Design Engineer – Protective Packaging

Location: Barnstaple, North Devon

Salary Range: £30,000 – £45,000 (depending on skills & experience)

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Sector: Packaging Design & Manufacturing

About Us

Barum & Dewar, part of the Macfarlane Packaging Group, is a leading provider of specialist protective packaging solutions for the space and defence industries. Our engineered containers safeguard high-value, mission-critical equipment during transportation and storage.

Due to continued growth, we are looking to expand our team with a talented Design Engineer. Whether you are an experienced professional proficient in Creo or a more junior designer with strong CAD/3D modelling skills looking to develop, we would love to hear from you.

The Design Engineer Role

This role offers scope for both experienced design engineers and those earlier in their career (remuneration offered will be commensurate). The successful candidate will be responsible for designing protective packaging solutions, working closely with project managers, clients, and production teams.

- Experienced applicants: You will take a lead role in developing designs using Creo, managing complex projects, and contributing to continuous improvement.

- Junior applicants: Building on your couple of years workplace experience, you will receive training and support to develop your skills, working alongside experienced colleagues while learning Creo and building your expertise.

Key Responsibilities

• 3D CAD Design: Create detailed 3D models and technical drawings for protective packaging solutions.
• Collaboration: Work closely with sales, production, and project teams to ensure designs meet functional, manufacturability, and cost requirements.
• Client Support: Engage with clients to understand requirements and translate them into effective design solutions.
• Quality & Detail: Ensure designs meet industry standards, undergo rigorous reviews, and are documented accurately.
• Problem-Solving: Identify and resolve design challenges using innovative, practical solutions.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of specifications, drawing revisions, and manufacture data packs (for larger projects).

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: From a strong foundation (couple of years spent) in design engineering through to 5+ years’ experience – we genuinely are open to both ends of the scale…it’s about finding the best individual and what they can bring to our team.
• CAD Skills: Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or similar). Creo experience is highly desirable, though training will be provided for the right candidate.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding (or willingness to learn) of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Location: Applicants must be based within a sensible commute (no more than 45 minutes) of our Barnstaple office, on their own transport.
• Attributes: Strong attention to detail, problem-solving ability, good communication skills, and a proactive approach to learning and development.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (rising with service to 27).
• Hybrid working options (after probation), based on a 37.5-hour working week.
• Contributory pension scheme and employee assistance programme.
• Ongoing training and development, including cross-training in Creo.
• Opportunity to work on high-profile projects in the space and defence sectors.
• Be part of a collaborative, innovative, and supportive team.

How to Apply

We are reviewing applications swiftly and aim to hold local interviews as soon as possible. Please click ‘apply’ to submit your up-to-date CV. If you don’t hear from us within three weeks, please assume your application has not been successful.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender expression, religion, or sexual orientation. Should you require any specific support or adjustments during the recruitment process, please email our recruitment team directly.

NO RECRUITMENT AGENCIES PLEASE