What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Design Engineer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.
How does a Design Engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?
Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.
What does a Design Engineer do?
A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.
What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?
| Aspect | Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|
| Required Credentials | Bachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferred | Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional |
| Work Environment | Design offices, CAD software, project planning | Manufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Product design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goods | Manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors |
Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.
What is it like to work at Arthrex?
Arthrex is a company that values innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving patient outcomes, fostering a culture that encourages creativity and teamwork. The company's mission-driven approach is reflected in its research and development facilities, where employees work alongside surgeons and engineers to design and manufacture medical devices, and in its global network of facilities that support a wide range of medical specialties. Working at Arthrex may appeal to candidates who are passionate about advancing medical technology and are interested in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that offers opportunities for professional growth and development.
Do workers at Arthrex get paid breaks?
Sometimes. Only some people get paid breaks.
34% of people say they don’t get paid breaks.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Does Arthrex pay people when they’re sick?
Yes. Most people get paid when they’re sick.
91% of people say they would get paid if they were sick but scheduled to work.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
At Arthrex, are sick days and vacation days separate paid time off?
Sick days and vacation days are used from the same paid time off.
94% of people say they have to use vacation days when they’re out sick.
Based on data from 34 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Is the health insurance from Arthrex affordable enough for their workers?
Most people say the health insurance costs are okay.
100% of people say the health insurance costs are okay
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Do people get paid time off at Arthrex?
Most people get paid time off work.
97% of people say they get paid time off.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
How far ahead of time do people find out their work schedule?
Most people find out their schedule less than four weeks ahead of time.
- 67% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts one week or less ahead of time.
- 0% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts two weeks ahead of time.
- 8% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts three weeks ahead of time.
- 25% of people with changing schedules find out their shifts four weeks or more ahead of time.
Based on data from 12 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
Do workers at Arthrex worry about hours?
Most people don’t worry about getting enough hours.
91% of people report they don’t worry about getting enough hours.
Based on data from 45 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
Do Arthrex workers get to choose the shifts they work?
Some people don’t get to choose which shifts they work.
38% report that they don’t have enough control over which shifts they work.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and March 2026.
How easy is it for Arthrex workers to change shifts?
Most people find it easy to change shifts.
72% of people report that it’s easy to change shifts if they need to.
Based on data from 18 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between January 2025 and March 2026.
How easy is it to get time off at Arthrex?
Most people find it easy to get time off.
88% of people report it’s easy to get time off.
Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
Do Arthrex managers change schedules at the last minute?
Most managers don’t change people’s schedules at the last minute.
84% of people say their manager doesn’t change their shift schedule at the last minute.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
Do workers at Arthrex do extra work that they don't get paid for?
Rarely. Most people don’t do unpaid extra work.
71% of people report that they don’t do extra unpaid work.
Based on data from 31 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
How easy is it to take sick days at Arthrex?
Most people find it easy to take sick days.
72% of people report that it’s easy to take time off if they are sick.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Is working at Arthrex good if you’re a parent or caregiver?
Most parents and caregivers say this is a good place to work.
68% of people who care for a child or other relative report this is a good place to work.
Based on data from 25 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between December 2024 and February 2026.
Do people at Arthrex feel treated with respect by their managers?
Most people feel treated with respect by their managers.
83% of people say they’re treated with respect by their managers.
Based on data from 41 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
Do people at Arthrex get to take their breaks without interruption?
Most people get breaks without interruption.
97% of people report that they get to take their breaks without interruption.
Based on data from 33 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Is it stressful to work at Arthrex?
Some people feel stressed out here.
54% of people say they often feel stressed out at work.
Based on data from 37 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Do people at Arthrex enjoy their jobs?
Most people enjoy their job.
81% of people report they enjoy their job.
Based on data from 32 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Do people at Arthrex recommend working with their team?
Most people recommend working with their team.
67% of people report that they would recommend working with their immediate team to a friend.
Based on data from 39 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Do people get enough training when they start at Arthrex?
Most people got enough training when they started.
76% of people report they got enough training when they started working here.
Based on data from 38 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between May 2025 and May 2026.
Do people get support to advance at Arthrex?
Most people are given support to advance their career here.
In the last year, 78% of people report being given support to advance their career here.
Based on data from 40 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
Do people think Arthrex’s headquarters understands what’s happening where they work?
Most people think headquarters doesn’t understand what’s happening where they work.
71% of people think that this employer’s headquarters or owners don’t have a good understanding of what’s really happening where they work.
Based on data from 35 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
Do workers feel well informed about how Arthrex is doing?
Most people feel well informed about how the company is doing.
78% of people feel that they are kept well informed about how the company is doing as a whole.
Based on data from 36 people who took the Breakroom Quiz between March 2025 and March 2026.
What other companies are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? What are the most popular jobs at Arthrex? What are the most popular categories at Arthrex? 