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Design Engineer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 21170927mechanical engineer15.92engineer11.07design engineer5.7mechanical design engineer4.36electrical engineer3.6112437812602623000.0095382.70218000.00YEARLY1215210932025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Design Engineer, or Product Engineer, is responsible for turning ideas for products into functional prototypes using efficient and affordable processes. Their duties include preparing design briefs that serve a particular purpose, researching possible production methods and use engineering software to refine and develop their product.

21170927mechanical engineer15.92engineer11.07design engineer5.7mechanical design engineer4.36electrical engineer3.6112437812602623000.0095382.70218000.00YEARLY1215210932025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Design Engineer duties and responsibilities

A Design Engineer collaborates with other staff on the product design, research and development, marketing and manufacturing teams to create highly functional products or services that are profitable and meet user needs. Their duties include:

  • Assessing a design brief to gauge the design requirements
  • Conducting and/or using research on user experience and needs, current market trends and general functionality
  • Developing solutions that solve user problems
  • Determining whether a design solution is user-friendly, cost-effective and environmentally friendly
  • Creating multiple iterations of design prototypes using computer-aided design tools
  • Conducting rigorous usability tests and modifying the product based on the test results
  • Evaluating design solutions against industry standards and regulations
  • Documenting the design process and presenting progress reports to all relevant stakeholders

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Design Engineer Job Description Examples

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What does a 21170927mechanical engineer15.92engineer11.07design engineer5.7mechanical design engineer4.36electrical engineer3.6112437812602623000.0095382.70218000.00YEARLY1215210932025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Design Engineer do?

Design Engineers often work in the manufacturing field or as part of a consulting firm to provide companies with a model for producing various tools and consumer goods. They consider all aspects of a product’s use including visual appeal, safety, accessibility and affordability. They collect feedback on user responses to prototypes and use it to make adjustments and improve the product’s overall appeal. Design Engineers use scientific processes and mathematical concepts to create their own innovative solutions to common problems. Their role is to collaborate with other Engineers and Designers to finalize the specifications of a product.

21170927mechanical engineer15.92engineer11.07design engineer5.7mechanical design engineer4.36electrical engineer3.6112437812602623000.0095382.70218000.00YEARLY1215210932025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Design Engineer skills and qualifications

Design Engineers should understand the principles of design and how it relates to engineering a functional product in addition to the following hard and soft skills: 

  • Advanced design skills
  • Product-focused creative thinking
  • In-depth knowledge of industry design principles
  • Strong working knowledge of computer-aided design (CAD) or engineering software
  • Impeccable attention to detail
  • Excellent problem-solving skills
  • Good project management skills
  • Excellent time management and prioritization skills
  • Effective oral and written communication
  • Great leadership skills

Design Engineer salary expectations

A Design Engineer earns $82,292 per year. Salary may depend on a candidate’s level of education, experience and geographical location.

Design Engineer salary expectations

2025-10-0123000.0095382.70218000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 95382.70 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 23000.00 - 218000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Design Engineer education and training requirements

Design Engineer candidates should have at least a bachelor’s degree in design engineering, manufacturing engineering, product design engineering technology or other related fields. Some candidates may have a master’s degree in design engineering or another similar specialized field, which could indicate more advanced design knowledge and practical application of design principles. A candidate without a degree may have completed an apprenticeship or vocational training in product or manufacturing design engineering. Some candidates may also have one or multiple certificates in specific design engineer principles, technology or leadership.

Design Engineer experience requirements

Entry-level Design Engineer candidates likey have experience from internships or other practical learning opportunities completed during their undergraduate studies. Some may even have a few years of relevant experience in design engineering, product engineering or other relevant roles. A Design Engineer’s experience typically indicates a knowledge of interpreting design briefs and providing multiple iterations of a prototype based on the outlined requirements and a proven record of navigating complex projects. Candidates may also have experience using certain CAD software and other relevant technology as well.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Design Engineer job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

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Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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