Design Engineer - Plastics Fabrication

Overview

Dave Barry Plastics Ltd, a reputable manufacturer known for top-tier plastic fabrication, is seeking a talented Design Engineer to join their workshop team in the Dungarvan area. This full-time role focuses on creating innovative plastic components, assemblies, and custom solutions, closely collaborating with production teams to ensure feasibility and cost efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Create detailed 2D and 3D CAD designs for plastic parts, assemblies, jigs, and fixtures using software such as Spaceclaim, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, or AutoCAD.
• Convert customer ideas and specifications into manufacturable designs supported by comprehensive engineering drawings and technical documents.
• Perform design-for-manufacture analyses to optimize fabrication and assembly processes.
• Partner with workshop staff to grasp manufacturing capabilities including CNC routing, laser cutting, thermoforming, bending, bonding, and plastic welding.
• Offer technical support during production and resolve issues by providing practical solutions.
• Select suitable plastic materials (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC, HDPE, ABS) considering application requirements and fabrication constraints.
• Engage with sales and project teams to interpret customer requirements, develop design proposals, cost estimates, and feasibility studies, and communicate design changes as needed.
• Ensure designs meet quality standards and safety specifications, contribute to continuous process improvements, and maintain organized documentation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Product Design, or equivalent experience.
• Proficient in CAD software with preference for Spaceclaim/Discovery and experience in CAD to CAM workflows including CNC programming.
• Solid understanding of plastics fabrication processes and materials.
• Effective problem-solving skills and ability to work on multiple projects under deadlines.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Desirable: background in plastics manufacturing, knowledge of thermoplastics properties, and experience with prototyping technologies.

Compensation and Benefits

• Annual salary between €45,000 and €50,000.
• 25 days paid vacation plus statutory holidays, with option to buy additional leave following probation.
• Employer pension contributions and death in service benefit at four times salary.
• Cycle-to-work scheme, company sick pay, VHI health cover, and employee assistance program, all available post-probation.
• Full access to LinkedIn Learning resources.
• Participation in Ownership Works equity program granting a stock award after one year of full-time employment.