Design and development engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Design engineers improve product performance and efficiency while researching and developing new manufacturing ideas and systems.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide

Read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports.
Research, design, evaluate, install, operate, or maintain mechanical products, equipment, systems or processes to meet requirements.
Confer with engineers or other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information.
Develop, coordinate, or monitor all aspects of production, including selection of manufacturing methods, fabrication, or operation of product designs.
Investigate equipment failures or difficulties to diagnose faulty operation and recommend remedial actions.
Develop or test models of alternate designs or processing methods to assess feasibility, sustainability, operating condition effects, potential new applications, or necessity of modification.
Specify system components or direct modification of products to ensure conformance with engineering design, performance specifications, or environmental regulations.
Recommend design modifications to eliminate machine or system malfunctions.
Assist drafters in developing the structural design of products, using drafting tools or computer-assisted drafting equipment or software.
Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, or repair to ensure that machines or equipment are installed and functioning according to specifications.
Conduct research that tests or analyzes the feasibility, design, operation, or performance of equipment, components, or systems.
Design test control apparatus or equipment or develop procedures for testing products.
Provide feedback to design engineers on customer problems or needs.
Research and analyze customer design proposals, specifications, manuals, or other data to evaluate the feasibility, cost, or maintenance requirements of designs or applications.
Estimate costs or submit bids for engineering, construction, or extraction projects.
Recommend the use of utility or energy services that minimize carbon footprints.
Evaluate mechanical designs or prototypes for energy performance or environmental impact.
Direct the installation, operation, maintenance, or repair of renewable energy equipment, such as heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) or water systems.
Design integrated mechanical or alternative systems, such as mechanical cooling systems with natural ventilation systems, to improve energy efficiency.
Apply engineering principles or practices to emerging fields, such as robotics, waste management, or biomedical engineering.
Write performance requirements for product development or engineering projects.
Perform personnel functions, such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers.
Calculate energy losses for buildings, using equipment such as computers, combustion analyzers, or pressure gauges.
Solicit new business.
Provide technical customer service.
Study industrial processes to maximize the efficiency of equipment applications, including equipment placement.
Establish or coordinate the maintenance or safety procedures, service schedule, or supply of materials required to maintain machines or equipment in the prescribed condition.
Select or install combined heat units, power units, cogeneration equipment, or trigeneration equipment that reduces energy use or pollution.

Read more about Design and development engineer

Design and development engineers typically work around 38 to 40 hours per week.

As a Design and development engineer you will typically work between 8am and 6pm.

This occupation tends to be:

Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and

Read more about Design and development engineer

* from ONETonline

Average salary
44,602 GBP *
per year

* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Average salary for Design and development engineer

44,618 GBP
44,396 GBP

Average salary for part-time Design and development engineer

Average salary for full-time Design and development engineer

Showing:

27,402 GBP
25,735 GBP

44,602 GBP
44,396 GBP
44,618 GBP

Salary over time for Design and development engineer

Salary for this role has increased over time

41,576 GBP
41,032 GBP
42,041 GBP
41,944 GBP
43,476 GBP
43,316 GBP
44,602 GBP
43,840 GBP
43,984 GBP

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Future outlook for Design and development engineers

Very good outlook

93 000+ jobs available

Balanced outlook

1% yearly wage growth (on average)

Very good outlook

28% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Design and development engineer and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

83% of people in this role have a Bachelor's degree
7% of people in this role have a Diploma of Higher Education or equivalent
5% of people in this role have a certificate of higher education or equivalent but no degree

You'll need:

design skills and knowledge
knowledge of engineering science and technology
the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
analytical thinking skills
persistence and determination
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
thinking and reasoning skills
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Design and development engineer

Engineering

Analytical Thinking Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Innovation Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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Design and development engineer | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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Future outlook for Design and development engineers

Design and development engineer - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Design and development engineer interview

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