what is a development engineer?
As a development engineer, you drive technological progress forward. You rely on your creative mindset to do so. You design and optimise production processes, products, and technologies. In this, you draw on ideas from research and translate them into your specialised field. An important area of your work is the transfer of technology from research into practical application. You ensure that your solutions meet user requirements and even offer added value. Whether it's machinery or calculation tools for automatic control systems, you need a strong technical understanding. At the same time, you keep an eye on costs. Besides technical requirements, economic considerations are also crucial for efficient utilisation. Sounds exciting? Then read on to find out how you can succeed as a development engineer.
development engineer jobsworking as a development engineer.
You are primarily technically skilled and innovative as a development engineer. The specific tasks you focus on depend on your area of specialisation. However, there are common responsibilities that apply to everyone. Find out more about your role as a development engineer.
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your area of responsibility
Regardless of your area of expertise, your daily tasks as a development engineer include:
- Create a requirements profile: As a development engineer, you design products and technologies for companies or clients. To do this, you prepare a requirements profile, known as a specification document. It includes all the demands, that is exactly what needs to be done and what purpose it serves. Ultimately, your development should meet all needs and provide added value.
- Check feasibility: The requirements are clear, and your ideas are on the table. Now, you assess whether everything is achievable. For example, you might conduct market research. This way, you find out whether your optimised product is competitive.
- Create a specification document: The foundation for all development phases of your product is the so-called specification document. It includes all requirements from the requirements specification. You determine how and with what the product should be realised.
- Developing product design: From your idea, the product now takes shape. You create engineering drawings and prototypes, supported digitally by Computer Assisted Engineering (CAE).
- Test the functionality: The product is taking shape. Now, you check whether everything works according to the specifications. If you spot any weaknesses or errors, you make improvements. Only when everything is perfect do you proceed to mass production.
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who are your colleagues?
As a development engineer, you work with computer aided programmes and artificial intelligence. You measure, test, improve, and build prototypes. However, you also interact with real colleagues. Who exactly you collaborate with depends on several factors. Firstly, the company you work for plays a role. Secondly, your area of specialisation influences your environment. Your immediate colleagues include designers, project managers, and quality managers. IT specialists are also among your colleagues.
types of development engineers.
You can specialise as a development engineer in various fields, such as:
- Development engineer in electronics: In this role, you will develop complex hardware for so-called embedded systems. This includes creating functional prototypes with documentation, designing printed circuit board layouts, and developing circuit concepts. Additionally, you will conduct tests and develop testing fixtures.
- Development engineer software: This role is all about designing, developing, and testing software. Thanks to your expertise in system architecture, you ensure customised solutions for clients. Simulation software also falls within your responsibilities.
- Development engineer in mechanics: Depending on the area you work in, you assess specifications in terms of customer requirements. You create models and drawings, establish specifications, and analyse test results. Additionally, you optimise design and processes.
- Development engineer in measurement Technology: For the transmission of electrical energy in the grid, innovative measuring instruments are required. You will develop and test electronic sensors and transducers. Additionally, you will integrate them into the cloud or IoT systems. This includes all electronic components for digital signal processing, communication, and control.
salary as a development engineer.
Your gross salary as a development engineer depends on several factors. These include your specialisation and level of experience. On popular job platforms, you'll find a wide range of salaries. As a development engineer, you can typically expect an entry level salary of around 78,000 CHF per year. That works out to approximately 6,800 CHF per month. Find out more here about your gross salary as a development engineer.
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how much do I earn as a development engineer in a permanent position?
As a development engineer, your gross salary ranges between 78,000 and 120,000 CHF per year. That’s roughly 6,800 to 10,000 CHF per month. The median salary is around 83,000 CHF, which works out to about 6,900 CHF monthly. Of course, specialising in certain fields can lead to higher earnings. The more complex your area of responsibility, the higher your salary tends to be. Additionally, some companies offer extra benefits such as longer holidays, flexible working arrangements, and training opportunities. The region where you work also influences your pay; for example, larger companies in Zurich tend to pay more than those in Basel.
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in which industry do I earn the most as a development engineer?
Depending on your specialisation, you can find well paid positions in the ICT sector and the pharmaceutical industry. Particularly in medical technology, companies offer excellent pay. You can also expect attractive gross salaries in the construction industry. But it's not just the monthly base salary that makes a role appealing. Be sure to look at the additional benefits too. Decide based on the overall package, considering what matters most to you.
vocational training and further education as a development engineer.
Generally, as a development engineer, you will need a technical degree with a bachelor's or master's qualification. You can obtain this at a University Of Applied Sciences, a Technical University, or an Swiss Federal Institute of Technology. For your foundational studies, fields such as engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or electrical engineering are suitable. Some companies also accept a technical basic education, such as an EFZ qualification as a polymechanic, combined with further training as a mechanical engineer. In your profession, it’s important to keep up with the times. Technologies evolve at an incredible pace, so it’s essential that your expertise stays current.
positions as development engineer.
As a development engineer, you work across various industries. You are mainly in demand in the manufacturing sector, electrical engineering, computer science, and energy production. Even colleges and universities value your expertise in research. The complexity is increasing, and innovative professionals like you are essential. Companies primarily target specialists with several years of professional experience. Are you looking for an interesting position as a development engineer? Take a look at our listings on this page.
positions for career changers as development engineers.
Development engineers are highly qualified and in demand professionals. As a creative problem solver, you are particularly well suited to tackling complex issues. The foundation for a successful career is built through a technical degree. Even if you're switching careers, you have good prospects. However, you should have a technical affinity and some professional experience. Opportunities are especially good for machine operators and IT specialists. If you're lacking certain skills, consider enrolling in part time courses. Further training is always worthwhile in the technical field. The demand for qualified specialists is set to increase.
career opportunities and potential as a development engineer.
Your career prospects as a development engineer are excellent. As a highly qualified professional, you play a key role in product development and research. The challenges are significant: advancing digitalisation, environmentally friendly mobility, and energy generation from renewable sources. As an expert, you are in high demand, particularly within large companies that have their own research and development departments. You can also pursue your research interests at universities. The best conditions for securing an attractive position are a master’s degree or a PhD. Even a managerial role is within reach. For example, as a project manager, you would be responsible for the successful realisation of a project. In addition to technical expertise, you will need leadership skills. Are you looking to develop further as a development engineer? Take a look at our tests and tips.
competencies as a development engineer.
Your key skills as a development engineer include:
- Communication skills: As a development engineer, you listen carefully and internalise requirements. You then develop your product design. The most innovative product is only successful if you can convince customers or management of its value. You have a knack for translating complex issues into simple terms. Thanks to your strong communication skills, you effectively convey the benefits and added value.
- Research spirit: Curiosity, perseverance, and courage drive you as a development engineer. You explore new paths and are willing to take some detours along the way. It’s this unconventional thinking and your persistence that push you forward. Only then can you discover innovative solutions and develop products that don’t yet exist.
- Attention to detail: As a development engineer, you are characterised by a meticulous work style. Your plan succeeds precisely because you consider every detail. You identify and fix even the smallest system errors. Only in this way is it possible to bring a new product to series production readiness.
- Social skills: As a development engineer, you're not working in isolation. While computers and artificial intelligence are important tools, you also interact with people. Customers or management share their needs with you. Most of the time, it’s necessary to communicate with specialised colleagues. Your interpersonal skills help you in this. As a creative thinker, you implement requirements and minimise conflicts as much as possible.
benefits of working as a development engineer at randstad.
There are many good reasons to work at Randstad as a development engineer:
✓ exciting jobs at well known companies
✓ a reliable point of contact whenever you need one; personalised advice matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ further education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s the opportunity to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many well known companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad
your professional development budget as a development engineer at randstad.
If you work as a development engineer for Randstad, you have access to further training courses. As part of the temp training programme from swissstaffing, you can attend training sessions. You will be reimbursed for the course fees later, provided you pass the course exam. Your consultant from Randstad is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge all during your working hours as a development engineer.
application tips for development engineers at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a development engineer? It’s not just your qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalised documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to optimise your chances:
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1. finding a development engineer position
Search through Randstad job offers. If you can't find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally, without any obligation, or to create a Randstad profile.
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2. applying as a development engineer
The job advert continues: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete.
✓ CV with photograph
✓ work references & diplomas
You don't have a CV yet, or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using an Online Free Template.
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3. preparing for a job interview as a development engineer
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the interview as a development engineer.
Here you’ll find tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Here you will find the answers to frequently asked questions about the role of development engineer.
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what does a development engineer do?
As a development engineer, you specialise in creating new technologies and products. Additionally, you optimise existing systems and machinery. You drive technological progress forward, ensuring that your solutions meet the requirements and offer added value. Your customised models are both functional and cost effective. At the same time, you keep an eye on technological developments. You assess which new approaches are interesting and feasible to implement. As an innovator and problem solver, you look forward to new challenges. Find out more about your responsibilities as a development engineer here.
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how much do I earn as a development engineer?
Your gross salary as a development engineer ranges between 78,000 and 120,000 CHF per year. That’s roughly 6,800 to 10,000 CHF per month. Your education, work experience, and specialisation have a significant impact on your annual earnings. In a complex working environment, you may even earn above the average annual salary. Additionally, many companies offer attractive benefits. The region where you work also plays a role in your salary. Find out more about your gross income as a development engineer on this page.
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is a development engineer a good profession?
If your curiosity drives you and you enjoy taking a pioneering role, then a career as a development engineer is right for you. In this diverse technical profession, you can fully pursue your passion. Experts in technical development are in high demand in the job market. As a result, the need will continue to grow, and you will have the freedom to choose your roles. Every day brings a new challenge, whether in research or practical implementation. Boredom is a foreign concept in this profession. Additionally, the entire world of specialisation is open to you. As you develop yourself into an expert, your gross salary can reach new heights. Want to work as a development engineer? Read on to find out what awaits you.
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is it difficult to be a development engineer?
A development engineer is a challenging and highly exciting profession. You prepare for it thoroughly during your studies. Every day, you solve puzzles and sometimes come up with groundbreaking solutions. With plenty of curiosity and attention to detail, success is just around the corner. Strong communication skills and social competence support you in your work. If you're wondering what makes the role of a development engineer so appealing, you'll find out right here.
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do you need experience to become a development engineer?
With several years of professional experience, your chances of securing an attractive position as a development engineer increase. Large companies with research and development departments often require practical experience. Even as a career changer, having a technical affinity and work experience gives you a good foundation. Right after university, you initially gain experience. You learn from experienced colleagues and mentors. You only take on complex challenges once you have proven and further developed your skills. Through Randstad, you can find roles for career changers and experienced professionals. On this page, discover which skills you need as a development engineer.
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what requirements do I need to meet to become a development engineer?
Your path to an attractive position as a development engineer begins with a technical degree. Depending on where you wish to work, you will hold either a bachelor's or a master's qualification. If university research appeals to you, pursuing a PhD can be particularly beneficial. With a foundational degree in engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering, you will have the best possible starting point. Career changers with a basic technical education (EFZ) stand good chances if they can demonstrate several years of professional experience. Additionally, qualities such as a research mindset, creativity, and social skills will support you in your career. Are you looking for an interesting role with prospects? Discover our range of opportunities for development engineers here.
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how do I apply for a vacant position as a development engineer?
Your application as a development engineer is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job board for available positions in your area. Have you found an interesting opportunity? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates straight away. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you in putting together a compelling application.