Design Engineers are responsible for researching and designing a company's new products and systems, and for designing upgrades and improvements. Design Engineers perform various tasks in an engineering department including drafting blueprints, creating test prototypes, and overseeing the manufacturing process.

Manufacturers create and produce products. In the AV industry, most - but not all - specialize in a specific category, like audio devices, displays, or cables. Some manufacturers only make products for the professional market, while others make consumer products too.

Manufacturers have their finger on the pulse of innovation. Design Engineers are the people on the team who invent or improve technology. Design Engineers get feedback on products from marketing, sales, systems integrators, and customer service professionals on how products are performing, and use that feedback to improve products and to invent new products that fulfill customers’ unmet needs.

A lot of people in the industry go to industry trade shows like Infocomm or Integrated Systems Europe (IES) to learn about new services, get their hands on new products, learn where the industry is heading, and to connect with other professionals.