What does a design engineer do?
A design engineer is responsible for creating systems and applications based on their expertise. Design engineers work through client specifications based on business needs. A design engineer also provides recommendations on improving existing systems to boost its performance and increase efficiency. Design engineers must have an excellent command of computer systems, programming codes, and technical data to ensure the system's stability and high-quality processes. A design engineer should also have strong analytical and time-management skills to perform tasks and meet deadlines.
Design engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real design engineer resumes:
- Utilize CREO surfacing to achieve stylize toilets and components.
- Lead innovative cost reduction activities for MBD which lead to industry wide changes.
- Develop software in MATLAB & LabVIEW to post-process data, analyze images, and automate test modules.
- Participate in new product design reviews, lead DFM sessions with suppliers, and develop part specifications.
- Validate specifications that achieve function requirements and Honda standards using FTA, FMEA, simulation, design logic & team collaboration.
- Develop tools using Perl script to automate integration/verification process.
- Create solid models and assemblies using Unigraphics software.
- Assist with import and export of CATIA files.
- Store tooling specifications and CAD/CAM file information in database.
- Design prototype fixtures, and jigs from set up to production
- Rout cable harness throughout jet forward and aft using CREO cabling package.
- Initiate manufacturing reviews (DFM) and process plans for manufacturing documentation.
- Work with the QA and business teams to facilitate testing and launch execution.
- Design SR machines, transfer cars and storage racks within code and customer specifications.
- Set up company's FDA GMP program and ESD prevention program for manufacturing facility.
Design engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 4% of Design Engineers are proficient in C++, UL, and Project Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Creativity, Listening skills, and Math skills.
We break down the percentage of Design Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- C++, 4%
Developed Windows application program using Visual C++.
- UL, 4%
Developed new products, produced prototypes and ultimately submitted viable product samples to UL for verification working in conjunction with sales/marketing.
- Project Management, 4%
Attended Engineering Release Meeting to answer any manufacturing, procurement, or project management questions pertaining to engineering design and processes.
- Work Ethic, 4%
Improved work ethic, shop competence, communication and team cooperation skills.
- Engineering Design, 4%
Worked on advanced engineering design/analysis methods using Pro/E and its Behavior Modeling Extension as well as FEA to achieve quality/efficiency improvements.
- RF, 3%
Utilized theoretical RF engineering cabling calculations and formulas within Link Budget to create sufficient DAS coverage plans within commercial building applications.
"c++," "ul," and "project management" are among the most common skills that design engineers use at work. You can find even more design engineer responsibilities below, including:
Creativity. One of the key soft skills for a design engineer to have is creativity. You can see how this relates to what design engineers do because "mechanical engineers design and build complex pieces of equipment and machinery." Additionally, a design engineer resume shows how design engineers use creativity: "generate detail and assembly drawings for pressure parts arrangements and attachments, using autocad, inventor and proprietary software. "
Listening skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling design engineer duties is listening skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "mechanical engineers often work on projects with others, such as architects and computer scientists." According to a design engineer resume, here's how design engineers can utilize listening skills in their job responsibilities: "communicated with vendors and contract manufacturers for problem resolution and product development. "
Math skills. design engineers are also known for math skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to design engineer responsibilities, because "mechanical engineers use the principles of calculus, statistics, and other advanced subjects in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work." A design engineer resume example shows how math skills is used in the workplace: "documented intellectual property for patent including circuit design, sensor geometry and numerical models. "
Mechanical skills. A big part of what design engineers do relies on "mechanical skills." You can see how essential it is to design engineer responsibilities because "mechanical skills allow engineers to apply basic engineering concepts and mechanical processes to the design of new devices and systems." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical design engineer tasks: "prepare complete, accurate detail, and assembly drawings of moderately complex mechanical parts and assemblies form basic design concepts. "
Problem-solving skills. Another crucial skill for a design engineer to carry out their responsibilities is "problem-solving skills." A big part of what design engineers relies on this skill, since "mechanical engineers need good problem-solving skills to take scientific principles and discoveries and use them to design and build useful products." How this skill relates to design engineer duties can be seen in an example from a design engineer resume snippet: "detected flaws in interdisciplinary engineering drawings and provided customized solutions to ensure proper interface is maintained with minimal waste of resources. "
The three companies that hire the most design engineers are:
Choose from 10+ customizable design engineer resume templates
Build a professional design engineer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your design engineer resume.
Compare different design engineers
Design engineer vs. Research and development engineer
Research and development engineers generally execute research and tests on product ideas, develop new products, and perform redesigns. They are employed in many industries, including manufacturing, electrical, and science-based companies. Their duties vary and depend on the industries they work in. Responsibilities of these engineers include developing new technologies, designing products, and managing the projects until they are completed. Additionally, they lead the project team members to manage their schedules, design the project plans, and collaborate with key departments in developing new products.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between design engineers and research and development engineer. For instance, design engineer responsibilities require skills such as "work ethic," "engineering design," "auto cad," and "creo." Whereas a research and development engineer is skilled in "python," "c #," "solidworks," and "cad." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Research and development engineers tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $107,654. In contrast, design engineers make the biggest average salary, $86,213, in the technology industry.research and development engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than design engineers. In fact, research and development engineers are 6.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.1% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Design engineer vs. Product development engineer
A Product Development Engineer is responsible for creating and testing new product designs. They collaborate with market researchers to evaluate market needs, existing competition, and potential costs.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real design engineer resumes. While design engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "work ethic," "engineering design," "auto cad," and "creo," product development engineers use skills like "cad," "solidworks," "data analysis," and "prototype."
Product development engineers earn a higher average salary than design engineers. But product development engineers earn the highest pay in the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,062. Additionally, design engineers earn the highest salaries in the technology with average pay of $86,213 annually.product development engineers earn similar levels of education than design engineers in general. They're 3.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 3.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for design engineers in the next 3-5 years?
Dan Rodenbaugh
Vice President of Education, Director, ADDA
Design engineer vs. Product engineer
A product engineer specializes in designing and developing commercial materials and services. They are primarily responsible for conducting thorough research and analysis of the latest trends and marketing conditions to come up with new ideas and products for the public. Moreover, they are also responsible for producing reports and presentations, coordinating with the development team of their company. Product engineers also reach out to vendors and suppliers for the raw materials, set regulations and standards for the product, and even conduct a rigorous and regular quality check.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, design engineers are more likely to have skills like "work ethic," "engineering design," "auto cad," and "ip." But a product engineer is more likely to have skills like "cad," "solidworks," "continuous improvement," and "data analysis."
Product engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $90,301. Design engineers earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $86,213.product engineers typically earn similar educational levels compared to design engineers. Specifically, they're 1.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Design engineer vs. Manufacturing engineer
Manufacturing Engineers are responsible for handling and developing an efficient manufacturing system or procedure that will help a company produce up to standard products while in adherence to the policies, regulations, and expected cost and schedule. Furthermore, Manufacturing Engineers must also monitor quality control, identify or detect errors, provide and suggest improvements, oversee the procurement of materials involved in the production, and coordinate with various teams or departments within the company to ensure the effectiveness of innovations or new developments.
Types of design engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
