Also called: Generative Design Engineer, Design for Additive Engineer
Uses algorithms to 'grow' strange, bone-like part shapes and lattices that are lighter and stronger than anything a human would draw.
You tell the software how strong a bike bracket must be and where it bolts on, and it generates a twisty organic shape that weighs half as much. You refine it, add a lattice inside, and send it to the printer. Your parts look like they came from an alien spaceship.
Estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical engineering or computational design; coding skills are a big plus.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering, Computational Design, Industrial Design.
Growing much faster than average. Emerging specialty.
Medium risk for 10 years. Generative AI is getting better at the core work itself; engineers who set goals and verify designs stay needed.
Classes: AP Calculus, AP Computer Science, AP Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.