vision coverage, as well as wellness programs.

Additionally, we provide life insurance, a robust 401(k) plan, paid time off, and even an employee stock grant, among other offerings. These benefits are our commitment to you, so you can be your best at work and beyond.