Tool designers, sometimes also referred to as mechanical designers, design, build and develop mechanical devices including tools and machines. It can be an exciting job, but you might be wondering about the path to take to become a tool designer. It can be a competitive field. Here are four things you need in order to become a tool designer.
1. Education
The first step to becoming a tool designer is the right education. The best educational path for a tool designer is to first attain a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. Depending on the university, you may need to undertake a generalised engineering degree with a major in mechanical engineering and speciality subjects in tool design. Whilst studying mechanical engineering, you will become equipped to work in the specialised field of tool design. You'll learn about the different software require for tool design, how to draw and draft blueprints and how to design and test prototypes, amongst other things.
2. Further training
Tool designers need specialised knowledge which may not be included as part of a generalised engineering degree. Tool design is a highly technological field which requires an intimate knowledge of different kinds of specialised software. If learning particular software wasn't part of your initial degree, you may need to take further short courses in things such as CAE and CAD software. Of course, it's not just formalised study that a person serious about tool design will need. Self-study is key. Even after college, university and short courses, you may need to continue to learn and study the programs and techniques that are used in the tool design industry, as these often change and get updated.
3. Specialised skills
After studying mechanical engineering, you may be wondering if a specialist career in tool design is for you. Before considering whether a career in tool design is the right choice, take into account your personal strengths to see if they are compatible with the skills tool designers need. Designers need to have high levels of innovation. Engineers need to be skilled in math and science, including high levels of algebra and geometry.
However, it's not just creativity and innovation that a tool designer needs; they also need to be excellent at teamwork and communication as tool design is usually a collaborative process. This means that interpersonal skills are vital.
4. On-the-job experience
Once you have studied mechanical design engineering, the best way to get a career in tool design is to start work in the field as quickly as possible. It is best to find a job where tool design is specifically part of the job description, as it can take ten years of on the job experience to hone tool design skills. Engineering jobs that utilise design and sketching skills, as well as computer design, will help on your path to becoming a tool designer. You may be best finding work large company or a smaller one where you can more easily find your footing.
Tool design is a competitive field that requires study, specialisation and on-the-job experience to break into. By ticking off the above points, you can be on your way to a rewarding career.
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