Design engineers are often regarded as the creative force among technical professionals. Their core responsibilities include the design, development, and construction of products, devices, and systems— Machines that are later manufactured in industrial series production. The role covers a broad spectrum of applications, and design engineers can work across numerous industries.
What Are the Key Responsibilities of a Design Engineer?
Of course, the specific tasks of a design engineer depend on the employer. Responsibilities may include designing products for mass production,. developing special-purpose machines in limited quantities, or delivering customized products to meet unique client requirements.
In some companies, designers work as team members with a limited scope of responsibilities, focusing on a narrowly defined area. In other companies, they may lead an entire team and collaborate with multiple departments.
In smaller companies, responsibilities are often more diverse and can encompass not only purchasing and sales, production, and quality control, but also managerial tasks.
They design, develop, and engineer market-ready products. They prepare technical drawings and ensure compliance with factory and DIN standards. During construction, they are responsible for maintaining precise dimensions and making adjustments within specified tolerances as needed.
They also check workshop drawings and verify compliance with standard regulations. Overall, they maintain extensive contact with clients and customers.
What Does It Take to Become a Design Engineer?
The profession of design engineer is not legally protected in Germany, which means there are multiple paths to enter the field. These can include vocational training, a university degree, or even a career change.
Further training is available to become a “state-certified design engineer.” This involves a vocational apprenticeship combined with several years of professional experience. The qualification is officially recognized in Germany and is equivalent to that of a technician.
Alternatively, one can complete a degree programme in construction technology and enter the profession directly.The programme is dual, providing both theoretical training at the university and practical experience within a company.
A career change is also possible. Often, engineers or technicians can work as design engineers without a formal qualification or examination.
How Much Can a Design Engineer Earn?
There are several factors that influence the salary of a design engineer. These are:
- Company size
- Company location
- The Industry
- Professional experience
- Relevant additional skills
Since it is not a legally protected profession, a design engineer’s salary can vary significantly. It is therefore difficult to specify exactly how much one can earn in this role. It can be stated that, following vocational training and further qualifications, the annual gross salary typically ranges between €32,000 and €40,000.
With a degree, one can expect to earn approximately €37,000 to €51,000 gross annually.
With several years of professional experience and increased responsibilities, a design engineer’s salary can rise to as much as €72,000 gross annually.
