Retired now, I had a career working in R&D departments doing product design. I have had various job titles that included words like design and engineer but never product. Nonetheless, I think doing product design engineering was a very satisfying job. It is a job that allows one to bring together many different skills and outlooks, which makes for an interesting journey through the design process. It is one of those jobs that is enjoyable enough to not seem like work.
As a product development associate looking to transition to a PD role, this video is perfect to better understand what lies ahead! Thanks for putting this together Adam
Your mentor is the wisest Engineer that I’ve heard of to date. Their outlook on the value of gained knowledge is unmatched, and exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely subscribing to your channel. Recently started my role as a Product Design Engineer - Graduate Intern and I'm loving it. Your insights really resonates with some of the experiences I've had within the past 3 months
This video was really helpful! I’m a mechanical engineering student interested in PD doing alot of independent learning in this field. Please make more videos!
Great video! I'm currently a master student majoring in mechanical engineering and I've always wanted to become a PDE. This video really helps me a lot!
This video was the most well put together video on youtube! Thank you. I start a product engineer position in a week and I wanted to get an overview of what the role is. You gave a great explanation!
Very informative video. This will be helpful for WWU students who are deciding between engineering and industrial design. Great to see details about what you do every day, Adam!
Hi Nicole! Glad to hear you found it informative and helpful for students on the fence between engineering and industrial design! Hope you and the WWU team are doing great!
I'm considering getting into Product Design. Honestly, I've searched through for videos that provide technical information about Product Design, and your video is the only eye opener I've come across. Thank you for being you! *Also, I'm desperately up for mentorship. If you have the bandwidth, let me know!
Hi! I’m glad to hear I was able to provide some informative technical information with respect to the PD role! Reach out to my LinkedIn (linked on my YT homepage) and I’d be more than happy to arrange a 15 minute sync.
Thanks for this amazing video! What would you recommend for a high schooler looking to get into the field? Also, is ABET certification in an Engineering discipline important if Product Design is the end goal?
That's really cool! I was just wondering if the relationship between Industrial designers and Product design engineers is comparable to those of Architects (focused on the design) and civil engineers (focused on the technical aspects of the building, its structure, foundation, etc.) when working on a building for example
Recently as I'm looking for a job, I've seen that most jobs titled "Product designer" are for Digital products and software UX design. Eventhough my bachelor's degree is in Product design I always apply as an Industrial designer
What are stacks of TA's? Some PD's are excellent at understanding them? Awesome video, btw! The differences between PD & ID helped me- and was almost kind of poetic! Thank you
I'm currently considering becoming like a "Freelance PD" because no company seems to ever get back to me. Is that really even a thing? As in: customer has a problem or desire a product, I offer the Fabrication/solution, make it, and they move forward with the results. Could be a toy, prop, schedule or sorting system. Is saying "I'm a PD" the right way to encapsulate what I'm intending? Beyond my degree, is there any other certifications required to legally be a engineer? Sick video!
Thank you so much for the video. Was wondering if you had any advice on creating a PD portfolio? I'm about to be a new grad and I'm looking to apply to these types of roles.
Honestly, not all PD roles require a PD portfolio. Some companies ask for a design challenge, or a presentation during the interview process instead. If a portfolio is needed, the recruiter will most likely ask for it. I would advise to apply first to many roles you find interesting, and then create one if a portfolio is needed. My portfolios in the past have been created based on what the company you are interviewing for makes day to day. See how your previous projects and problems you've solved might be able to benefit those products. Hope this helps!
I want to learn design really badly and I don't know my way around it, I'll love you recommend a way to acquire this knowledge and start to earn with the skill.
@judekemu8026 the major skills and design tools knowledge is required to unlock your potential of product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.
I would download fusion 360 and start a free trial if CAD product design is really what you are after. I have a beginner fusion 360 tutorial where I walk you through start to finish to design a phone stand. Start there and see how you like it 👍
Hey Adam, I wanted to ask what you feel about the chances of a Physics major to break into the world of PD. Several decisions factored into me studying Physics, and while I really enjoy it, I would like to use the principles to design something. As you mentioned, most people in this field have an engineering degree. The biggest deviation I've seen is architecture or similar BAs entering as well. Even if I wish to formalize my interest into a masters degree, people expect to have have studied product design already, so I find it rather to figure out the roadmap. I am participating in design competitions to learn thing on my own, and proceed from there, but if you have some more insights that'd be great!
if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer..... if not then i can teach you.
Hey Adam! Great video and advice. I would love to get into Product Design Engineering myself, but I have a Bachelor's degree in CS. Do you think a Masters in ME would be a viable decision to get into the field, or do you see an undergrad in an ME related field necessary?
Hi! I’ve seen it play out a few different ways, so I would say there is a “one size fits all” approach. But, I do also know someone who became a software engineer at Amazon and then transitioned into a PD role. They grew their design skills outside of their 9-5 and then interviewed internally. Bottom line, don’t let your undergraduate CS degree eliminate the potential for becoming a PD!
Hi Akahay! That’s a great goal. A great place to start is by checking career opportunities on all big tech websites as well as angellist.co for startup job opportunities! I would focus on speaking to projects you dive deep in and know the ins and outs of every detail as a result. Best of luck!
@@ThusithaJayakody honestly, your undergrad is sufficient to apply to a PD role. If you don’t have PD experience, I’d buy/make your own 3D printer, learn fusion 360 and start and document your projects!
38 is just the beginning, however if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.
Hi Adam! Wanted to ask.. in order to become a PD Engineer in the states, is a bachelor’s degree enough to secure a job? Or you need to take a licensure exam in order to get a Job.. Would Appreciate a reply. Thanks for your help!
I'm currently working as an architect, product designing has been my passion. But i don't know if the transition is worth it or how much am i going to succeed in it. I search for product designing and there's a plethora of stuff out there...with the same name.
its never be late,......people from production, service, IT have changed their career. if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.....if you want to learn these i can teach you...
Hello Adam. Can you help me find a remote job as a design engineer? I am currently working for a company in my town where they make water treatment and purification equipment and fruit juicing equipment, but I want a job that I can work from home. I have more than 3 years experience in Inventor software from Autodesk and Autocad.
Hi Adam, Fascinating video! Unfortunately, I could only watch the first 5 or 6 minutes due to the loud background music. Have you considered lowering the volume to make the content more accessible for autistic viewers like me? Just a suggestion. Thanks!
CAD software varies company to company. Amazon uses Creo, Solidworks mainly, Apple uses NX etc. My recommendation would be to learn the one which requires the least amount of capital to get started (I’m biased towards Fusion 360). Most of those skills you learn in that one CAD software can be transferred and applied to new softwares and interfaces.
Oh hey! So apparently it's super easy to hit the like button up there. Go ahead and give it a try, it won't bite 😄
Retired now, I had a career working in R&D departments doing product design. I have had various job titles that included words like design and engineer but never product. Nonetheless, I think doing product design engineering was a very satisfying job. It is a job that allows one to bring together many different skills and outlooks, which makes for an interesting journey through the design process. It is one of those jobs that is enjoyable enough to not seem like work.
Hello sir, if you don't mind me asking what's the job of programmers in PD¿? I
Designers never retire 😎
As a product development associate looking to transition to a PD role, this video is perfect to better understand what lies ahead! Thanks for putting this together Adam
Glad to hear you found some value in the video! Thanks for the support Victor
Your mentor is the wisest Engineer that I’ve heard of to date. Their outlook on the value of gained knowledge is unmatched, and exactly what I needed to hear today. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely subscribing to your channel. Recently started my role as a Product Design Engineer - Graduate Intern and I'm loving it. Your insights really resonates with some of the experiences I've had within the past 3 months
This video was really helpful! I’m a mechanical engineering student interested in PD doing alot of independent learning in this field. Please make more videos!
Great video! I'm currently a master student majoring in mechanical engineering and I've always wanted to become a PDE. This video really helps me a lot!
hey!! I’m a junior in highschool and I want to major in the same thing u major in, so I just wanted to ask about how that is
Great highlight of the joy in my life, Making.
This video was the most well put together video on youtube! Thank you.
I start a product engineer position in a week and I wanted to get an overview of what the role is. You gave a great explanation!
this is the best PD video I have come across. Great work, Adam. The background music was way too distracting so maybe tone it down a little.
Because of your video I endeed up knowing lots of engineering positions in a manufacturing company
Awesome!
As an aspiring industrial designer, this is a very helpful video.
It is real challenge to be good PD, long time learning and a strong heart, respect from China.😛
Very informative video. This will be helpful for WWU students who are deciding between engineering and industrial design. Great to see details about what you do every day, Adam!
Hi Nicole! Glad to hear you found it informative and helpful for students on the fence between engineering and industrial design! Hope you and the WWU team are doing great!
Great video! Plz keep making them
Thanks for the support! That’s the goal
Thanks for the incredibly useful video!
I'm considering getting into Product Design. Honestly, I've searched through for videos that provide technical information about Product Design, and your video is the only eye opener I've come across. Thank you for being you!
*Also, I'm desperately up for mentorship. If you have the bandwidth, let me know!
Hi! I’m glad to hear I was able to provide some informative technical information with respect to the PD role! Reach out to my LinkedIn (linked on my YT homepage) and I’d be more than happy to arrange a 15 minute sync.
Very informative! Thanks mate! 🤙
Thanks Morgan!
Thanks for this amazing video! What would you recommend for a high schooler looking to get into the field? Also, is ABET certification in an Engineering discipline important if Product Design is the end goal?
That's really cool! I was just wondering if the relationship between Industrial designers and Product design engineers is comparable to those of Architects (focused on the design) and civil engineers (focused on the technical aspects of the building, its structure, foundation, etc.) when working on a building for example
Recently as I'm looking for a job, I've seen that most jobs titled "Product designer" are for Digital products and software UX design.
Eventhough my bachelor's degree is in Product design I always apply as an Industrial designer
Nice video…you should run simulations on all your designs in all your free time!
Haha sounds good to me! What is sleep 🤪
So these corporates are finally looking for mechanical engineers as well and not only software engineers
What are stacks of TA's? Some PD's are excellent at understanding them?
Awesome video, btw! The differences between PD & ID helped me- and was almost kind of poetic! Thank you
I'm currently considering becoming like a "Freelance PD" because no company seems to ever get back to me. Is that really even a thing?
As in: customer has a problem or desire a product, I offer the Fabrication/solution, make it, and they move forward with the results. Could be a toy, prop, schedule or sorting system. Is saying "I'm a PD" the right way to encapsulate what I'm intending? Beyond my degree, is there any other certifications required to legally be a engineer? Sick video!
Great video! I think you never explained what TAs are : )
Thank you so much for the video. Was wondering if you had any advice on creating a PD portfolio? I'm about to be a new grad and I'm looking to apply to these types of roles.
Honestly, not all PD roles require a PD portfolio. Some companies ask for a design challenge, or a presentation during the interview process instead. If a portfolio is needed, the recruiter will most likely ask for it. I would advise to apply first to many roles you find interesting, and then create one if a portfolio is needed. My portfolios in the past have been created based on what the company you are interviewing for makes day to day. See how your previous projects and problems you've solved might be able to benefit those products. Hope this helps!
I want to learn design really badly and I don't know my way around it, I'll love you recommend a way to acquire this knowledge and start to earn with the skill.
@judekemu8026 the major skills and design tools knowledge is required to unlock your potential of product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.
I would download fusion 360 and start a free trial if CAD product design is really what you are after. I have a beginner fusion 360 tutorial where I walk you through start to finish to design a phone stand. Start there and see how you like it 👍
Hey Adam, I wanted to ask what you feel about the chances of a Physics major to break into the world of PD. Several decisions factored into me studying Physics, and while I really enjoy it, I would like to use the principles to design something. As you mentioned, most people in this field have an engineering degree. The biggest deviation I've seen is architecture or similar BAs entering as well. Even if I wish to formalize my interest into a masters degree, people expect to have have studied product design already, so I find it rather to figure out the roadmap. I am participating in design competitions to learn thing on my own, and proceed from there, but if you have some more insights that'd be great!
if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer..... if not then i can teach you.
Hey Adam! Great video and advice. I would love to get into Product Design Engineering myself, but I have a Bachelor's degree in CS. Do you think a Masters in ME would be a viable decision to get into the field, or do you see an undergrad in an ME related field necessary?
Hi! I’ve seen it play out a few different ways, so I would say there is a “one size fits all” approach. But, I do also know someone who became a software engineer at Amazon and then transitioned into a PD role. They grew their design skills outside of their 9-5 and then interviewed internally. Bottom line, don’t let your undergraduate CS degree eliminate the potential for becoming a PD!
Hi Adam,
I want to get a job as Pde....can you please guide.....
Hi Akahay! That’s a great goal. A great place to start is by checking career opportunities on all big tech websites as well as angellist.co for startup job opportunities! I would focus on speaking to projects you dive deep in and know the ins and outs of every detail as a result. Best of luck!
why the music on the background, couldn't finish the video
Noted :)
I'm a mechanical project engineer. I want to do a masters in product design and make a career shift. Is it too late to start a PD career at age 38?
Only 38? You’ve got plenty of time! What’s your undergrad in?
@@adamtjames I've got a BSc Mechanical eng...
@@ThusithaJayakody honestly, your undergrad is sufficient to apply to a PD role. If you don’t have PD experience, I’d buy/make your own 3D printer, learn fusion 360 and start and document your projects!
38 is just the beginning, however if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.
@@concepttocreation74 Thank you so much for the valuable opinion
Hi Adam! Wanted to ask.. in order to become a PD Engineer in the states, is a bachelor’s degree enough to secure a job? Or you need to take a licensure exam in order to get a Job..
Would Appreciate a reply.
Thanks for your help!
Hi,
Degree is enough, you need to learn certain tools such as brainstorm, design thinking, design selection, FEA, CFD, Dfmea, DFa,dfm....
I'm currently working as an architect, product designing has been my passion. But i don't know if the transition is worth it or how much am i going to succeed in it. I search for product designing and there's a plethora of stuff out there...with the same name.
its never be late,......people from production, service, IT have changed their career. if you have these major skills and design tools knowledge then you can be a potential product designer. I am sure you must be having the knowledge of design thinking, understanding customer requirement, funnel the ideas, thinking about its failure modes, engineering calculations, Stackup, DFM, DFA etc.. If you really wanted to be a successful designer these are the basic skill sets of the engineer.....if you want to learn these i can teach you...
Hello Adam. Can you help me find a remote job as a design engineer? I am currently working for a company in my town where they make water treatment and purification equipment and fruit juicing equipment, but I want a job that I can work from home. I have more than 3 years experience in Inventor software from Autodesk and Autocad.
what is the job market of this occupation in canada and america? is the salary and working hours worth it?
Product Design Engineers typically do mechanical engineering in school.
I guess the first rule of product design is never reinvent the wheel.
rules is for losers.
Hi Adam,
Fascinating video! Unfortunately, I could only watch the first 5 or 6 minutes due to the loud background music. Have you considered lowering the volume to make the content more accessible for autistic viewers like me? Just a suggestion. Thanks!
Could you please let us know which CAD software you use for developing the models?
CAD software varies company to company. Amazon uses Creo, Solidworks mainly, Apple uses NX etc.
My recommendation would be to learn the one which requires the least amount of capital to get started (I’m biased towards Fusion 360). Most of those skills you learn in that one CAD software can be transferred and applied to new softwares and interfaces.
A question that always crosses my mind, can I call the product designer that he is an engineer?
only if he have engineer degree.
wait wait industrial design different from product design engineering?? Isn't it the same term as I thought?😥
Great question! Different roles in the consumer electronic industry. 👍
Just traumatize me with that chime notice... lmao
Chinese engineer assistance is common and truly made in China
where can I find product engineers like you for my product? I can hire your team on Amazon?
Thanks for the vid. Incessant background music is annoying. Feels kinds adhd
I need a product design engineer.