How to become a Product Design Engineer

A product design engineer is the artistic and manufacturing genius behind every product that we use, today. Product design engineers apply manufacturing, engineering and design concepts in order to produce beautiful functional products. They work with several other professionals within an organization in order to discuss product requirements, present and review prototypes, and discuss required design modifications. During this entire process, product design engineers must keep in mind the company's product standards and specifications, needs of the consumers and the current trends. Also, they must be mindful of how their decisions affect the product quality, performance and cost. Product design engineers must have an understanding of the industry they work in - be it a medicine or information technology. 

The role of a product design engineer is diverse and dynamic. Generally, the job description of a product design engineer comprises of the following tasks: 

• improve the performance and design of existing products
• research and develop ideas and processes for new products
• Evaluate production cost estimates of a new product and determine if the product is worth the effort and cost. 
• present designs and prototypes to the clients for approval 
• conduct tests and analyze data generated from lab experiments
• determine if the product is safe, attractive and functional
• incorporate any feedback from the client on the design
• plan marketing initiatives for the product

• In order to excel in any field, aspirants must possess certain attributes that complement the job role. In a similar fashion, a product design engineer must have a flair for creativity and design.
• Aspirants must have great communication skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving skills, an eye for details, team-working skills, strong mathematical skills and computer skills for using CAD and similar software.
• Besides, having commercial awareness of the industry that an aspirant wishes to work in is looked upon favorably. 

In order to enrol into a Bachelor’s program at an esteemed university, aspirants are expected to clear the engineering entrance exams - JEE main and subsequently, the JEE Advance exam -which makes the aspirant eligible to apply at any engineering colleges in India. It is a very difficult and challenging exam to crack that requires hard work as well as rigorous and consistent preparation. Some states have their own entrance exams that are admissible in their respective universities. Many educational institutes conduct their own entrance tests.

Depending on one’s educational background, experience, and skillsets, aspirants may apply for the following product design engineering jobs: 

1. Product designer

2. Product research technician

3. Project leader

4. Design technician

5. Industrial designer