Two designers on the construction site

Job profile

Design Engineer (m/f/d)

Before the manufacturing of machines, devices, furniture, or medical instruments, Design Engineers play a key role in their design. These professionals must combine creativity and precision to ensure that their designs are both functional and comply with safety standards.
What skills are necessary for this position? What is the salary of a Design Engineer? And how to land a job in this field? Find all the answers in this job profile.

Are you looking for Design Engineer (m/f/d) jobs?

Are you interested in new technologies? The rapid evolution of the technological work world allows designers to remain highly sought-after professionals. Contact us and we will plan the next steps of your career together!

Are you looking for a design engineer? (m/f/d) 

Are you looking for designers for your projects? Designers analyze the needs of a service or company, considering costs and materials. The concepts or models they develop open new avenues for your company in terms of planning and production.

Are you looking for an exciting project for designers? 

As a temporary Design Engineer, you have great responsibility for the success of your work and can work flexibly in different locations. If you are interested in new stimulating projects, do not hesitate to contact us!

HTML Example

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of a discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. Paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

What is a design engineer (m/F/D)? Definition and overview 

A design engineer develops devices, creates plans using computer software, and tests the materials, functionality, and profitability of products.
 
In Switzerland, the terms industrial designer and technical designer are often used interchangeably. Since 1998, the title of CFC Design Engineer has replaced that of industrial designer and machine designer.
 
Thanks to their in-depth technical knowledge of manufacturing and materials, Design Engineers develop construction plans and models. These technical drawings are digitized using modern software and prepared for final production. Designers must adhere to numerous standards and perform calculations to ensure the product is marketable and accepted by end customers.
 
Design Engineers are active in various sectors, including the electrical and metallurgical industries, automotive and mechanical construction, as well as medical technology, plastics processing, and building installations. Almost all industrial products in our world have been designed and developed by Design Engineers.
 
In addition to their technical and creative work, designers must also keep in mind the company’s goals as well as market and customer requirements to ensure product safety and profitability.

Salary of a Design Engineer (m/f/d) in Switzerland: How Much Does a Design Engineer (m/f/d) Earn?

On average, the salary of Design Engineers in Switzerland is approximately CHF 69’800.00 gross per year.
 
The work of Design Engineers largely depends on the sector in which they work. Whether they work in a small or medium-sized enterprise, or a large company also influences the average salary. Additionally, as in any profession, factors related to the company’s location and professional experience play an important role. If the Design Engineer possesses particularly sought-after additional skills, this also constitutes a significant advantage in terms of salary - and Design Engineers can also work on projects.

Starting Salary of a Junior Design Engineer (m/f/d)

At the beginning of their career, junior Design Engineers can expect a starting salary of approximately
CHF 59’000.00 to CHF 67’000.00 per year.

Senior Design Engineers (m/f/d): Salary in Switzerland

In Switzerland, senior Design Engineers with more than 10 years of professional experience earn an average salary of approximately CHF 84’000.00 to CHF 92’000.00 per year. However, this salary can vary significantly upwards depending on various factors such as personnel responsibility.

Starting salary as a design engineer: Junior design engineer salary 

Junior design engineers can expect a starting salary of around CHF 59,000 and CHF 67,000 per year at the beginning of their career.  

Starting salary as a design engineer: Junior design engineer salary 

Junior design engineers can expect a starting salary of around CHF 59,000 and CHF 67,000 per year at the beginning of their career.  

Design Engineer (m/f/d): Training, Continuing Education, and Studies in Switzerland

The profession of Design Engineer in Switzerland can be achieved through several pathways. Apprenticeship, studies, and continuing education are the three main options available. Each option has its own advantages and requirements, offering different career path possibilities. The choice of the right option depends on individual interests, skills, and career goals.

Training for Design Engineers (m/f/d)

In Switzerland, the training for Design Engineers is generally done through a four-year apprenticeship, leading to a Federal Certificate of Competence (CFC). The training takes place both in a company within the machinery, electrical equipment, and metal industries (MEM industry) and in a vocational school. The school training includes 1.5 to 2 days per week. During the training, apprentices acquire basic technical knowledge in areas such as mathematics, computer science, physics, technical English, materials and manufacturing technology, drawing and machine technology, as well as electrical engineering and control technology.

Studies for Design Engineers (m/f/d)

  • the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW),
  • the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH),
  • the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW),
  • the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich),
  • the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL)
  • and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (FHS).

Continuing Education for Design Engineers (m/f/d)

After completing their apprenticeship, Design Engineers have various continuing education opportunities. They can pursue a diploma as a certified technician (ES) at a higher technical school or an engineering degree at a university of applied sciences. There are also numerous seminars and continuing education offers available.

Continuing Education for Designer Engineers (m/f/d)

Due to the increasing digitization in the construction field, continuing education is essential for Design Engineers. They must always stay updated on current developments and actively engage with trends and innovations in their sector. For this, there are various courses and seminars in different areas.

Possible continuing education options for Design Engineers include:

  • Specific training on materials (e.g., stainless steel or plastic)
  • LTSpice continuing education (design simulator)
  • Design thinking
  • Agile project management

    • What Does a Design Engineer (m/f/d) Do? Tasks and Activities

    Design Engineers are responsible for the design and development of new products, equipment, or complete installations. To do this, they use existing information sources and model three-dimensional designs using CAD (computer-aided design) systems. These models can also be converted into two-dimensional projects or created graphically, for example, as photorealistic reproductions. Design Engineers are also responsible for creating technical specifications, parts lists, virtual simulations, and presentations.

    After creating their initial sketch and developing it into a concrete project (in CAD software), they proceed to measure materials. It is particularly important to test the quality of the material. Design Engineers must ensure that the parts of the final product fit together perfectly and that the materials are compatible with each other.

    Specifically, Design Engineers have the following tasks:

    • Creating concepts, sketches, and models in 2D and 3D
    • Constructing prototypes
    • Organizing work
    • Collecting production-related data
    • Choosing materials and calculating material requirements
    • Creating design guides
    • Sometimes: collaborating in manufacturing
    • Verifying the completed construction
    • Staying in contact with clients or customers to understand all requirements
    Design Engineers primarily work in design offices or construction departments of production companies.
    Specifically, design engineers have these tasks:
    • Creation of concepts, designs and models in 2D and 3D
    • Construction of prototypes
    • Work organization
    • Collection of production-related data
    • Material selection and calculation of material requirements
    • Creation of design instructions
    • Sometimes: Collaboration on production
    • Inspection of the manufactured construction
    • Maintain contact with clients or customers to know all requirements
    Design engineers and draughtsmen work primarily in engineering offices or the design departments of manufacturing companies.

    Junior Design Engineer (m/f/d): Internal Tasks

    As a junior Design Engineer, it is essential to develop your knowledge and skills. Generally, you collaborate with a senior design engineer in product design, handling sketches, creating 3D models, and optimizing existing designs.

    Senior Design Engineer (m/f/d): Internal Tasks

    Senior Design Engineers often have strategic tasks. They collaborate with other departments and may supervise junior engineers, helping and passing on their knowledge. You master CAD software, specialize in a discipline of Design Engineering, and have several years of professional experience.
     
    In some cases, they also take on personnel management responsibilities, which is reflected in their salary.

    CAD Drafter: Specifics

    In this professional field, the terms CAD drafter or CAD designer are often used. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the software used by Design Engineers to create drawings and 3D models, simulate constructions, and perform calculations.
     
    As a CAD drafter, you primarily work on a computer and use specialized software necessary for your work. There is a wide range of tools used by technical drafters. Depending on the industry, different programs are used, the most important being AutoCAD, CATIA, and SOLIDWORKS.
     
    Today, working with CAD is common for Design Engineers, which is why the term “CAD drafter” is often used synonymously with “Design Engineer.”

    This occupational field is often referred to as CAD designers or CAD drafters. CAD stands for Computer Aided Design and refers to the software solutions used by design engineers to produce drawings and 3D models, simulate designs and carry out calculations. 

    As a CAD designer, you work primarily on a PC and use special programs that are required for your work. There is a wide range of tools that are used by technical drafters. Depending on the industry in which they work, different programs are used. The most important of these are: AutoCAD, CATIA and SOLIDWORKS. 

    Nowadays, working with CAD is no longer a specialty for design engineers, which is why the job title "CAD designer" is usually used synonymously with "design engineer". 

    Design Engineer (m/f/d) in Mechanical Engineering: Specifics

    Design Engineers in mechanical engineering make up most professionals specialized in this field. Indeed, no other technical field has as many students as mechanical engineering. Experts in this specialty design various machines and installations and are sought after in all sectors.
    The most important tasks and knowledge in the field of mechanical engineering are: 

    • Scientific foundations of mechanical construction
    • Applied mathematics for mechanical engineering
    • Mechanics
    • Manufacturing techniques
    • Machine elements and technical drawing
    • Electrical engineering and control technology

    Design Engineer (m/f/d): Skills

    Design engineers must demonstrate a high level of professionalism in their area of specialization to reliably meet the imposed requirements within the given deadlines. In addition to basic technical training, Design Engineers need skills in spatial thinking, technical knowledge, and the ability to work with CAD programs. They must also possess project management skills, reliability, and teamwork spirit.

    The hard skills of Design Engineers include:


    • Technical training and continuing education or studies in Design Engineering
    • Knowledge of materials and manufacturing
    • Spatial representation
    • Mathematics knowledge
    • Analytical thinking
    • Business skills
    • CAD knowledge

    The soft skills of Design Engineers include:

    • Reliability and stress resistance
    • Teamwork ability
    • Precision and autonomy
    • Willingness to learn

    Career of Design Engineer (m/f/d): Job Market Opportunities

    As a Design Engineer, you will generally find job opportunities in the production industry. Positions are available in various sectors, including the metal and plastic industries, electrotechnics, and medical technology. Many Design Engineers also work in design offices, as well as in research, teaching, and universities.
     
    The job market prospects are favorable, as the demand for Design Engineers remains constant, especially in the field of installation construction. Additionally, you can increase your professional value by pursuing continuous education and obtaining additional qualifications. The field of Design Engineering offers a wide range of professional specializations.

    Alternatives to the Profession of Design Engineer (m/f/d)

    There are several professions that require skills and interests like those of Design Engineers. Here are some alternatives for you:
     
    1. Technical Drafter: The technical drafter creates detailed technical drawings and plans for the manufacturing and construction of products and structures. They work closely with engineers and use their skills in mathematics and technical understanding.
    2. Engineer: Engineers work in various fields, from electrical engineering to civil engineering, and use their strong mathematical and scientific skills to solve complex problems. Many skills acquired in the design field are very useful in engineering.
    3. Architect: Architects design buildings and structures using both creative and technical skills. They must be able to develop detailed plans and collaborate with a wide variety of professionals, including Design Engineers.

    4. Product Designer: The product designer works on the design and development of new products. They must be able to create technical drawings, understand materials, and collaborate with manufacturers, like Design Engineers.

    These professions represent excellent alternatives for those interested in design but who may want to take a slightly different direction. They require similar skills and knowledge and offer the opportunity to work in technical and creative fields.

    Top Vacancies: Design Engineers (m/f/d)

    faq

    What are the responsibilities of a Design Engineer (m/f/d)?

    • Planning and developing machines, installations, and mass-produced products. 

    • Creating 2D and 3D models using CAD software. 

    • Selecting appropriate materials. 

    • Manufacturing and verifying products to ensure they meet safety standards. 

    • Planning and developing machines, installations, and mass-produced products. 

    • Creating 2D and 3D models using CAD software. 

    • Selecting appropriate materials. 

    • Manufacturing and verifying products to ensure they meet safety standards. 


    What is the difference between a Design Engineer (m/f/d) and an engineer (m/f/d)?

    Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, engineers typically have completed higher education, whereas this is not always necessary for Design Engineers.

    Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, engineers typically have completed higher education, whereas this is not always necessary for Design Engineers.


    What is the average salary of a Design Engineer (m/f/d) in Switzerland?

    In Switzerland, the average gross salary for a Design Engineer is approximately CHF 69’000.00 per year. Beginners can expect a salary between CHF 59’000.00 and CHF 67’000.00 per year.

    In Switzerland, the average gross salary for a Design Engineer is approximately CHF 69’000.00 per year. Beginners can expect a salary between CHF 59’000.00 and CHF 67’000.00 per year.


    What qualifications are necessary to become a Design Engineer (m/f/d) in Switzerland?

    To work as a Design Engineer in Switzerland, it is necessary to complete a four-year training program, including practical experience in a company and theoretical education in a vocational school.

    To work as a Design Engineer in Switzerland, it is necessary to complete a four-year training program, including practical experience in a company and theoretical education in a vocational school.


    How long does the training to become a Design Engineer (m/f/d) take?

    The training to become a Design Engineer in Switzerland takes about four years but can be shortened under certain circumstances. It includes practical training in a company and theoretical education in a vocational school.

    The training to become a Design Engineer in Switzerland takes about four years but can be shortened under certain circumstances. It includes practical training in a company and theoretical education in a vocational school.