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Engineering jobs brief - design engineer

As a design engineer, you'll research and develop ideas for new products and production systems. You'll also improve the performance and efficiency of existing products.

As with most engineering jobs, you could work in a variety of industries from electronics to textiles, and on any project from redesigning a mobile phone to building motorcycle parts from carbon fibre.

Your exact duties are likely to include:

Research - using mathematical modelling to work out whether new developments and innovations would work and be cost effective.
Design - turning research ideas into technical plans using CAD/CAE software.
Testing - collecting and analysing data from tests on prototypes.
Modifying designs and re-testing - there are several stages before a product is ready for manufacturing.
Reporting - writing or presenting regular progress reports for project managers and clients.
Environmental assessment - taking into account the environmental impact of new products and their manufacturing processes and how they would be safely disposed of.

Hours and environment

You would normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

Much of your work will be computer-based, working in a design or drawing office. You will do some travelling to meet clients.

Skills and interests

To be a good design engineer you need:

Strong problem-solving skills
A creative approach for generating new ideas
A sound knowledge of CAD software
An excellent grasp of engineering and design principles
Excellent communication skills
An understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
Good teamworking skills
An appreciation of business demands
An awareness of the environmental impact of design ideas.

Entry

You will normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree. You could choose from a wide range of subjects, including engineering product design, industrial design, computer-aided design engineering, engineering design and manufacture and materials science.

Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering could also be acceptable.

For details of accredited courses for this field and links to engineering careers information, see web sites of The Institution of Engineering Designers and the Institution of Engineering and Technology. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has information for colleges in that area.

You could also visit the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), ConstructionSkills and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction websites.

Training

Once you're working, you'll continue to train on the job. If you have a degree, you may be able to start on a graduate apprenticeship in engineering - The Institution of Engineering Designers has details.

You could also help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.

As an incorporated engineer, you'll specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you will have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.

Opportunities

As a qualified design engineer, you would find opportunities across many industries, including construction, construction engineering and building services; electronics and consumer goods manufacturing, shipbuilding, aerospace, railways and motor vehicles and power generation.

With experience, you could gain promotion to become a 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 can earn between £26,000 and £40,000.
Senior design engineers can earn up to £50,000 a year.