CAD/CAM Engineer - Plastics Fabrication

Ingersoll Rand; Waterford; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative workshop environment

Career progression options

Job summary

A manufacturing company in the Dungarvan area is seeking a skilled Design Engineer to join their plastics fabrication workshop. The successful candidate will design components and assemblies using CAD software, ensuring practicality and manufacturability. Essential qualifications include a degree in a relevant field and proficiency in CAD tools. This position offers opportunities for professional development and a collaborative environment for innovation.

Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in relevant engineering or design field.
• Proficiency in CAD software, especially Spaceclaim or Discovery.
• Strong understanding of plastics fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed 2D and 3D designs for plastic components and assemblies.
• Collaborate with workshop personnel for practical design feedback.
• Prepare design proposals and communicate with customers.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Problem-solving skills

Communication and teamwork

Understanding plastics fabrication processes

Education

Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Product Design

Tools

Spaceclaim

SolidWorks

Autodesk Inventor

AutoCAD

Job description

Overview

Job Description: Design Engineer – Plastics Fabrication

Position Title: Design Engineer

Location: Dungarvan Area

Employment Type: Full-time

About Us Dave Barry Plastics Ltd is a well‑established manufacturer specialising in high‑quality plastic fabrication solutions. We take pride in our craftsmanship, attention to detail, and strong team culture. We are now seeking skilled and motivated Plastic Fabricators to join our workshop team in the Dungarvan area.

Role

We are seeking a skilled and innovative Design Engineer to join our plastics fabrication workshop. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing components, assemblies, and custom solutions made from a variety of plastic materials. This role requires strong technical design capabilities, hands‑on understanding of fabrication processes, and the ability to collaborate closely with production teams to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and cost‑effective.

Responsibilities

• Design & Engineering: Develop detailed 2D and 3D designs for plastic components, assemblies, jigs, and fixtures using CAD software (e.g., Spaceclaim, SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD).
• Translate customer concepts, sketches, and specifications into manufacturable designs.
• Produce engineering drawings, cutting lists, and technical documentation for production.
• Conduct design-for-manufacture (DFM) evaluations to ensure efficient fabrication and assembly.

Fabrication Support

• Work closely with workshop personnel to understand fabrication capabilities such as CNC routing, laser cutting, thermoforming, bending, bonding, and welding of plastics.
• Provide technical guidance to production teams during build phases.
• Troubleshoot design or production issues and propose practical solutions.

Materials & Process Knowledge

• Select appropriate plastics (e.g., acrylic, polycarbonate, PVC, HDPE, ABS) based on application, performance, and manufacturability.
• Understand tolerances, mechanical properties, and environmental considerations of various plastics.

Project & Customer Interaction

• Collaborate with sales and project managers to review customer requirements and provide technical input.
• Prepare design proposals, cost estimates, and feasibility assessments.
• Communicate with customers when required to refine specifications or discuss design revisions.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure designs meet required quality standards and relevant safety or industry specifications.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives within the engineering and fabrication environment.
• Maintain organized design files and documentation in accordance with company standards.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Degree or diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Design Engineering, Product Design, or equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in CAD software (Spaceclaim / Discovery preferred).
• Strong understanding of plastics fabrication processes.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills with a practical, hands‑on mindset.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work to deadlines.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience in a plastics manufacturing or fabrication environment.
• Knowledge of CNC programming or CAM software.
• Familiarity with thermoplastics material properties.
• Experience with prototyping and rapid manufacturing technologies.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A collaborative and innovative workshop environment.
• Career progression within a growing engineering and fabrication team.