Resources
Post a Job
 Special offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a £100 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored Jobs posted directly on Indeed are 65% more likely to report a hire than non-sponsored jobs**
  • Visibility for hard-to-fill roles through branding and urgently hiring
  • Instantly source candidates through matching to expedite your hiring
  • Access skilled candidates to cut down on mismatched hires
*The £100 Sponsored Job credit offer is only available for new accounts in the UK that post a job and expires one year after account creation. Upon expiration of the credit, users are charged based on Sponsored Job budget. Terms, conditions and quality standards apply **Indeed data, United Kingdom, Q2 2024

Design Engineer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Edited by Indeed Employer Content Team
Last updated 5 November 2025
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
7 min read

A Design Engineer, or Design and Development Engineer works to improve product effectiveness and performance through research. Their duties include developing and designing new versions of products, researching new materials and testing prototypes.

Design Engineer duties and responsibilities

A Design Engineer main duties and tasks include:

  • Thoroughly researching new materials and processes
  • Utilising specific software to create models of the product
  • Organising previous engineering records and properly reporting new ones
  • Working as part of a team to produce the best methods
  • Attending design meetings with different departments
  • Effectively testing prototypes
  • Recording and analysing data from testing
  • Constantly modifying designs until the best version is reached

Hire your next Design Engineer today

Post a job

Hire your next Design Engineer today

Post a job
Close

Design Engineer Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Senior Structural Engineering Consultant

Location: Belfast (Hybrid Working between home and office)

Company: M&E, Civils & Structural Engineering Consultancy

Salary: Negotiable (£35,000 - £45,000)

Educations: Degree Level Structural Engineering (Meng or equivalent)

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for a talented Structural Engineer to join our Belfast Office to work on the design of some of the most exciting Structural engineering design projects in the UK, Ireland and worldwide.

Some of the Skills required include:

  • You’ll have worked in a similar role previously and have the proven ability to work effectively as part of a team.
  • You’ll have a deep understanding of structural analysis, finite element modelling and structural design. An understanding of structural engineering optimisation techniques would also be desirable.
  • You’ll have a good knowledge of at least one of the following structural analysis software: Tekla, Tedds
  • You are organised and methodical in your approach to managing your tasks and priorities, you strive to meet deadlines and have a close appreciation of the commercial factors which affect design solutions.
  • Collaborative in nature, you’ll be able to empathise with your clients’ needs and utilise excellent communication skills, both in writing and verbally, with internal and external stakeholders. You’re used to using your initiative to overcome challenges and have a positive, can-do attitude.
  • You are working actively towards Chartership (Or have already achieved this)

For more information or to discuss in confidence, please contact Adam White at CSR on [phone number]8. Alternatively, to apply, click on the link below.
Crescent Specialist Recruitment (CSR) is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Crescent Specialist Recruitment (CSR) operates as both an Employment Agency and Employment Business on behalf of our clients.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £35,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Flexible schedule
  • On-site parking
  • Work from home
Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Holidays
  • Monday to Friday

Application deadline: ID: CSR013057

Example 2

A leading supplier of test equipment to the Automotive industry is looking for an experienced Electrical Design Engineer to join them on a full time, permanent basis in the capacity of Principle Electrical Engineer.

Supplying Tier One and OEM Manufacturer's for the Automotive and Motorsport Industries, you will be responsible for identifying customer requirements and reproducing these into concept design, later progressing into production.

If you are an Electrical Design Engineer with experience of commissioning capital equipment, please read on...

Typical Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
  • Attend meetings with clients to establish their requirements, working closely with the project manager to ensure all projects are completed on time.
  • Managing the production of drawings, electrical reports and technical specifications.
  • Managing the workload of the electrical design team, project team and other engineers.
  • Specification & design of low voltage applications
  • Specify variable speed AC drives and associated motors

Skills, Knowledge and experience:
  • Ideally you will be educated to HND/HNC level in a relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent
  • Previous experience of 2D electrical design packages
  • Previous experience working in the design of electrical design within capital equipment or automated test equipment
  • Experience of both 3 phase and single-phase electrical systems, PLC controls, electrical power distribution and facility electrical wiring
  • Previous experience of electrical installation and commissioning of capital equipment and support infrastructure

If the role sounds like something you wish to pursue, please Apply online or contact us at [website] for more information.

DJB Hiring Solutions Ltd is an Employment Agency and we will only use the information you provide to process your application. Our legal basis for this is ‘legitimate interest’, subject to your declared interest in a job. Our privacy policy can be found on our website; [website] Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.

Job Type: Permanent

Salary: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Flexitime
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • Monday to

Example 3

Mechanical Design Engineer

Portadown, CO Armagh

£30,000 - £35,000

Our client is powering over 5 million UK homes and businesses with award-winning 100% green electricity every day while building the sustainable energy system of tomorrow. They’re on a mission to revolutionise the energy industry and as a rapidly growing renewable energy supplier, they're looking for talented individuals to join their dynamic team. If you're passionate about sustainability, innovation, and making a positive impact, please keep reading.

Job Description:

As a key member of their innovative and rapidly growing team, you'll be responsible for designing world-changing energy products and their production at scale. If you're passionate about renewable energy and eager to make a positive impact on the planet, this role is perfect for you!

Responsibilities:

  • Create attractive, quality products that are cost-effective, reliable and user-friendly
  • Develop and support products throughout their lifecycle, including design, testing, certification, manufacturing and aftersales
  • Test and evaluate prototypes to determine suitability of products and components
  • Produce models, drawings, specification, bills of materials and technical literature
  • Liaise with suppliers to identify and source components and drive innovation
  • Resolve product issues which may arise during design, manufacture and/or in service

Requirements:

  • A good academic background with a relevant degree in engineering
  • Minimum 2-3 years' post-graduate industrial experience, ideally developing reliable, manufacturable, and commercially successful products.

Hours of Work:

This is a full time, permanent opportunity with no weekend requirements:

Monday – Thursday:8am – 5pm

Friday: 8am – 1.10pm.

To Apply:

For more information, please contact Marc Doorish on 02871 360070 or click on APPLY NOW to submit your CV.

Job Types: Permanent, Full-time

Salary: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Company car
  • Company pension
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In ID: AMQ34098

Example 4

This Mechanical Design Engineer role is a fantastic opportunity to work as part of a leading OEM manufacturer.

Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for leading the design team and coordinating workloads for effective reporting and department efficiency. You will retain autonomy over designing and drafting mechanical products and systems using solid works.

About the role:

  • Responsible for checking and approving drawings and designs with the support of the head of department.
  • Fully responsible for change management and the whole product data management process.
  • Support the development of and compile technical construction files for submission to third party auditors
  • Design, develop, verify, and maintain whole machine 3D models and modification to existing designs to keep in line with current legislation, continuous improvement, and cost reduction exercises.
  • Provide technical expertise and guidance to other engineers, ensuring that solutions are technically fit for purpose, reliable, serviceable and meet appropriate legislation.

About you:

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Systems Engineering or related field.
  • Minimum of 5+ years’ experience in an area of Mechanical Engineering.
  • Experience of designing hydraulic control and drive systems.
  • Experience of designing mechanical structures using welded fabricated steel members, cast members, and bushed and pinned joints.
  • Experience of 3D modelling using Solidworks is advantageous however other platforms will be considered.

Culture and Company:

Our client is a leading OEM manufacturer based in the North East. They are a well-established business, offering a fantastic working environment with an inclusive and supportive culture.

This role will be based in their facility in Washington.

Thank you for your application!

We are currently recruiting for a wide range of roles within the Engineering & Manufacturing sectors. Check out our website to see our live roles: [website]

Do you know someone who may be interested in a new role? We are passionate about finding long-term careers based on your values, personality and career goals. If you know someone who may be interested in exploring a new career, we have a referral scheme offering you the chance of a £100 amazon voucher (T&C’s apply). Get in touch today to find out more – 0191 466 1990.

Due to the high number of applicants unfortunately we are unable to respond to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 30 days of your submission, we are sorry to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

Work Location: In ID: 282

Example 5

Job Title: Transformer Design Engineer

Company: R Baker (Electrical) Ltd

Location: Liverpool

Job Overview:

The Transformer Design Engineer will provide technical support and leadership to customers who are purchasing new transformers. The role also involves specifying and designing transformers to customer needs.

Key Responsibilities:

· Develop detailed technical designs and specifications for transformers up to 300kVA.

· Provide customer support during design reviews, including electrical design calculations, drawing and documentation reviews, and attendance at meetings.

· Support customers with transformer through life management.

· Conduct transformer failure investigations for transformer rewinds.

· Prepare comprehensive cost estimates for labour, materials, and equipment needed for es.

· Assist in the preparation of bid proposals and tender documents.

· Ensure compliance with industry standards, and safety regulations in all designs and estimates.

· Continuously monitor and update cost databases and estimation tools.

· Provide technical support and guidance to junior Engineers.

· Coordinate with clients to understand their requirements and address any concerns related to technical designs and estimates.

· Conduct site visits to gather relevant data and validate project requirements.

· Prepare comprehensive costings for completed projects.

· Complete administrative tasks as assigned, including expense claims and timesheets.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical, Chemical, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.

· Minimum 5 years of professional experience with transformers.

· Expertise in transformer design, construction, and manufacturing.

· Proficient in making electrical design calculations for transformers, preferably up to 300kVA.

· Knowledge of transformer factory and site acceptance.

· Ability to conduct transformer testing.

· Teamwork and communication skills in English.

· Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).



Other Responsibilities:

· Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should apply with their CV and cover letter, highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £36,400.00-£44,200.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Company pension
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking
  • Sick pay
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



Experience:
  • Electrical Engineering: 5 years (required)

Location:
  • Liverpool (preferred)


Work Location: In person


Application deadline: 28/06/2024
Reference ID:

Example 6

Design Engineer

Malloy Aeronautics Ltd is an innovative and rapidly growing company based in Maidenhead, Berkshire. Engaged in cutting edge technology design, build and manufacture. The business is growing with new contracts, so we are creating great new career opportunities.

This role is to lead the design of our new aircraft. You will be able to seek help from the production engineer for tooling design, aeronautical engineer for modelling assistance, and engineering leads for help with specific questions or technical tasks – however you will own this and will be creating all design parts yourself, with the CTO and Founder steering overall design requirements, and the head engineer and mechanical lead working with you through any problems you may have.

Please note: This is an exciting and rewarding role, and a dream of many engineers – however if you are inflexible and easily stressed, this role is not for you – as you will be under the stewardship of the companies lead designers, tasked creating vehicles imagined by them to exacting schedules.

This is NOT a graduate role as it requires several years of learned knowledge and skills.

Full time role for an immediate start.

Candidates must be eligible to work in the UK without visa sponsorship.

Our Ideal Candidate:

· Has designed VTOL or Fixed Wing drones for other companies (for production)

· Workshop experience building drones or RC vehicles

· RC/Helicopter flying experience

· Composite experience – both designing for and fabricating with carbon fibre.

· Electronics basics (for instance, knows what a 555 timer is)

· Battery systems

Required Skills

· Batchelor degree or relevant experience in Engineering, Science, Mathematics.

  • Experience in a small company
  • Experience with aircraft design - UAS preferred.
  • CAD - Solidworks
  • Demonstrated hands on experience in a workshop (shows you know how to fabricate – and not lead from a desk)

The Opportunity

Ideal candidate will have at least 3 years’ experience in a similar hands-on role.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to build on their experience and to be involved in the next generation of UAV vehicles providing superb learning and development opportunity for you and the ability to influence the creation of the next wave of vehicles.

Benefits:

· Salary negotiable and dependent on skill levels and experience

· Company Pension scheme plus insurance benefits

· Company 24-hour healthcare support line

· Three-day long weekend every fortnight (Fri-Sun)

· Freshly cooked all you can eat meat and vegetarian lunch on Friday

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £65,000.00-£80,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Free parking
  • On-site parking
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Maidenhead: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work authorisation:
  • United Kingdom Location: Hybrid remote in Maidenhead

Example 7

Position: Civil Design Engineer (Roads & Infrastructure)

Location: Glasgow, Edinburgh or Perth (Hybrid Working)

Salary: £37,000 to £50,000 + Excellent Benefits + Extensive CPD

The Business

An opportunity has arisen to join one of the UK’s most monumental brands within the engineering and infrastructure community.

The world is constantly changing and this business is always thinking about what’s next. This an opportunity for you to help them design and build the infrastructure and innovations of tomorrow.

This is a business where you can showcase your technical competence and passion for problem solving, without the need for business development as there are dedicated teams for this.

This team specialises in the development of a variety of infrastructure projects, including highways, rail, bridges and wastewater management. They are looking for an individual who has experience in highways, earthworks and drainage on similar projects.

The Role:
  • Assist in the feasibility and pre-planning assessments of engineering infrastructure
  • Assist in the design of major infrastructure and highway schemes
  • Ensure documents, designs and drawings are consistently high in quality and compliance with design standards, industry best practice, contractual obligations and client expectations
  • Assist in the communication with clients, regulators and other stakeholders, and preparation of bids and proposals
  • Attendance at design meetings
  • Work alongside engineering teams and associated consulting engineers

Qualifications & Experience
  • BEng or MEng in Civil Engineering or equivalent
  • Post qualification experience
  • Experience in trunk road and infrastructure design desirable
  • Knowledge of policy and design standards (e.g. DMRB, MCDHW, etc.)
  • Competent in the use of Bentley MX, Microdrainage and Civil 3D software
  • WinDes and KeySign would be a plus
  • Chartered or working towards chartered status

Recognition bonus – If you are taking the IEng route, the business will pay a recognition bonus of £3000 and then a further £2000 once chartership is achieved. If you go straight to CEng you would be eligible for the full £5000 in one go.

Culture:

An engaging and collaborative culture, the business recognises individual and team achievements by investing in team members, and offering a wide variety of internal and external development opportunities.

Benefits:
  • Competitive salary
  • Exceptional development and progression plan
  • Contributory Pension Scheme
  • Minimum 24 days holiday + Bank Holidays
  • Additional Leave Purchase Scheme
  • Extensive product training and professional career development
  • Education and tuition reimbursement programs available
  • Rewards Portal including healthcare, dental and other flexible benefits

Keywords: civil design engineer, civil design, civil engineering, design consultancy

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £37,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:
  • Additional leave
  • Childcare
  • Company pension
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexitime
  • Gym membership
  • Housing allowance
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Private dental insurance
  • Private medical insurance
  • Referral programme
  • Relocation assistance
  • Sick pay
  • Store discounts
  • Unlimited paid holidays
  • Wellness programmes
  • Work from home
Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

Work authorisation:
  • United Kingdom ID: 32148

Example 8

Broady Flow Control are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team. The successful candidate will work within our busy Technical office and will play a crucial role in future growth as well as ensuring smooth day to day operations.

Salary: Competitive

Shift Pattern: Mon – Thurs 08.15 to 16.30, Fri 0.815 to 15.15 (office based)

Main Duties:
  • Support the business in the design and development of new products and take ownership of project tasks so that agreed specifications, budget, and timelines are met.
  • Produce design assembly and part models and drawings using SolidWorks and Solid Edge.
  • Update and maintain design documentation in line with Design Control procedures.
  • Support the Production Team with existing products regarding product performance and testing requirements.
  • Support Production teams to identify improvements to the build and test procedures.
  • Compile design reports, technical specifications and BOM’s where necessary.
  • Liaise with suppliers regarding material, machining capability and processes.
  • Support, coach, and develop junior members of the team.
  • Provide technical input to QA and liaise with customers regarding product performance and quality issues and implement solutions.
  • Support the business with its aim of continuous improvement within engineering, quality, design, production, and sales.
  • Support Senior Management with business goals and targets.

Knowledge and experience:
  • Minimum 5 years Mechanical Engineering experience in Production/Manufacturing environment, preferably in Valves or pressure vessels.
  • 3D Model and 2D detail drawing experience using CAD, preferably in SolidWorks / Solid Edge.
  • Experience of Engineering Development Projects, preferably with experience of Project Management techniques (GANTT charts and critical path).
  • Ability to assimilate Customer, National and International Standards and Specifications when applied to contracts.
  • Can communicate well with colleagues at all levels, customers, and suppliers to attain effective understanding of requirements and deliver updates.
  • Preferred, knowledge of key specifications including ASME VIII, PED and ASME I.

Key Skills:
  • Good interpersonal skills including excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Proactive approach to problem solving.
  • Good experience of Microsoft software packages (Word, Excel, Powerpoint).
  • Ability to manage own workload.
  • Ability to work on own initiative when required.
  • Keen attention to detail.

Qualifications:
  • Minimum HNC/HND Mechanical Engineering.



About us:



Broady Flow Control are specialists in the design and manufacture of pressure reducing, sustaining, relief and safety relief valves for major national and international industries including petrochemical and pharmaceutical plants, offshore production platforms, nuclear and conventional power stations, in a full range of standard and specialist materials.



If you believe you can contribute to the continuing success of our dynamic team, please send C.V. and introductory letter to [website]



Closing Date: 21st June 2024



Broady Flow Control Ltd, English Street, Hull, HU3 2DU

To find out more about the company visit our web site at [website]

Part of the Valvitalia Group [website]

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In deadline: 21/06/2024
Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

What does a Design Engineer do?

A Design Engineer looks for ways to improve a product’s design and the design process. Working as a team with members of the design department, they research different product materials, find new approaches to design and try unprecedented methods, in an effort to produce a better product in a more efficient manner.

Design Engineer skills and qualifications

A successful Design Engineer candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:

  • Thorough understanding of the latest industry software
  • The ability to work under pressure and constraints
  • Determination and persistence
  • The ability to accept constructive criticism
  • Thorough attention to detail
  • Analytical thinking skills
  • The ability to work well on a team
  • The ability to think of unique answers to problems

Design Engineer experience requirements

For most companies, candidates need a few year’s experience in the engineering field, preferably as a Junior Design Engineer. They must be familiar with industry software like Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Assisted Engineering (CAE). Candidates applying without any previous working experience should have completed an apprenticeship or internship, have creative problem-solving skills and be familiar with the particular industry that the company represents.

Design Engineer education and training requirements

Employers usually hire candidates with a university degree in one of the following subjects: engineering product design, industrial design, computer-aided design engineering, engineering design and manufacturing and materials science. Many employers also accept mechanical, electrical and civil engineering qualifications. This requires candidates to complete one or two A levels for a higher national diploma.

In addition, some companies prefer candidates who have completed a product design and development engineer degree apprenticeship. A candidate must possess four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 to qualify for an apprenticeship.

Design Engineer salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Design Engineer in the UK, is £35,916 per year. Salary varies depending on experience, location and company.

Job description samples for similar positions

In you are not specifically looking for a Design Engineer, here are job description samples for related positions:

Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
Get the guide

Design Engineer job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

Hire your next Design Engineer today

Post a job

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found

    Related articles

    20 ChatGPT prompts for effective employee onboarding
    Read article
    How to write an employment verification letter
    Read article
    New Starter Onboarding Checklist for UK Employers
    Read article