Design engineers play an integral role in designing, constructing, and testing a range of consumer goods and products. As a design engineer, you’ll be adept at using computer software to design and build different models and prototypes to test the accessibility and functionality of products.
Keep reading to discover how you can become a design engineer and fulfill this important role.
What is a design engineer?
A design engineer is an important professional within the construction industry. Their primary responsibility is to design and develop models that involve systems of complex scientific and mathematical procedures.
Here’s a breakdown of a design engineer’s core responsibilities and tasks:
- Knowing how to use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Assisted Engineering (CAE) software to design, create, and conceptualize models and diagrams.
- Assessing the usability and safety standards of existing products and systems.
- Analyzing and gathering the data from assessment tests on prototypes.
The role of a design engineer varies depending on the specialty you have chosen to focus on. These specialties can be mechanical, manufacturing, structural, or civil. However, a design engineer will use technical expertise and mathematical knowledge in any discipline.
Academic qualifications for a design engineer
There’s a career path for both university graduates and those without a background in formal education to become a design engineer. University graduates must complete a degree in one of the following engineering disciplines:
- Electronic engineering
- Designing engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Product development
- Chemical engineering
Meanwhile, those without post-secondary education can opt for professional training programs, internship opportunities, and short courses in the design engineering discipline. It can help develop the technical skills and knowledge required to become a capable design engineer.
Certification and training programs for design engineers
Design engineering is the process of creating products with complex techniques. A bachelor’s degree in engineering will set a solid foundation for your career. Professional certifications and training programs can also land you your dream job.
Certificate in advanced mechanical design
You can enroll in this certification after graduation. It’s designed for engineers looking to enhance their skills and knowledge acquired from their previous education.
As a design engineer, taking this certification can help you in countless ways if you choose mechanical as your primary focus. With this certificate, you will gain valuable skills and expertise in:
- CAD/CAM
- Product development and design
- Manufacturing
- R&D development
- Prototype designing
- Quality control
Training program in assistive design
The assistive design program is ideal for understanding your mechanical and manufacturing engineering role. You will learn the basics of design and development techniques. Choose this program if you want product development to be your primary specialty, as it will provide you with opportunities to shape your interest in product development and design.
Professional certificate in CAE and CAD
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) are excellent computer software programs that give design engineers a competitive edge over others. These certificates prepare you to draw and design complex models. The technical skills and knowledge gained from this program can be applied in numerous disciplines, such as mechanical, product, manufacturing, civil, and structural engineering.
Other than these, Bridgit Bench can help you allocate and assign different components and project tasks to people. It’s a workforce management software that gives you ultimate control and visibility over each process you execute.
Employers of design engineer
Design engineers can work for almost any company that manufactures consumer and technical products. You can also do self-employment if you’re an experienced design engineer.
Some common sectors where you can excel in your expertise as a design engineer are:
- Chemical manufacturing
- Nuclear management
- Aerospace and automotive development
- Software and computing techniques
- Building, engineering, and construction services
The responsibilities and tasks of a design engineer will vary depending on each sector.
Skills of a design engineer
If you want to pursue a career in design engineering, there are some crucial skills you’ll need to develop. After all, a design engineer turns ideas and concepts into actual functioning products. Some hard and soft skills that every design engineer should exhibit include the following.
Creativity
Creativity is an important skill that drives your ability to generate ideas. As a design engineer, you must be able to come up with innovative and unique ideas and designs to outshine old models.
Mathematics
Like most engineering disciplines, design engineering requires a solid command of numerical and algebraic expressions. Linear algebra and numerical techniques are essential in designing structures and products.
Problem-solving
The most crucial skill in a design engineer is a strong ability to solve problems. A huge and core responsibility of a design engineer is to assess a product or situation, identify obstacles, address issues, and develop solutions systematically.
Structural analysis
Another paramount requirement in every design engineer’s skill is the capability to employ structural analysis. Having hard skills is important, as they provide a foundation for every design. Knowing how to perform structural analysis can help you identify the cause of design failure.
Communication
Design engineers practice most of their expertise through software and mathematical knowledge. However, they still need to communicate their ideas and designs. Good communication skills are important, especially in product development and the construction industry, where you must consult and communicate with dozens of people.
Information technology
To become a design engineer, you must possess sufficient knowledge about IT and software. You will be required to perform and use computer-aided design (CAD) and engineering development software and tools.
Modular thinking
Design engineering is a sequential process. Modular thinking means understanding how each component in a design fits into the bigger picture. Like a well-oiled machine, there are many gears that work together to get the job done. Your job is to make sure things run smoothly.
Willing to revise
No matter how seasoned a design engineer you are, you must be willing to explain and revise your work. You must be open to testing and analyzing your previous work to make improvements in future projects. Accepting criticism is also a critical part of this.
Conclusion
A career in design engineering is highly profitable and rewarding. However, you must have solid academic qualifications and a training background to make noticeable strides in engineering.
