What does a design engineer do?

Design engineers develop designs for projects across various sectors. A design engineer might deal with structural design, mechanical design and electrical or civil design, among other industries. Besides designing a product or component from scratch, they also modify and finetune existing products to improve their efficiency and usability. A design engineer works through the entire lifecycle of a project, from planning and conceptualisation to testing and manufacturing. A design engineer must be up-to-date with the latest technology and innovations in design trends, to contribute to their best ability as a part of a team. 

You might hire a design engineer to: 

  • Design, research and make prototypes of the products while adhering to design and engineering principles 
  • Perform testing of products (new and existing) and modify them to be more effective 
  • Maintain records and documents of all the work and designs done 
  • Propose schedules and budgets for the project and stick to them 
  • Liaise with senior design engineers and report to them regarding the status of the work

Introduction

An enhanced customer experience through our innovative product design is what we strive for, at [Company X]. In order to effectively deliver the same, we are on the lookout for a design engineer, who thrives on building outstanding products. The design and development engineer will spearhead the process of developing a product, from scratch to finish. By translating the client’s goals into the form of a reliable product, the design engineer will work across various departments to create safe products. We’re seeking an analytical yet creative individual who has a natural flair for design, and who will go into detailed engineering practices to deliver the best products.

Objectives of this role

  • Curate design components as per the brief of the client, and work closely with them for iterations and improvements
  • Report to senior design engineers and rely on their expertise to further enhance the products 
  • Stay on top of the dynamic design engineering trends and cutting-edge technologies in the field
  • Assess designs in terms of their workability, feasibility and costs
  • Comply with local and national safety standards and ethics that come with the design engineer role 

Responsibilities

  • Craft prototypes and designs in a 3D format as a CAD designer  
  • Supervise the engineering and manufacturing processes of the design and ensure that it is as per the brief 
  • Maintain documentation and records on the products and write detailed reports to make them accessible to various department heads  
  • Establish a work schedule and framework for the work contributions of different departments for a smooth and seamless collaboration  

Required skills and qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in product design, design engineering or a related discipline 
  • Prior experience as a design engineer  
  • Experience in CAD modelling using common design software and tools

Preferred skills and qualifications

  • Master’s degree in product design, design engineering or a related discipline 
  • Project development skills  
  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills