Two colleagues design a product.

Job profile

Technical product designer (m/f/d)

The profession of technical product designer is a multifaceted and exciting field of work that requires both technical understanding and creative thinking. Technical product designers are significantly involved in the development and design of products. They create technical drawings and models, work closely with engineers and product managers and contribute to finding innovative solutions from concept to production. 

As products, technology and requirements are constantly evolving and improving, technical product designers and their work are essential for a functioning society. They help to transform the visions and ideas of companies into tangible technical products that simplify people's everyday lives. 

Whether it's designing a new car, developing an innovative medical device or improving an everyday household appliance, the work of a technical product designer has a direct impact on the quality and functionality of the products we use every day. 

This profession offers a variety of challenges and opportunities for personal and professional development and demands both intellect and creativity.  

Key Facts
Technical Product Designer

Tasks

Creation of sketches, models and precise plans for technical products

Training

Specialisations: Machine and plant design or product design and construction

Skills

  • CAD knowledge
  • Knowledge of materials
  • Mathematical understanding
  • Craftsmanship

Salary

Ø 45,000 € annual salary
Between 960 and 1,120 € training salary

Title/no TItle

  • For job seekers
  • For employers
  • For freelancers

Are you looking for a Technical Product Designer (m/f/d) job?

Are you looking for a new challenge where your creativity is just as much in demand as your technical expertise? Use your skills as a technical product designer in the manufacture of furniture, electrical machines, computer hardware or in vehicle, machine and plant construction companies, for example. 

Are you looking for a Technical Product Designer (m/f/d)?

Are you looking for technical product designers who enjoy developing your product and at the same time have the necessary expertise to create technical design plans? With us, you will find the technical product designer that suits you.

Are you looking for an exciting project as a Technical Product Designer?

Have you already demonstrated your expertise as a technical product designer in several projects and are looking for a new challenge? Bring your industry-specific knowledge to a new project and actively support the creation and conceptualisation of further products and technical systems. 

What is a technical product designer?
Definition and overview

Technical product designers develop and manufacture various technical constructions, from the smallest plastic parts to industrial production systems. 
The role has grown out of the profession of technical draughtsman and has evolved due to new technological possibilities. Drawing is now done almost exclusively on the computer and no longer on graph paper. 
In their job, technical product designers are responsible for the drafting, design and conceptualisation of technical devices and machines. This involves precisely calculating and working out dimensions and models. They also select the appropriate manufacturing and joining processes and create product simulations. In this way, they can test whether and how the product works best before it goes into production. 
Thanks to their broad technical, design and material-specific knowledge, technical product designers can often be employed in the development and design departments of industrial companies. Technical product designers find their place above all in mechanical and plant engineering, vehicle construction and in the fields of mechatronics, electrical engineering and medical technology. 
Technical product design is a classic training occupation. Trainees have the opportunity to choose between two specialisations: Product design and construction or machine and system design. 

Technical product designer salary:
a comprehensive overview 

In Germany, the average salary for technical product designers is €45,000 per year. The company location, professional experience and company size have the greatest influence on the actual salary.

Technical product designer: Salary during training

Prospective technical product designers start their training with a salary of around €960 per month, which increases with each year of training up to a salary of €1,120. 

The training salary changes over the course of the training programme: 

1st year: 960 Euro
2nd year: 1,034 euros 
3rd year: 1,124 euros 
4th year: 1,214 euros 

The actual salary level of prospective technical product designers depends primarily on the respective federal state in which the training programme is completed. 

Starting salary as a technical product designer

After completing their training, technical product designers can earn a starting salary of between €1,700 and €2,800 gross per month. 

What does a technical product designer do?
Tasks and activities

In their job, technical product designers are responsible for planning, conceptualising and designing products.  
Depending on the specialisation, these may be machines and large technical devices (specialisation in mechanical and plant engineering) or components and assemblies (specialisation in product design and construction). 
When planning these products, the specialists pay attention to the precise technical requirements as well as the creative and design aspects. However, functionality is the top priority. 

The designers' work is always based on the customer's wishes and requirements. In some cases, they can draw on existing models and plans, which they then optimise and adapt. In other cases, they start by planning a completely new product. 
Models are calculated to the millimetre with the help of CAD (Computer Aided Design) programmes. These special software programmes help the experts to test all eventualities when planning a product and thus find out which materials, dimensions or techniques need to be used for the design.  

An outstanding technical understanding and knowledge of different materials, manufacturing processes or approaches to planning are relevant to their work. They can be just as involved in the development of a smartphone as in the construction of a forklift truck. 
The 3D models and drawings created by working with the CAD programme are later used by the designers to manufacture the product. Precise dimensional specifications are already given. The technical product designer then often creates a physical 3D model to visualise the design even better for the stakeholders involved. In many cases, tests are carried out on the model again to check its functionality. 

In addition to precise technical documentation of their work, technical product designers must also consider the cost aspect when planning. This is because the resources available to the client also determine the design options. Business management skills are therefore also an advantage when working in technical product design. 

Specific tasks of technical product designers are: 
  • Creation of sketches and design drafts
  • Drawing creation and modification with 3D CAD systems
  • Detailed elaboration
  • Creation of 3D models
  • Creation of parts lists
  • Creation of technical documentation
  • Project management in compliance with the specified times and objectives
  • Support for project designers
  • Accompaniment of the project up to product design

Where do you work as a technical product designer?

Technical product designers often work in the development and design departments of industrial companies and implement design sketches so that the object can be produced with millimetre precision. They primarily work on computers, where they can create sketches and plans independently using specialised CAD software. However, they also work in large production halls, where they have their models made and test different materials. 

In their job, technical product designers have an overview of the necessary work steps, materials and costs that arise during production. If things get tricky at any point, they can offer practical solutions thanks to their creative way of thinking. 

Technical product designer
training, studies & further education

No degree is required for the profession of technical product designer. It is an apprenticeship in which you can choose between specialising in "product design and construction" or "machine and system design".  
Before 2011, the official name for the profession was "technical draughtsman", until this was replaced by "technical product designer" following a reform of the training regulations.  

Technical product designer training: The practical path

The profession of technical product designer is a classic apprenticeship in which trainees can choose between different specialisations. 
Training to become a technical product designer is a dual training programme that generally lasts 3.5 years. It takes place both at the vocational school and in the training company. 
At vocational school, trainees acquire the theoretical knowledge they need for their work. This includes the following subject areas, among others: 

  • Technical drawing and design 

  • Information technology 

  • Electrical engineering 

  • Machine elements 

  • Manufacturing technology 

  • Materials science 

Trainees learn about the practical side of the profession at the training company. They work on real projects and learn how to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Their tasks include, among other things: 

  • Creation of technical drawings and 3D models 

  • Application of quality management methods 

  • Planning and control of work processes 

  • Carrying out calculations 

Technical product designer training:
2 specialisations

Training as a technical product designer is offered in two specialisations: 
Product design and construction: In this specialisation, trainees design and develop components and assemblies. They select the necessary materials, standards and assembly techniques, taking into account costs, design and technical possibilities. 
Machine and system design: In this specialisation, trainees are involved in the product development of large machines and devices and translate the engineers' specifications into CAD drawings. 

Studying to become a technical product designer: The academic career path

Although it is not compulsory, technical product designers can complete a degree programme (while working), which makes their career prospects even more attractive. There is also the option of distance learning, which makes it possible to combine work, family and studies.  
Suitable degree programmes for technical product designers are: 

  • Mechanical engineering 

  • Construction technology 

  • Civil Engineering 

  • Product or industrial design 

However, a theoretical Bachelor's degree alone is not enough to embark on a career as a technical product designer. If you have not yet completed an apprenticeship, you should choose a dual study programme that also teaches practical skills in an industrial company. 

Further training as a technical product designer: numerous opportunities

Due to numerous technological developments, there are many opportunities for further training for technical product designers.  

Possible topics for further training in technical product design are: 

  • CAD (Computer Aided Design) 

  • Holography 

  • Smart materials 

  • Business Administration 

  • 3D printing 

SKILLS OF A TECHNICAL PRODUCT DESIGNER

To be able to produce correct calculations and millimetre-precise drawings, this profession requires above all mathematical and technical skills. 
In addition to the ability to conceptualise, design and develop components and products, technical product designers should have good knowledge of detailing and drawing creation. 

This requires the following hard skills: 

  • Very good 2D and 3D CAD skills (AutoCAD, Inventor and other CAD tools) 

  • Craftsmanship

  • Good mathematical understanding 

  • Knowledge of different manufacturing methods 

  • Knowledge of the material properties 

These soft skills are also an advantage: 

  • reliability 

  • Ability to work in a team 

  • Commitment and flexibility  

  • Solution-orientation 

  • Analytical way of thinking 

  • Creativity 

  • Independent and structured way of working 

Technical product designer career:
opportunities on the labour market  

Candidates with a good degree, a high level of technical understanding, a systematic way of working and team spirit have a particularly good chance of finding a job in this profession. There are many vacancies and a high demand for experienced technical product designers, particularly in large cities such as Hamburg, Munich and Berlin. 
In the course of your career, there may be a number of opportunities for advancement that can be achieved through higher professional qualifications. 

These subsequent degrees enable you to climb further up the career ladder: 

  • State-certified technician 

  • Technical business economist 

  • State-certified designer 

Top vacancies
for technical product designers (m/f/d)

FAQ

What does a technical product designer earn?

On average, technical product designers in Germany earn around €45,000 per year. During training, the salary is between €960 and €1,120 per month.

What does a technical product designer earn?

On average, technical product designers in Germany earn around €45,000 per year. During training, the salary is between €960 and €1,120 per month.


What does a technical product designer do?

A technical product designer creates technical drawings and 3D models, carries out calculations and plans work processes in order to manufacture technical products.  

What does a technical product designer do?

A technical product designer creates technical drawings and 3D models, carries out calculations and plans work processes in order to manufacture technical products.  


Is the profession of technical product designer difficult?

The profession of technical product designer requires technical understanding, spatial awareness and accuracy. Apprentices learn these skills during their training.

Is the profession of technical product designer difficult?

The profession of technical product designer requires technical understanding, spatial awareness and accuracy. Apprentices learn these skills during their training.

What subjects does a technical product designer study?

The technical product designer training programme includes subjects such as technical drawing and design, materials science, production engineering, machine elements, electrical engineering and information technology. 

What subjects does a technical product designer study?

The technical product designer training programme includes subjects such as technical drawing and design, materials science, production engineering, machine elements, electrical engineering and information technology. 


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