Question 1

What is a Development Engineer?

Accepted Answer

Development engineers solve problems. They optimize existing products and technical processes, and design and develop new solutions. The basis for optimization often lies in the goals set by the management in areas such as production, quality, and cost. New products and processes are developed primarily based on customer needs and requirements, as well as market observations.

Question 2

What Are The Tasks Of A Development Engineer?

Accepted Answer

A development engineer has the main task of creating innovative and market-oriented technical solutions by using resources such as time, money, personnel, materials, and energy efficiently. They evaluate various solution approaches through feasibility studies to assess their feasibility and impact.

Specifically, the development engineer collects new ideas and first translates them into sketches. Using software such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), they develop 3D models and eventually prototypes. They internally discuss the solution with research and development, production, and marketing departments to clarify its acceptance, marketability, relevance, and implementation possibilities. Externally, they collaborate with customers to customize the presented solution according to their needs.

In basic research, the development engineer keeps track of scientific advancements and examines them for economically feasible applications and utilization opportunities. As a result, they also influence the dissemination of new technologies.

The tasks of a development engineer include:

Optimizing existing products and processes
Identifying, analyzing, and evaluating trends
Developing new products and technical procedures
Working with software such as CAD and MATLAB
Creating sketches, drawings, models, and prototypes
Testing prototypes and evaluating the results
Conducting meetings and presentations to showcase the results internally and externally
Aligning the product with customer, market, and company requirements
Managing employees
Administrative processes

Question 3

What Specializations Are There For Development Engineers?

Accepted Answer

According to the Association of German Engineers (VDI), development engineers are highly practice-oriented in their field of work. They work either in research and development or in design and planning. Development engineers are represented in various industries, similar to other engineers. Particularly popular areas include automotive engineering, the automotive industry, the supplier industry, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, energy generation, as well as safety and medical technology. The professional profile of development engineers is diverse. For example, in automotive engineering, they may be involved in the design and production of prototypes, while in mechanical and plant engineering, they can calculate, further develop, optimize, and build models of systems.

Question 4

How Do You Become A Development Engineer?

Accepted Answer

Development engineers must have completed a relevant degree program, either at a university or a technical college, similar to other engineers. Suitable fields of study may include mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or process engineering, for example. While a bachelor's degree is considered professionally qualifying, for positions in research and development, it is recommended to have at least a master's degree or even a doctorate to gain in-depth technical expertise.

During their studies, students should already focus on specific areas, for example, through internships in research or design departments of companies. Professional experience in other related fields is only required in exceptional cases. Typically, one can directly enter professional life as a development engineer, as the specific domain knowledge is further developed within the company. Some companies also offer trainee programs.

In addition to technical knowledge, creativity, motivation, sense of responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills are considered desirable qualities. Development engineers, like other engineers, are increasingly working internationally. Therefore, fluent English is usually mandatory in most cases.

Question 5

How Much Does A Development Engineer Earn?

Accepted Answer

In Germany, the average salary of a development engineer is around €5,000 gross per month, which amounts to approximately €60,000 per year. The salary range varies depending on factors such as the company, educational attainment (bachelor's, master's, or diploma), professional experience, and skills, typically ranging between €48,000 and €81,000 per year. Similar to other professions, the monthly income of a development engineer depends on several factors, including:

Industry
Company size
Company location
Professional experience
Additional skills

The starting salary for a junior development engineer with a bachelor's degree is approximately €3,100 per month, which translates to around €37,000 per year. With a master's degree, the starting salary increases by about €3,000. As professional experience and responsibilities within the company grow, so does the salary. In general, the range is between approximately €3,800 and €5,300 per month, or roughly €45,600 to €63,600 per year. Senior development engineers can earn a monthly salary of up to €7,750, amounting to around €93,000 per year.

Question 6

What Career Opportunities Are There For Development Engineers?

Accepted Answer

Despite the uncertain economic situation due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, engineers remain in high demand in the job market, especially in the innovation hub of Germany. Companies are undergoing transformation processes where new developments are essential, giving development engineers an advantage. Digitalization is being driven across all industries, and the automotive sector, for example, is aiming to transition to e-mobility.

The VDI (Association of German Engineers) also predicts significant future potential for engineers in general, and particularly for development engineers, especially in the fields of computer science and renewable energy. Large companies with their own research and development departments are especially interested in hiring development engineers, as reported by the VDI. Smaller companies may be more inclined to hire design engineers who are responsible for product or process improvement.

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