Design Engineer – Job Description
(Job Code and Level: EDES003)
Definition:
Design is defined as: Designing systems, processes, methodologies as well
as component and vehicle designs to enhance the overall vehicle
performance for the customer and environment. Transforming concepts into
prototypes for testing, validating and improvement for ultimately mass volume
production. This includes designing to meet costs, timing and quality
requirements.
Each level of Engineer builds on the level below as experience and learning
enables more complexity and responsibility within the role.
Overall Purpose of the Role:
Research and develop ideas for new products, technologies, components,
processes and the systems used to make them. Work to improve the
performance and efficiency of existing products. Provide support to the new-
business and vehicle-launch team and work to ensure that all aspects of CAD
design are created to fully meet the high specifications set. Responsible for
ensuring the success of the design from inception through to delivery into
manufacture, using innovative engineering skills to ensure seamless
integration. Very hands on position, demanding high levels of creativity and
flexibility. Work on many phases or sub-tasks of large projects working under
instruction of technical specialist engineer or entire projects of moderate
complexity. Works under general supervision, reviewed at project milestones
and on completion. Plans projects or subtasks so they may be tracked and
presented. Results impact project/programme completion.
Key Responsibilities:
General and Task Management
Ability to capture and specify the design requirements
Research concept ideas using mathematical modelling to work out
whether new developments and innovations would work and be cost
effective
Analyse the Engineering and Project input in order to interrogate it, reach
an agreement and integrate it formally in a Design solution
Produce design ideas, based on research, into technical plans for
prototypes using computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted
engineering (CAE) software
Analyses the design proposals and the technical information in order to
identify the issues arising during product development, defining and
implementing adequate solutions in order to reach a feasible proposal with
a high form and aesthetic quality
Attend design reviews to present design ideas and to discuss and critique
alternative design solutions
Cost proposals
Carry out simulations of products for new and prototype projects using in-
house software for the customer and provide support and feedback on
design
Analyse and manage multiple design related issues to identify root cause
Modify designs based on the analysis to re-test and analyse until design
meets specification requirements
Make design changes on existing products
Track design changes
Control of Bill of Materials (BoM), CAD Models and Engineering Drawings
Keep up with current and developing engineering trends
Undertake special projects as required
Contribute to continuous improvement activities
Quality control of work by appropriate reviews
Support process improvement activities
Support technical staff and/or junior engineers
Write reports and present progress at project meetings and to clients
Achieve goals within budget
Conduct benchmarking studies to determine best practices/designs and
future trends
Attend various meetings and action/communicate instructions
Make presentations
Undertake continuous training and development
Independently determine approach and assigned tasks
People Management
Lead and/or support technicians and trainee engineers
Train people within own work group
Relationship Management
Liaise and communicate with other departments, customers, suppliers and
other service providers
Be an effective team member, working with supervisor and colleagues to
ensure smooth workflow with maximum output
Self Management
Comply with the Health, Safety and Environmental Policies
Assertive, optimistic, resilient and welcomes change
Engages interest and participation of others and has a collaborative
approach to working with others
Proactively contributes to the team
Is self aware
Shows moral courage, openness and honesty in all dealings
Good team-working skills
Self-motivated, flexible, proactive and committed
Skills and Attributes:
Independently determines approach to assigned tasks
Strong analytical and numeracy skills
Strong problem-solving skills with high attention to detail
A creative, logical approach for generating new ideas and solutions, with
the ability to transition through to part development
A sound knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) software, technical
drawings and 3D modelling
An excellent grasp of engineering and design principles
A knowledge of the qualities of metals and other materials
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
An understanding of manufacturing processes and construction methods
Ability to plan and organise through several project stages
An appreciation of wider business demands
An awareness of the environmental impact of design ideas
Strong PC skills, including Microsoft Project
Able to effectively train his/her work group and effectively support work
teams within the work group.
Able to give effective presentations to general audiences and write
convincing proposals and reports with all necessary backup material for
department consumption
Knowledgeable in some technical areas of the group’s scope, or having
demonstrated ability to achieve a high level of proficiency in a short period
of time
Involved in projects involving multiple people
Ability to support group to achieve goals within budget
Demonstrated fiscal responsibility
Ability to work well with others in a team environment, providing input and
feedback in a helpful manner
Ability to effectively communicate organisational goals to team
Able to interact well with vendors
Able to exercises some latitude and technical judgement in deciding work
methods
Qualifications and Experience Levels:
Relevant manufacturing/engineering degree preferred, or ONC, A Levels,
BTec Diploma Level 3 or equivalent NVQ level 3 qualification
Membership of an industry related Professional Body would be
advantageous
Experience of using Auto CAD, Pro Engineer, CATIA V5, Unigraphics NX
Experience in BOM (Bill of Material) structures
Understanding of legislation and standards
An understanding of Lean Manufacturing
Experienced with a number of systems. Becoming a subject matter expert
in at least one area or system
Working knowledge of a number of other areas of specialisation
Example roles this job description may cover:
Product Designer
