Industrial Product Design Engineer Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of manufacturing and technology, the demand for industrial product design engineers is continuously rising.

As industry progresses, the call for skilled individuals who can innovate, develop, and ensure the safety of our industrial products becomes more pressing.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from an industrial product design engineer?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of industrial product design engineering,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable industrial product design engineer job description template, crafted for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s get started.

Industrial Product Design Engineer Duties and Responsibilities

Industrial Product Design Engineers utilize their technical knowledge, creativity and understanding of manufacturing processes to design products that meet market demands.

They work across various industries such as automotive, appliances, medical devices, and consumer products.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Understanding the requirements and needs of a new product from stakeholders or clients
• Developing concept sketches or 3D models of new products using design software
• Evaluating the functionality, safety, and appearance of product designs
• Designing detailed technical drawings and specifications for manufacturing the product
• Collaborating with manufacturing teams to ensure products can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively
• Conducting tests and simulations on product designs to assess their performance, durability, and safety
• Making necessary modifications to product designs based on test results, feedback from stakeholders or manufacturing constraints
• Documenting the product design process and any changes made to designs
• Keeping up to date with the latest design technologies, materials and production methods
• Ensuring all product designs comply with relevant industry standards and regulations

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Industrial Product Design Engineer to create innovative product designs and prototypes.

Responsibilities include understanding client needs, creating functional product designs, conducting research and testing on product feasibility, and working closely with the manufacturing team to optimize production processes.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, has a deep understanding of industrial design, and a strong familiarity with the manufacturing process.

The ability to translate ideas into functional, cost-effective, and appealing products is essential.

 

Responsibilities

• Develop industrial product designs based on specifications and client needs.
• Create prototypes and conduct product testing to ensure functionality and durability.
• Collaborate with the manufacturing team to optimize production processes.
• Use CAD software to create detailed product designs.
• Conduct research to identify new market opportunities and consumer preferences.
• Present product designs to stakeholders and clients.
• Ensure that all product designs adhere to legal and quality standards.
• Modify designs based on feedback from testing and clients.
• Monitor product performance and improve design as needed.
• Stay informed about the latest industrial design trends and advancements.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Industrial Product Design Engineer or similar role.
• Proficiency in CAD software, such as AutoCAD or SolidWorks.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and industrial design principles.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• A degree in Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Industrial Product Design Engineer
• Work Environment: Office setting with occasional visits to manufacturing plants. Some travel may be required for client consultations or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Product Design Engineer or Design Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a portfolio of your design work to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does an Industrial Product Design Engineer Do?

Industrial Product Design Engineers primarily work in manufacturing or production industries, where they develop and design new industrial products.

These can range from everyday household items to complex industrial machinery.

They work closely with other engineers, designers, and marketing teams to understand customer needs, market trends, and technological advancements.

Based on this understanding, they brainstorm ideas, create initial product sketches, and develop 3D models.

Industrial Product Design Engineers often use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools for creating detailed technical drawings.

They also build prototypes, conduct tests, and make necessary alterations to the design based on the results.

Their responsibility extends to ensuring that the design is not only efficient and functional but also cost-effective to manufacture.

They have to consider factors like materials, production methods, and safety regulations in the design process.

In addition to creating new products, they may also be responsible for improving the design of existing products, keeping in mind the changing customer needs and advancements in technology.

Once the design is finalized, Industrial Product Design Engineers work with production teams to oversee the manufacturing process, ensuring that the product is produced as per the design specifications.

They may also be involved in solving any issues that come up during the production phase.

Overall, an Industrial Product Design Engineer plays a pivotal role in transforming an idea into a tangible, market-ready product.

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Qualifications and Skills

Industrial Product Design Engineers employ a variety of technical skills, design knowledge, and industry-specific abilities to develop and enhance industrial products.

These include:

• Strong design skills to create innovative and practical industrial product designs based on customer requirements and industry trends.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities to identify product design issues and develop effective solutions.
• Technical expertise in industrial design software such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design), SolidWorks, and Adobe Creative Suite for creating and modifying designs.
• Detail-oriented approach to carefully review designs and prototypes, ensuring they meet all necessary specifications and safety standards.
• Effective communication skills to clearly articulate design concepts and specifications to team members, clients, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional project management skills to oversee the product design process from conception to production, ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and materials, to design products that can be efficiently and economically produced.
• A creative mindset to innovate and develop unique product designs that meet user needs and stand out in the market.

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Experience Requirements

Entry-level Industrial Product Design Engineers typically have at least a Bachelor’s degree in Product Design, Industrial Design, or a related field.

They may also have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship, co-op, or part-time role in product design.

Practical experience in using CAD software, understanding manufacturing processes, prototyping, and testing are often required even for entry-level positions.

Therefore, hands-on experience, possibly gained during academic projects or internships, is highly valued.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are often expected to have worked on full lifecycle product design, from conceptualization to final product launch.

This might involve experience in researching user needs, creating and testing prototypes, working with manufacturers, and collaborating with marketing teams to prepare for product launches.

Industrial Product Design Engineers with more than 5 years of experience often have a solid background in project management and team leadership.

They are usually expected to supervise teams, manage projects, and make strategic decisions regarding product design.

Further, engineers aspiring for senior roles should ideally have experience in intellectual property rights related to product designs, and in using advanced design and simulation tools.

They might also need to demonstrate a proven track record of successful product launches.

Many companies value continuous learning and staying updated with the latest design trends and technologies.

Therefore, experience with ongoing professional development, such as additional certifications, could be beneficial.

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Education and Training Requirements

Industrial Product Design Engineers typically require a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

This degree should include courses in industrial materials and manufacturing methods, visual arts, computer-aided design (CAD), and drafting, as well as courses in business, industrial materials, ergonomics, and anthropology.

In addition to the educational requirements, many employers prefer candidates to have practical experience, often obtained through internships.

It’s important for Industrial Product Design Engineers to have real-world experience working with production and design.

Moreover, Industrial Product Design Engineers should have excellent problem-solving skills, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Knowledge of software programs like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Adobe Illustrator is also a plus.

For those seeking to advance in their careers, a master’s degree in industrial design or a related field can be beneficial.

This advanced degree typically includes a focus on design theory, research methods, and marketing practices.

Lastly, some engineers choose to become certified by professional organizations, such as the Industrial Designers Society of America, which offers the Professional Industrial Designer (PID) certification.

This certification indicates a high level of professionalism and commitment to continuing education in the field.

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Salary Expectations

An Industrial Product Design Engineer makes an average salary of $71,610 (USD) per year.

This salary can fluctuate depending on various factors such as the individual’s level of experience, education, location, and the size and type of the company for which they work.

 

Industrial Product Design Engineer Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Industrial Product Design Engineer need?

Industrial Product Design Engineers need to have a strong knowledge of CAD software and other design tools.

They should also have a good understanding of manufacturing processes, materials, and ergonomics.

Additionally, they must possess excellent problem-solving skills, creativity, and attention to detail.

Communication and project management skills are also important as they often work as part of a team and may deal directly with clients.

 

Do Industrial Product Design Engineers need a degree?

Yes, Industrial Product Design Engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, mechanical engineering, or a related field.

Some positions may require a master’s degree, particularly for more senior roles.

Additionally, they often need to have a portfolio of designs that demonstrates their ability to come up with creative solutions to design problems.

 

What should you look for in an Industrial Product Design Engineer resume?

Look for a degree in a relevant field and experience with CAD software and other design tools.

Any experience with manufacturing processes, materials, or ergonomics is a plus.

A strong portfolio of designs is also important.

You should also look for evidence of strong problem-solving skills, creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work well as part of a team.

 

What qualities make a good Industrial Product Design Engineer?

A good Industrial Product Design Engineer has a strong attention to detail and the ability to think creatively and solve problems.

They should have a good understanding of manufacturing processes and materials and be able to use CAD software and other design tools effectively.

Communication and teamwork skills are also important, as they often need to explain their designs to non-engineers and work as part of a team.

 

Is it difficult to hire Industrial Product Design Engineers?

The level of difficulty in hiring an Industrial Product Design Engineer often depends on the specific skills and experience you’re looking for.

The field is competitive, so it can be challenging to find a candidate with the perfect combination of education, experience, and skill set.

To attract top talent, you may need to offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional development, and interesting, challenging projects.

 

Conclusion

So, there you have it.

Today, we’ve explored the world of an industrial product design engineer.

And guess what?

It’s not just about designing products.

It’s about shaping the industrial future, one product design at a time.

With our reliable industrial product design engineer job description template and real-world examples, you’re well-equipped to take the next step.

But why limit yourself?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your secret weapon for precision-crafted listings or refining your portfolio to perfection.

Remember:

Every product design is a part of a greater industrial landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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