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Device engineer vs product engineer

The differences between device engineers and product engineers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 4-6 years to become both a device engineer and a product engineer. Additionally, a device engineer has an average salary of $97,458, which is higher than the $89,645 average annual salary of a product engineer.

The top three skills for a device engineer include python, data analysis and JMP. The most important skills for a product engineer are CAD, product design, and project management.

Device engineer vs product engineer overview

Device EngineerProduct Engineer
Yearly salary$97,458$89,645
Hourly rate$46.85$43.10
Growth rate3%2%
Number of jobs42,316157,888
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Average age4541
Years of experience66

What does a device engineer do?

A device engineer specializes in designing and developing mechanical devices and equipment in adherence to industry or client needs. They may work for companies that produce medical, construction, or even manufacturing devices. Although the extent of their responsibilities depends on their place of employment, they typically include conducting research and analysis, creating prototypes and test structures, coordinating with staff and fellow engineers, performing installations and repairs, and providing technical support to staff as needed. Moreover, a device engineer participates in developing and promoting safety standards and regulations for the products and the workplace.

What does a product engineer do?

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.

Device engineer vs product engineer salary

Device engineers and product engineers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Device EngineerProduct Engineer
Average salary$97,458$89,645
Salary rangeBetween $72,000 And $130,000Between $68,000 And $118,000
Highest paying CitySouth San Francisco, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateCaliforniaCalifornia
Best paying companyMetaMeta
Best paying industryTechnologyTechnology

Differences between device engineer and product engineer education

There are a few differences between a device engineer and a product engineer in terms of educational background:

Device EngineerProduct Engineer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 74%
Most common majorElectrical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachMichigan Technological University

Device engineer vs product engineer demographics

Here are the differences between device engineers' and product engineers' demographics:

Device EngineerProduct Engineer
Average age4541
Gender ratioMale, 83.1% Female, 16.9%Male, 87.8% Female, 12.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 9.0% Asian, 24.8% White, 57.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 3.1% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.9% Asian, 17.0% White, 67.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.1%
LGBT Percentage6%5%

Differences between device engineer and product engineer duties and responsibilities

Device engineer example responsibilities.

  • Stream-Line company design and prototyping activities and manage transitions between internal and subcontract manufacturing with clear, reference, design filing.
  • Complete the advanced CMOS TCAD simulation.
  • Work with process integration, modeling and TCAD groups.
  • Perform BSIM model extraction using ICCAP software for mix signal IC application.
  • Provide OS administration and software development, application administration for UNIX and Linux computing platforms.
  • Perform CAPA work on IPG and ICD devices.
  • Show more

Product engineer example responsibilities.

  • Lead team to achieve project objectives and report results to Sr. Management.
  • Manage outsourced $500k mix mode voice security IC development.
  • Manage various EHS activities at the Fremont, California facility.
  • Manage coordination of APQP, component timing, and technical resource allocation for commercial issues.
  • Manage the manufacturing of defense and aerospace electro-mechanical print circuit boards from prototype to production level.
  • Sketch concepts (Creo), coordinate prototype builds, provide assembly instructions and troubleshoot build issues.
  • Show more

Device engineer vs product engineer skills

Common device engineer skills
  • Python, 8%
  • Data Analysis, 7%
  • JMP, 5%
  • CAD, 5%
  • RF, 4%
  • Statistical Analysis, 4%
Common product engineer skills
  • CAD, 6%
  • Product Design, 5%
  • Project Management, 4%
  • C++, 4%
  • Solidworks, 3%
  • Product Development, 3%

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