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design engineer
Design engineers research and develop concepts for new products, production processes and manufacturing systems. They also modify existing products and systems to improve performance and efficiency.
Design engineers work in a variety of fields including mechanical, electrical, electronic, automotive, biomedical and civil engineering. Projects can differ in scale from redesigning a mobile handset to incorporate new telecommunications technologies through to the design of a new range of motor vehicles.
When working on a design, engineers take into account aspects such as functionality, strength, safety, reliability, aesthetics, efficiency, costs, the environmental impact of finished products and the production processes used to make those products. Typical tasks include:
Research – working in a research environment, using mathematical modelling to carry out feasibility studies for new developments and innovations.
Design - using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE) software to turn research ideas into technical plans and specifications for new product and system prototypes.
Testing - putting prototypes through testing programmes; collecting and analysing test data using computer models; modifying prototypes and re-testing - this process can go through several stages before a product is ready for manufacture or installation.
Design engineers work closely with other engineering professionals and technicians. They also write regular progress reports for project managers and clients.
Hours and Environment
Design engineers work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Much of the work is computer-based, working in a design or drawing office. Some travel to clients' sites may be involved, so a driving licence is helpful.
Skills and Interests
To be a design engineer, you should:
- have strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
- have a sound knowledge of computer assisted design software
- have an excellent grasp of engineering concepts and principles
- have excellent communication skills
- be able to visualise ideas
- have an understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
- have an appreciation of the wider business and environmental impact of design ideas
- have good teamworking skills.
Entry
Entry is usually with a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in subjects such as engineering product design, industrial design, computer-aided design engineering, engineering design and manufacture, metallurgy and materials science. Other relevant subjects include mechanical, electrical or civil engineering.
For a degree course you will need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications such as vocational A levels.
An Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.
The Institution of Engineering Designers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology have details of accredited courses for this field and links to engineering careers information. See Further Information.
For general information about engineering as a career, see the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges. See their websites in Further Information.
Training
Graduate apprenticeships in engineering may be available for college leavers. The Institution of Engineering Designers has details of professional development training for engineers.
Across the engineering sector, it is accepted that gaining professional status is a highly recommended way of enhancing career prospects. This can be done by registering with a relevant professional engineering institution and applying for incorporated or chartered engineer status with the Engineering Council. For details, see the Engineering Council website in Further Information.
Chartered engineers are normally involved at a strategic planning level, researching and developing new designs, innovations and more efficient processes. They are often project leaders and are responsible for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians.
Incorporated engineers specialise in managing the day-to-day process of applying current engineering solutions in the most cost-effective manner. They often hold key operational management roles.
- have an accredited engineering degree or equivalent qualification, or BTEC HNC/HND plus further learning equivalent to one year of study -this includes work based study
- complete a period of Initial Professional Development including practical training and professional engineering experience
- pass a professional review
- gain membership of an appropriate professional body.
- have an accredited MEng degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant engineering subject
- complete a period of Initial Professional Development which includes formal and informal training and professional engineering experience
- pass a professional review
- gain membership of an appropriate professional body.
Engineers seeking incorporated or chartered status will be assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence). This replaced SARTOR (Standards And Routes TO Registration) on 1st March 2004. These new standards have been developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council (UK) reinforcing the need to prove professional competence within the job but also taking wider account of recent developments in UK qualifications, such as foundation degrees and work-based training, to satisfy the academic requirements of registration.
For more information about UK-SPEC see the website in Further Information.
Opportunities
Opportunities for design engineers exist in many industries including construction, construction engineering, building services, electronics, shipbuilding, aerospace, power generation, railways, and vehicle and consumer goods manufacture.
Promotion would normally be to project manager, strategic planner or consultant design engineer.
Annual Income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
Starting salaries are between £22,000 and £25,000 a year.
Experienced engineers earn between £26,000 and £40,000.
Senior engineers can earn up to £50,000.
Further information
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
London
WC2R 3ER
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426
London
WC2R 0BL
Tel: 020 7240 1871
Westbury Leigh
Westbury
Wiltshire
BA13 3TA
Back To Arts Crafts and Design Careers
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Site Disclaimer
The information contained in our Career Profiles Database was correct at time of publishing, but since publication certain details may have changed so please use this section as a research tool and in some cases further research may be required.
Careers Database Information By Learn Direct Advice