Design Engineer

Also known as:

Engineer, Design
Engineering Designer

Introduction

Design engineers produce designs for new or improved engineering products. They work on a very wide range of highly sophisticated products and structures, including aircraft, bridges, medical equipment and agricultural machinery, computers and telecommunications systems.

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Work Activities

Design engineers begin each project by looking at a 'brief' (a set of instructions) which explains what the aim of the project is. A car manufacturer, for example, may want to increase sales of one of their cars by reducing fuel consumption or improving the look of a new model. Design engineers are responsible for making sure the product meets the manufacturer's needs and is safe, efficient, reliable, and economical to produce. Before they prepare a design, engineers gather information by talking to other experts, reading engineering literature and looking at the results of test data on materials and processes.

Engineers can use computer-aided design (CAD) techniques to produce a design on a visual display screen. The computer does the necessary calculations for the weight of parts and the loads they must bear. The engineer can compare possible solutions by using drawings, calculations, and physical and computer models. Engineers work on models to check and measure the way a product works; they may have to modify their designs as a result.

Design engineers work in teams alongside other engineers, technicians and production staff. They may supervise and lead teams of design draughtspeople.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be a design engineer, you must have an understanding of scientific principles and mathematical concepts. You need a creative approach to problem solving; you must be patient and willing to modify designs several times until you achieve exactly the right result. You must have good communication skills and be able to work well with others.

As well as being able to draw and interpret technical drawings and plans, you need computer skills to use CAD programmes. You must be able to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for design engineers vary, depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Salaries for design engineers are in the range of £23,000 - £29,500 a year, rising to £34,500 - £44,500. Higher earners can make around £55,000 a year, and higher salaries are possible.

Higher salaries are available depending on employer, role and responsibilities.

Most design engineers work 35-40 hours, Monday to Friday. However, late finishes and some weekend work may be required, especially as deadlines approach.

Employers are firms in all sectors of the engineering industry: mechanical, civil, structural, electrical, chemical, materials, aeronautical and information technology.

Some design engineers work for engineering design consultancies; others work for large manufacturing companies and specialise in designing their products. Some design engineers work independently as consultants in private practice.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Evidence of creative skills, knowledge of CAD and skills and abilities gained in business with a customer focus are useful.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Engineering) could be the way in.

These courses are designed for people who have not followed the usual routes into higher education. No formal qualifications are usually needed, but you should check this with individual colleges.

Sponsorship for higher education study in design engineering may be available from the larger engineering and manufacturing companies.

Funding for postgraduate study may be available from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council.

There are other pathways through which mature candidates can register as Chartered or Incorporated Engineers, such as career progression from other levels of registration and routes based on the achievement of occupational standards.

• 11% of design and development engineers are self-employed.
• 3% work part-time.
• 20% have flexible hours.

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New Developments