Summary:

The main function of a design engineer is to develop, and design manufactured products, such as cars and home appliances. A typical design engineer needs to combine artistic talent with research on product use, marketing, and materials to create the most functional and appealing product design.

Job Responsibilities:

Prepare sketches of ideas, detailed drawings, illustrations, artwork, or blueprints, using drafting instruments, paints and brushes, or computer-aided design equipment

Modify and refine designs, using working models, to conform with customer specifications, production limitations, or changes in design trends

Coordinate the look and function of product lines

Confer with engineering, marketing, production, or sales departments, or with customers, to establish and evaluate design concepts for manufactured products. Read publications, attend showings, and study competing products and design styles and motifs to obtain perspective and generate design concepts

Design graphic material for use as illustration or advertising on manufactured materials and packaging or containers

Skills:

Creativity, verbal and written communication skills and problem solving ability. Basic ability to utilize various forms of media, including print, electronic and film

Basic knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings and models

Previous experience using the computer to create layouts and generate new images

Experience with Adobe imaging software (i.e., Illustrator, Photoshop), computer aided design (CAD) software and graphics software.