Jobs in Construction

Construction combines sub-areas of engineering and design. The field is dedicated to the development and design of machines, devices, systems or other industrial products. Design engineers usually work in design departments, engineering or planning offices. They often work closely with other specialists such as architects, electrical or mechanical engineers as well as manufacturers and contractors to identify and successfully implement individual requirements.

Specialists in this field are commissioned to design an object and then produce creative solutions - from the initial sketch and concept design to the technical drawing as the final result. The resulting technical drawings go far beyond visual design. They also contain important information such as the material, processing, dimensional and tolerance specifications required to manufacture the product.

Computer-aided design (CAD) programs are the central tool in design. These programs are the digital successor to the commonly known drawing board and enable designers to draw and design their products in photorealistic quality in 2D and 3D using modern software, as well as create additional technical documentation. Common examples of this are AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, Civil 3D, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 or SolidWorks. Consequently, a large part of the day-to-day work of design engineers takes place at a desk, where products are designed virtually. Practical components such as building the first prototypes are also part of the daily work routine.

Basically, the job of a design engineer consists of the following main activities, which can of course vary depending on the industry, company and position:

• Design & development
• Creation of technical drawings
• Material selection for the specific application, based on design requirements for strength, durability, cost and other factors
• Computer-aided analysis and simulation to verify and optimize the performance and behavior of the designed product under various conditions
• Creation of prototypes and practical testing of the design drafts
• Documentation and reporting of project progress, including costs, schedules and technical specifications
• Coordinating with other teams such as architects, electrical engineers, manufacturers and clients

Both designers and engineers work on the development of new products, machines and systems. Designers specialize in the technical conception of a product, while engineers are responsible for the entire project. Design is therefore a sub-area of technical product development. However, there are also mixed forms in which both activities are combined.

Design engineers are needed in all industries in which products, machines, structures or systems have to be developed. The main sectors in which design engineers are particularly in demand are: Mechanical engineering, automotive industry, aerospace, construction, electronics & electrical engineering, energy & renewable energies or medical technology. In principle, design engineers are in demand in almost every company that develops and produces its own products.

As in many areas, there is no "one path" to a dream job for a career in construction. There are different tasks and positions in the design department, some of which require different requirements or different training and specialist knowledge. The following career paths are possible:

1. The classic training occupation: There are numerous training occupations that represent an ideal prerequisite for a career in construction or are even specifically aimed at this. Examples include the following professions: Technical product designer, technical draftsman, technical system planner or even CAD designer (m/f/d).
2. For a steeper career path, further training to become a "technician" (m/f/d) is a suitable addition. With a technician's qualification following training, coupled with a few years of professional experience, there are often new opportunities for more responsible positions and managerial activities.
3. A university entrance qualification and a technical degree in design engineering or related technical specializations in engineering or electrical engineering are often required for numerous managerial positions in design - especially with personnel and project responsibility. Here, industry-specific differences come into play as to which major suits the respective industry and position.
4. Finally, more and more career changers are also finding their way into the design office - provided they have the relevant industry experience, further training or retraining.

As in other industries, it is common in construction for most managerial positions to be held by qualified specialists, while technical training is often sufficient for support positions.

In any case, an interest in technology and machines, as well as a love of creativity, questioning the status quo, creating new things and developing and designing innovative concepts, are above and beyond the technical requirements. In addition to an eye for an appealing look, technical know-how for realistic feasibility must not be neglected. A combination of these talents and interests makes you the perfect candidate for a job in design.

Do you recognize yourself, your talents and interests in the design tasks described? Then there is certainly a suitable position for you in construction!