Design engineers turn ideas into new products, and find better ways of making them. They work across many fields, from mechanical engineering to transport, automotive, oil and gas and renewable energy.
Here is what the job involves, what you need to get into it and how your career can develop.
What the job involves
A design engineer uses research and design skills to create new products or improve existing ones. They also test and improve processes and systems, and help manufacturing run more efficiently.
Much of the design work is done in CAD software. Depending on the sector, you might also work with robotics and automated systems. It isn’t all desk-based: design engineers meet clients and customers and spend time on site.
Day to day, the work usually includes:
- Analysing systems, functions and component parts, then finding practical solutions to problems
- Researching existing products, services and systems before coming up with new ideas
- Testing prototypes and existing products, and analysing the results
- Designing new systems that are sustainable and easy to use
- Making sure designs can be manufactured
- Working on bids and tenders for new projects, then managing them
The skills it takes
Design engineering suits people who are both creative and practical. Useful skills and interests include:
- Creativity and imagination
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving
- Good IT skills
- Numeracy
- A sound understanding of manufacturing and construction processes
- Clear communication, including presenting your ideas
- Organisation and project management
- Working well on your own and in a team
Routes in
College and university
Most design engineers have a foundation degree, a higher national diploma or a degree. Employers may also accept mechanical or electrical engineering qualifications.
Useful subjects include:
- Engineering design and manufacture
- Industrial design
- Computer-aided design engineering
- Mechanical design engineering
- Civil engineering
Apprenticeships
Some employers offer design engineering apprenticeships at advanced, higher and degree level, including in product design and development. For a degree apprenticeship you’ll usually need good GCSEs and some A levels.
Look out for roles advertised as design engineering apprenticeships, mechatronic engineering apprenticeships or graduate design engineer posts.
Experience
Relevant work experience strengthens your CV and helps you stand out. If you already work in mechanical or electrical engineering, your experience can help you move across into design.
Where the work is
Design engineers can specialise in areas such as product and industrial design, or civil, mechanical or software engineering. They’re needed in sectors including engineering and manufacturing, design consultancy, aerospace, automotive, transport, biomedical, construction, consumer goods, renewable energy and water treatment.
The work varies with the sector. You might be assessing the best solution for a mechanical installation, designing electro-mechanical products, or improving how an existing product is made.
How your career can develop
Many people start as junior design engineers and build their skills on the job. With a few years’ experience, you can move into mid-level roles and run your own projects.
At senior level you’ll often train and manage colleagues. Professional registration as an Incorporated Engineer or Chartered Engineer can help you progress further, and chartered engineers may move into consultancy.
We can help
If you’re looking for your next design engineering role, upload your CV. One of our consultants will look at your skills and experience, and call you when a role suits you.