Design Engineer - Plastic

Mid-Way Supply, Inc.; Taunton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A manufacturing company in Taunton is seeking a Design Engineer to create and optimise injection-moulded plastic components. The ideal candidate has a strong background in project work, deep knowledge of plastic materials, and proficiency in 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks. This hands-on role also involves testing, validation, and collaboration with teams to ensure effective product development.

Qualifications

• Strong track record of hands-on project work.
• Deep knowledge of plastic materials and additives.
• Practical experience in testing and validation of plastic components.
• Proficient in 3D CAD tools (ideally SolidWorks).
• Understanding of DFM principles and tolerance design.
• Experience with simulation and FEA tools.
• Analytical problem-solver comfortable on the test bench.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop plastic components for injection moulding.
• Use simulation software to predict and optimise part performance.
• Select materials based on performance requirements.
• Collaborate with production partners for manufacturability.
• Lead testing and validation activities.
• Analyse test data and results to drive improvements.
• Contribute to hardware development efforts.
• Prepare technical documentation for project teams.

Skills

Hands-on project work

Plastic materials knowledge

Testing and validation experience

3D CAD tools proficiency

Simulation and FEA experience

Understanding of injection moulding

Analytical problem-solving

Collaborative communication

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Title

Design Engineer (Plastic)

Location

Taunton (On‑Site Working)

Salary

Up to £50,000 (Depending on Experience)

Job Overview

We are looking for a Design Engineer to join a multidisciplinary R&D team, dedicated to developing and optimising injection‑moulded components and assemblies for a variety of hardware projects. In this hands‑on role, you’ll design plastic parts with manufacturability in mind, run simulations and FEA studies to guide design decisions, and take the lead on material selection and validation. We’re looking for someone who really understands plastics — from materials and additives to how they perform in different conditions. While injection moulding will be at the heart of what you do, you’ll also get the chance to dive into broader R&D work — contributing to product development, testing, and creative problem‑solving across multiple exciting projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop plastic components and assemblies for injection moulding using 3D CAD tools.
• Use simulation and FEA software to predict and optimise part performance — including stress, deformation, and thermal behaviour.
• Select materials based on chemical, mechanical, and environmental performance requirements.
• Collaborate with tooling and production partners to ensure designs are robust and optimised for manufacture.
• Lead or support testing and validation activities, such as:
  • Verifying and specifying raw materials
  • Conducting mechanical, environmental, and UV performance tests
  • Performing dimensional and visual validation of moulded components
• Analyse test data and simulation results to drive design improvements and ensure performance targets are met.
• Contribute to wider hardware development efforts, including prototyping, assembly evaluation, and functional testing.
• Prepare technical documentation and present findings to project teams and stakeholders.

Skills Required

• Strong track record of hands‑on project work.
• Deep knowledge of plastic materials and additives, including structure–property relationships and degradation behaviour.
• Practical experience in testing and validation of plastic components — whether mechanical, chemical, or environmental.
• Proficient in 3D CAD tools (ideally SolidWorks), and understanding of DFM principles and tolerance design.
• Experience with simulation and FEA tools to analyse and optimise plastic components.
• Understanding of injection moulding processes, tooling design, and real‑world manufacturing considerations.
• Analytical problem‑solver comfortable on the test bench and running calculations.
• Flexible, curious, and eager to learn new tools and techniques.
• Collaborative communicator who enjoys working across design, testing, and manufacturing teams to get great products made.