Packaging & Product Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Packaging & Product Designer

Company: Thales

Location: Barcelona, Spain

Job Type: Full time

Category: Product & Packaging Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-14

Experience Level: Mid-level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is focused on the operational aspects of packaging and product design, specifically for MCS (SIM, SMD) products within the cybersecurity and digital identity sector.

• Responsibilities include the end-to-end design, development, adaptation, and implementation of packaging solutions, ensuring alignment with client requirements, quality standards, and operational objectives.

• The position involves close coordination with external packaging and printing suppliers, managing technical documentation, and creating prototypes for validation and New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.

• A key aspect of the role is ensuring compliance with relevant packaging regulations, security policies, and quality management systems like ISO 9001.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title suggests a design focus, the detailed responsibilities and requirements highlight a strong operational component. This role bridges creative design with the practicalities of manufacturing, supply chain coordination, and quality assurance within a regulated industrial environment. The emphasis on "operational objectives," "manufacturing," and "quality standards" positions this as an operations-centric design role.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop robust packaging solutions for MCS (SIM, SMD) products, meticulously ensuring adherence to technical specifications, manufacturing feasibility, and stringent security protocols.

• Act as the primary liaison with packaging and printing suppliers, managing all aspects of material selection, tooling, artwork finalization, and prototype development, while critically evaluating alternative technical solutions.

• Meticulously manage and maintain all technical documentation, including layouts, detailed specifications, and engineering drawings, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery to meet project timelines.

• Create functional prototypes and physical samples for client validation and critical New Product Introduction (NPI) activities, verifying both technical viability and manufacturability.

• Actively participate in NPI projects, contributing to the development of final artwork, strategic material selection, and the formal release of all necessary documentation.

• Uphold and ensure compliance with all relevant packaging regulations, internal security policies, and established quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001) throughout every stage of the packaging lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities emphasize a structured, process-driven approach to packaging design, integrating supplier management, documentation control, and NPI project phases, which are core operational functions.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Engineering, or a closely related technical or design discipline. Experience:

• Proven experience in packaging design, specifically within industrial or manufacturing environments, demonstrating practical application of design principles to production realities. Required Skills:

• Expertise in packaging design principles and application for industrial products.

• Proficiency in product design methodologies and their integration into packaging strategies.

• Strong foundation in industrial design concepts and their translation into functional packaging.

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and their impact on packaging design decisions.

• Experience with MCS Products (SIM, SMD) or similar sensitive electronic components.

• Advanced proficiency in design software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign), AutoCAD, and SolidWorks.

• Ability to manage and create comprehensive technical documentation, including specifications and drawings.

• Experience in prototyping and creating physical mock-ups for validation.

• Knowledge and application of New Product Introduction (NPI) processes.

• Demonstrated understanding and adherence to quality standards, specifically ISO 9001.

• Fluency in Spanish (native or near-native) and a high level of English (technical and communicative).

• Strong analytical skills with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to continuous improvement. Preferred Skills:

• Experience in regulated industrial environments such as those adhering to IATF 16949 standards.

• Familiarity with APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) and PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) methodologies.

• Knowledge of prepress workflows and the technical aspects of artwork validation and printing.

• Experience utilizing data analysis tools like Power BI or Minitab for process improvement and decision-making.

• Proven experience managing NPI projects from concept to launch.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams (engineering, manufacturing, quality).

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills blend core design competencies with essential operational knowledge, such as NPI, quality standards, and supplier coordination, indicating a role that requires both creative and process-oriented capabilities. The inclusion of specific software like SolidWorks and AutoCAD points to a need for technical design precision.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 detailed case studies demonstrating end-to-end packaging design projects, from initial concept through to production-ready implementation.

• For each case study, clearly articulate the problem statement, design process, materials considered, technical challenges overcome, and the final solution's impact on product protection, cost, or manufacturability.

• Include examples of technical documentation (e.g., layout drawings, specification sheets) created to support packaging designs.

• Present evidence of collaboration with suppliers or manufacturing teams, highlighting how feedback was integrated into the design process.

• Quantify results where possible, such as reductions in material cost, improved protection rates, or streamlined assembly processes. Process Documentation:

• Demonstrate familiarity with creating and maintaining process documentation related to packaging design workflows, including design approval matrices and change control procedures.

• Provide examples of how design specifications were translated into actionable manufacturing instructions.

• Illustrate experience in documenting validation processes for packaging materials and designs.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a mid-level design operations role, a portfolio must go beyond aesthetics to showcase a rigorous, process-driven approach to problem-solving within manufacturing and supply chain constraints. Emphasizing documentation and supplier interaction is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for a Packaging & Product Designer with 2-5 years of experience in Barcelona, Spain, specializing in industrial/manufacturing environments, the estimated annual salary range is €30,000 - €45,000. This estimate considers the company's global presence and the specific technical demands of the role.

Benefits:

• Flexible remuneration package: Includes restaurant tickets and social benefits such as childcare support and training opportunities.

• Comprehensive Life Insurance: Providing financial security for employees and their families.

• Partially Subsidized Health Insurance: Access to quality healthcare with employer contributions.

• Work-life balance services: Various initiatives and services designed to support employee conciliation of work and personal life.

• Savings Club: Opportunities for employees to save and invest.

• Professional Development: Access to learning and development programs within Thales.

• Dynamic Industrial Environment: Exposure to cutting-edge technology and industry best practices.

• Strong Culture: Embedded values of safety and sustainability. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, likely around 40 hours per week, with potential for some flexibility depending on project demands and team coordination, common in industrial operations settings.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimation based on typical mid-level industrial design roles in Barcelona, factoring in Thales's standing as a large, established multinational corporation. The benefits are directly extracted from the provided text.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Thales operates in the highly regulated and technologically advanced sectors of Cybersecurity, Digital Identity, Defence, Aeronautics, Security, Transportation, and Space. This context implies a strong emphasis on precision, reliability, security, and compliance.

Company Size: Thales is a global enterprise with over 80,000 employees worldwide. This large size suggests established processes, significant resources, and opportunities for career advancement within a structured corporate framework. For operations professionals, this means working within well-defined systems and potentially complex organizational structures.

Founded: Thales has a long history, tracing its roots back to the early 20th century, indicating stability, deep industry expertise, and a proven track record in technological innovation.

Team Structure:

• The Packaging & Product Designer will be part of the Thales Cybersecurity & Digital Identity division in Spain.

• This division likely comprises specialized teams focused on product development, engineering, manufacturing, and quality assurance.

• The role will require close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, production, supply chain, and potentially sales/client management, to ensure packaging solutions meet diverse stakeholder needs.

• Reporting likely involves a manager within the design, engineering, or operations department. Methodology:

• Thales emphasizes a data-driven approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement, aligning with operational best practices.

• Expect a focus on rigorous process adherence, quality management systems (like ISO 9001), and a commitment to security and sustainability in all operations.

• Project management methodologies, including NPI processes, are integral to how new products and packaging solutions are developed and launched.

Company Website: https://www.thalesgroup.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's industry and size are critical for operations roles. A global leader in security and digital identity implies a need for meticulous attention to detail, compliance, and robust operational processes. The Spanish division's focus on specific technological areas provides further context for the operational challenges and opportunities.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a mid-level specialist (2-5 years of experience). It requires a solid foundation in design principles combined with practical experience in industrial packaging and an understanding of operational constraints like manufacturing, quality, and supply chain. The designer is expected to be largely autonomous in their design tasks but will collaborate extensively.

Reporting Structure: The Packaging & Product Designer will likely report to a Design Manager, Engineering Manager, or Operations Lead within the Thales Cybersecurity & Digital Identity division in Spain. This structure allows for guidance and oversight while providing exposure to broader operational strategies.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts operational efficiency and product integrity. Well-designed packaging ensures product protection during transit and storage, reduces waste, streamlines manufacturing processes, and contributes to brand perception and client satisfaction. Effective packaging design is crucial for maintaining supply chain reliability and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced packaging materials, sustainable packaging solutions, or specific product lines within Thales's diverse portfolio.

• Project Leadership: Progress to leading NPI packaging projects, taking on more responsibility for cross-functional coordination and strategic decision-making.

• Process Improvement: Transition into roles focused on optimizing packaging design workflows, supplier management, or quality control processes within the operations team.

• Cross-functional Mobility: Develop skills transferable to other operational areas such as supply chain management, manufacturing engineering, or quality assurance within Thales.

• Global Exposure: Leverage Thales's international presence for potential assignments or collaborations on projects with global teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for this role is strongly tied to operational excellence. Moving beyond pure design, opportunities lie in managing processes, leading projects, and contributing to strategic operational improvements within a large, complex organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is based in Parets del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain, within a Thales facility. This is an on-site role, suggesting a professional office environment integrated with or adjacent to manufacturing and R&D operations.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Barcelona, Spain, specifically Parets del Vallès. This area is known for its industrial presence, offering access to manufacturing resources and a skilled workforce.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a combination of a design studio environment and access to manufacturing floors or labs for prototyping and validation.

• Expect standard office technology, including high-performance workstations equipped with specialized design software (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SolidWorks).

• Opportunities for direct interaction with engineering teams, manufacturing personnel, and quality assurance specialists will be frequent, fostering a collaborative and hands-on approach to problem-solving.

• The environment will demand adherence to safety protocols and standard operating procedures common in industrial settings. Work Schedule:

• A standard full-time work schedule is expected, likely 40 hours per week. While core hours will be defined, the nature of NPI projects and supplier coordination might occasionally require flexibility to meet critical deadlines.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement in an industrial setting is key. It implies a practical, hands-on approach to design, with frequent interaction with manufacturing and engineering teams, rather than a purely remote or administrative role.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience in industrial packaging design and technical software proficiency.

• Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed discussions about your experience with packaging design for manufactured goods, your proficiency with specified software (Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and your understanding of manufacturing and quality standards (ISO 9001). Be prepared to walk through specific examples from your portfolio.

• Case Study/Practical Exercise: You may be asked to complete a design challenge or analyze a packaging problem relevant to Thales's products (e.g., designing packaging for sensitive electronic components). This will assess your problem-solving skills, design process, and ability to apply technical knowledge under time constraints.

• Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will focus on your cultural fit within Thales, your collaboration style, your understanding of NPI processes, and your ability to work within a structured operational environment. Questions about your career aspirations and how you handle challenges will be common.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader, focusing on strategic alignment, long-term potential, and confirmation of fit within the broader organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Operations: Organize your portfolio to highlight your process-driven approach. For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the design process, technical constraints (manufacturing, cost, security), materials used, supplier interactions, and the final outcome with measurable results if possible.

• Showcase Technical Skills: Include examples of technical drawings, 3D models (SolidWorks), and detailed specifications. Demonstrate your ability to translate design concepts into production-ready assets.

• Highlight NPI Experience: If possible, include a project that went through the NPI phase, detailing your contributions to artwork, material selection, and documentation.

• Emphasize Compliance: If you have experience with ISO 9001 or other relevant quality standards, make this evident.

• Tailor to Thales: Research Thales's products and their typical packaging. If you have relevant experience, highlight it. Show an understanding of the operational context of cybersecurity and digital identity products.

Challenge Preparation:

• Problem Decomposition: For any case study or design challenge, break down the problem into smaller, manageable parts. Identify key constraints and objectives.

• Process Articulation: Be ready to explain your design process step-by-step, including how you would gather requirements, research materials, develop concepts, create prototypes, and collaborate with stakeholders.

• Tool Proficiency: Practice using your design tools to quickly generate mock-ups or technical sketches if a live exercise is anticipated.

• Communication: Clearly articulate your thought process, design rationale, and any trade-offs you considered. Focus on how your design choices support operational efficiency, product integrity, and client requirements.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview and portfolio review for this role will heavily weigh technical design skills against practical operational execution, process adherence, and problem-solving within an industrial context.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for creating and manipulating artwork, layouts, and visual assets (Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• AutoCAD: For creating precise 2D technical drawings and schematics.

• SolidWorks: A critical tool for 3D modeling, design visualization, and creating detailed engineering drawings of packaging structures.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for documentation, reporting, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Power BI: Preferred for data visualization and dashboard creation, useful for analyzing packaging performance metrics or supplier data.

• Minitab: Valuable for statistical analysis, process improvement, and quality control applications, especially if dealing with manufacturing or quality data.

CRM & Automation:

• While not directly a CRM role, understanding how packaging specifications integrate with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems for procurement and manufacturing is beneficial.

• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Jira, Asana, or internal Thales systems) for tracking NPI projects and design tasks.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) and design suites (Adobe) is paramount. The inclusion of Power BI and Minitab highlights a move towards data-informed design and operational analysis.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Precision & Reliability: Reflecting Thales's core business in security and critical infrastructure, expect a strong emphasis on accuracy, detail, and dependable outcomes in all packaging designs and processes.

• Compliance & Security: A non-negotiable value. All packaging solutions must meet regulatory standards, internal security policies, and ensure the integrity of sensitive products.

• Continuous Improvement: A drive to constantly refine processes, materials, and designs to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product protection. This aligns with operational excellence.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Success hinges on effective communication and partnership with engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and external suppliers.

• Sustainability: As a global company, there will likely be a focus on environmentally responsible packaging solutions.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where designers work closely with engineers, production staff, quality control, and supply chain professionals. Open communication and shared problem-solving are key.

• Process-Oriented: Collaboration will often revolve around established processes like NPI, design reviews, and supplier management. Adherence to these processes while seeking improvements is valued.

• Feedback Exchange: A culture that encourages constructive feedback on designs and processes to ensure optimal outcomes. This involves active listening and responsive iteration.

• Knowledge Sharing: Opportunities to share best practices, new material insights, or innovative design approaches with team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture will be shaped by Thales's position as a global leader in security and technology. Values will emphasize rigor, compliance, and a systematic approach to problem-solving, typical of operations within such an industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Requirements with Aesthetics: Ensuring packaging is not only functional, secure, and manufacturable but also visually appealing and aligns with brand standards.

• Supplier Management: Coordinating effectively with multiple packaging and printing suppliers to ensure quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery of materials and components.

• Navigating Regulations: Staying abreast of and ensuring compliance with evolving packaging regulations, import/export requirements, and industry-specific standards.

• NPI Project Integration: Successfully integrating new packaging designs into fast-paced NPI cycles, often with tight deadlines and evolving product specifications.

• Material Innovation: Identifying and validating new, sustainable, or cost-effective packaging materials that meet performance and security requirements.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Packaging Technologies: Gaining expertise in cutting-edge packaging materials, smart packaging solutions, and sustainable design practices.

• Industry Standards & Certifications: Deepening knowledge of quality management systems (ISO 9001, IATF 16949) and potentially pursuing certifications in packaging science or design.

• Cross-functional Skill Development: Learning about manufacturing processes, supply chain logistics, and quality control methodologies through hands-on experience and collaboration.

• Project Management Skills: Developing skills in managing complex projects, timelines, and budgets, particularly within the NPI framework.

• Leadership Potential: Opportunities to mentor junior designers, lead specific packaging initiatives, or contribute to strategic operational planning for packaging.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a design role operating within an industrial and regulatory framework, requiring a blend of creative problem-solving and operational execution. Growth is geared towards deepening technical expertise and expanding operational management capabilities.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance competing requirements (e.g., cost, performance, aesthetics, manufacturability) in a packaging design project. How did you prioritize and what was the outcome?" (Assesses problem-solving, prioritization, and trade-off analysis.)

• "Walk me through your process for selecting packaging materials for sensitive electronic components like SIM cards. What factors are most critical?" (Evaluates technical knowledge, understanding of product protection, and material science.)

• "How do you ensure your packaging designs comply with quality standards like ISO 9001 and internal security policies?" (Tests awareness of compliance, regulatory understanding, and process adherence.)

• "Describe your experience collaborating with packaging suppliers. How do you manage relationships, ensure quality, and resolve issues?" (Probes supplier management skills and communication effectiveness.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Thales and our work in cybersecurity and digital identity? How do you see your role contributing to our mission?" (Gauges research, alignment with company mission, and understanding of the industry.)

• "How do you approach working within a structured operational environment that emphasizes process and compliance?" (Assesses adaptability to corporate culture and operational rigor.)

• "Describe a situation where you had to adapt your design approach due to manufacturing constraints or feedback from the production team." (Highlights flexibility, collaboration, and practical application of design.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Narrative Arc: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your solution, and the impact. Clearly articulate your role and the specific steps you took.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use data to demonstrate the success of your designs (e.g., "reduced material cost by 15%," "improved drop test performance by 20%," "streamlined assembly time by 1 minute per unit").

• Showcase Technical Work: Dedicate slides or sections to technical drawings, 3D renderings, and specifications. This is crucial for demonstrating your proficiency with tools like SolidWorks and AutoCAD.

• Highlight Operational Integration: Emphasize your involvement in NPI, supplier coordination, and adherence to quality standards. Show that you understand the "operations" part of design.

• Prepare for Q&A: Be ready to answer in-depth questions about your design choices, the challenges you faced, and how you would apply your skills to Thales's specific product lines.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not just design creativity but also a strong operational mindset, technical proficiency, and the ability to work within a structured, compliance-driven corporate environment.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Packaging & Product Designer position:

• Submit your application through the Thales Careers portal via the provided link.

• Customize your resume: Highlight specific experience in industrial packaging design, proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, and SolidWorks, and any background in NPI, ISO 9001, or regulated industries. Use keywords from the job description.

• Curate your portfolio: Select 3-5 of your strongest projects that best showcase your industrial packaging design process, technical documentation skills, and any experience with sensitive electronic components. Ensure it emphasizes your operational approach and problem-solving capabilities.

• Prepare your portfolio presentation: Practice walking through your selected projects, focusing on the problem, your process, technical details, operational considerations (manufacturing, quality), and outcomes. Be ready to discuss your experience with suppliers and NPI.

• Research Thales: Familiarize yourself with Thales's core businesses, especially in Cybersecurity & Digital Identity, and understand their commitment to security, quality, and innovation. Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, team, and company culture.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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