All about the profession of design engineer
One of the most important and crucial moments in the life of every person is the choice of a profession. At the same time, in the process of determining the future career path, it is necessary to take into account a huge variety of factors: personal interests and inclinations, abilities and skills, the demand for a profession, the possible level of material remuneration for work, and much more.
If you have a penchant for technical subjects (for example, mathematics, physics, drawing), then you should pay attention to the position of a design engineer. Today in our article we will take a closer look at the characteristics of this profession.
Who is that?
Design engineer Is a professional who is engaged in the development of buildings and structures, he calculates the load that will fall on all key elements of the object: foundation, frame, beams, columns, overhead lifting equipment.
This specialist can be involved in various spheres of human life: it deals with civil, industrial, warehouse, commercial and other structures. At the same time, objects can be made from a variety of materials: iron, concrete, metal, wood, stone. The specialty of a design engineer is very complex and responsible. The professional is responsible for the creation and completion of drawings, as well as the corresponding project documentation.
Description and characteristics of work design engineer, which is necessary for a specific object, is described in detail in the terms of reference.This document contains, among other things, the technical characteristics of the construction site. The specialist must conduct a qualified assessment of the assignment, determine the possible timing of its implementation.
In the course of his professional activity, a design engineer performs a number of tasks, including consulting with the customer, creating a design drawing, performing control functions and much more. If we talk about the nature of the work of a specialist, then most often he acts as an employee and works at the enterprise 8 hours 5 days a week.
Pros and cons of the profession
As mentioned above, a design engineer is a very responsible position that requires an extensive theoretical and practical training from the person occupying it. Accordingly, you need to be 100% sure in advance that you want to engage in such a professional activity. In order to make an objective and balanced decision, you need to carefully analyze and evaluate the existing advantages and disadvantages of a specialist's work.
First, let's talk about the pros.
- Demand... Design engineers are highly qualified professionals who constantly remain relevant in the labor market. Even today, you can find a large number of open vacancies in the specialty. Thus, having received the appropriate diploma, you can be sure that you will not be left without a job. On the contrary, employers compete for competent specialists, so you will have a choice.
- Direct result of labor. Unlike many other professions, the job of a design engineer has an end result. That is, you can actually see the result of your work. This characteristic is rare and is psychologically appreciated by many people.
- Creativity and creativity... In the course of fulfilling his professional tasks, a design engineer encounters not only typical duties, but also very often can show his individual creative and creative abilities. Thus, your work can become a kind of outlet.
- High level of remuneration. If we compare the salary of a design engineer with the average salary in the country, then we can conclude that it is in the category above the average. Thanks to decent material remuneration for work, a person can maintain a high standard of his life, as well as provide for his loved ones.
However, in addition to the pros, you should pay attention to the cons.
- A responsibility... The profession of a design engineer is associated with a high degree of responsibility. The work of a specialist directly affects the life and health of people, so he must be as attentive and serious as possible.
- High stress levels. Due to the presence of the above-described high level of responsibility, the specialist is in constant emotional stress and stress, which can negatively affect the mental and psychological health of a person.
- Long and difficult learning process. In order to be able to get the position of a design engineer, you must have an appropriate education. At the same time, the learning process itself is very difficult, because a young person will have to master a large number of technically complex subjects. In addition, increased attention is paid to the acquisition of practical skills. Accordingly, the applicant needs to be prepared for high loads.
As you can see, the benefits of the profession outweigh the disadvantages. However, for some people, the disadvantages are so important that they completely abandon this career path. One way or another, but the choice is yours.
Responsibilities
The engineer-instructor does his daily work strictly in accordance with official documents, namely job description, professional standard and internal documents of the company. All these documents must be read as carefully as possible before accepting an official invitation for employment. Remember that for failure to fulfill or for poor performance of your professional duties, you can be held liable (from dismissal and disciplinary reprimand to criminal prosecution).
In general, the standard work functions of a design engineer include:
- collection of customer orders, clarification of the necessary parameters (terrain, technical and design features, the desired external design and much more);
- concept creation and initial calculations;
- coordination of your ideas with the customer;
- development of sketches and drawings;
- consultations with designers, marketers and other specialists;
- creation of computer graphic models of objects;
- conducting preliminary tests (for example, checking structures for strength and ergonomics);
- identification and immediate elimination of existing shortcomings and shortcomings;
- presentation of the final project to management and customers;
- carrying out its activities strictly in accordance with a predetermined technical task;
- development, preparation and filling of complex project documentation;
- exercising control and supervisory functions for subordinate employees.
At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a more precise list of job responsibilities will be determined by the employer in accordance with the professional rank of the engineer.
For example, an employee with an initial category can perform only the simplest tasks, he is prohibited from making independent decisions. but with an increase in the category, the area of responsibility also increases. So, for example, a specialist of the 1st category can occupy leadership positions.
It should be borne in mind that this the list of specialist responsibilities is not closed. Despite the fact that it is regulated by the documents described above, each employer can change and supplement this list depending on his personal requirements, the specifics of the work of a particular company and some other factors. Thus, you must always be ready to adapt and adapt to changing conditions.
Requirements
In order for a specialist to be able to fully, competently and effectively perform his professional functions, it must meet a number of requirements. Moreover, in addition to the working requirements, which are regulated by the professional standard, there are requirements regarding personal characteristics. Only if all the necessary qualities are combined in your character, you can become a successful specialist, relevant in the labor market and in demand among employers.
Professional
Among the mandatory professional competencies of a design engineer, one can single out:
- using a personal computer at the level of an experienced user;
- possession of specialized engineering software - MS Word, Exel, AutoCad, Archi Cad, SCAD, ING +, Lira, REVIT;
- knowledge of foreign languages (at least English, an additional foreign language will be an advantage);
- knowledge of regulatory documents, laws and by-laws that regulate the activities of a specialist;
- understanding of the latest professional trends;
- thorough knowledge of safety rules and regulations.
Personal
In addition to professional qualities, many employers pay attention to the personality traits of the applicant for the position of design engineer, because a specialist must fit well into the established team and become an integral part of it. Among the important personal characteristics are usually distinguished:
- a responsibility;
- analytical thinking;
- the ability to make independent decisions;
- stress resistance and emotional stability;
- leadership skills;
- teamwork skills;
- sociability;
- attentiveness to small details;
- perseverance;
- creativity and creativity;
- the desire to develop and improve oneself;
- focus on achieving the set goal;
- activity and initiative;
- ability to reason.
The skills, skills and qualities listed above can be called standard. A person who wants to move up the career ladder and develop in the chosen professional field should know and be able to much more. The presence of additional competencies will favorably distinguish you from the background of other applicants and increase in the eyes of a potential employer.
Education
In order to take up the position of a design engineer, you need to get an appropriate professional education. At the same time, for a start, you can graduate from a technical school or college (after the 9th grade of school) and only then go to the university (if you wish, you can go to a university right after grade 11). One way or another, it is worth remembering that traditionally employers give preference to specialists with higher education.
When choosing a specific educational institution, focus on those institutions that are located in large cities of Russia or in the capital of our country. Such training organizations are respected and respected by the professional community. Before entering a university, you need to visit the admissions office and find out what subjects you need to take in exams for admission.
Approach the learning process as carefully and responsibly as possible. Try to get only the highest scores, since many employers, in addition to the diploma itself, require candidates for the position also to have an extract from the diploma. In addition to theoretical training, pay attention to obtaining the necessary practical skills.
Depending on the training program you have chosen, as well as on the level of training, the education process can last from 3 to 6 years (and even more). At the same time, if you want to move up the career ladder, then you should not stop at getting a basic education. Continuously improve your qualifications and strive for a higher category.
How much does he earn?
Indicators of the average salary of a specialist are at the level of 50,000 rubles. However, experienced and competent specialists can get 3 times more. As a rule, but how much a specialist receives is influenced by the following factors:
- the level of education;
- work experience;
- region of residence;
- field of activity;
- sector (private or public).
Where to work?
A design engineer can work in a wide variety of areas of human activity:
- mechanical engineering;
- aircraft construction;
- the field of aviation and aircraft engine design;
- furniture manufacturing enterprises;
- car manufacturing organizations;
- branch of robotics;
- the sphere of metal structures;
- design organizations;
- ateliers and clothing workshops;
- the field of drilling rigs.
Thus, a proper education of a design engineer opens doors for you in a wide variety of areas. First of all, focus on your interests and inclinations.
Prospects and career ladder
After graduation, a young person will be able to become an assistant design engineer or a novice specialist. Over time and after gaining the necessary experience, he can apply for a higher position - for example, chief or leading specialist... In addition, the design engineer has the ability to open your own design office and become a businessman.