Design and development engineer

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

University

You'll usually need a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree to become a design and development engineer.

You could choose from courses like:

• engineering product design
• industrial design
• computer aided design engineering
• engineering design and manufacture
• materials science
• maths and physics

Mechanical, electrical and civil engineering qualifications might also be accepted by employers.

Entry requirements:

• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

Entry requirements:

Apprenticeship

You might be able to do a Robotics Engineer or Product Design and Development Engineer Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for design and development engineer roles.

You'll need to have experience and qualifications in a particular branch of engineering, for example mechanical, aerospace or energy engineering.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Skills:

• design skills and knowledge
• knowledge of engineering science and technology
• the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• complex problem-solving skills
• persistence and determination
• maths skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• analytical thinking skills
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
• the ability to work on your own
• excellent verbal communication skills
• knowledge of manufacturing production and processes
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• operations analysis skills
• concentration skills
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Design engineers improve product performance and efficiency while researching and developing new manufacturing ideas and systems.

Your day-to-day duties will depend on the project, but you could:

• use mathematical modelling to research new developments and innovations
• use computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided engineering (CAE) software
• design technical plans for prototypes and analyse data from testing
• modify product designs
• write and present reports to project managers and clients

Location : You could work in an office or in a workshop.

Salary:

Starter : £24,000
Experienced : £50,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

38 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm

Career Path:

You can use your design skills to work across different industries such as construction, biomedical engineering, electronics and renewable energy.

You can also improve your career opportunities by working towards incorporated or chartered engineer status and registering with an industry professional body.