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: