A design engineer is responsible for the whole project and directs the creation of the initial
blueprints and schematics for various structures, systems, machines, or equipment. A
design team includes draftsmen, civil or mechanical engineers, and possibly materials
engineers and electrical engineers. Design engineers use advanced computer technology
and applications, such as computer-aided design (CAD) software, to help them create and
test virtual models. Depending on the type of structure or machine that is being built, an
engineer may be asked to construct a physical model or prototype to test in realistic
situations. Designers are employed in many different government organizations and
industries, including research and development companies, construction firms, and
product manufacturing plants.
Professional design engineers communicate with planning committees and other
engineering specialists to coordinate design plans. A design engineer often begins the
process by creating sketches by hand or using CAD programs. Computer software
programs allow designers to draw detailed lines, form curves, and input measurements.
Other programs can put designs through virtual simulations to test their integrity (or
soundness in construction), efficiency, and effectiveness.
It is common for an experienced designer to take the lead on projects to create scale
models or prototypes from plans or blueprints. With the help of engineering technicians
and assistants, designers carefully follow plans and computer models to fabricate actual