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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do 1. Understand engineering principals to analyze data and/or develop CAD models to ... application process should contact Team Member Solutions at (641) 621-8767 or at hr@vermeer.com.

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$128K - $169K/yr

Experience with embedded real time applications Programming proficient in C language Familiar with industry standards in platform software and display application design, development and verification ...

Lee Enterprises is seeking a skilled Application Developer to design, build, and maintain applications that support our subscription, payment, circulation, and news systems . This role is focused on ...

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Application Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$19

$54

$81

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in Iowa is $54.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.52 and $68.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Application Design Engineer vs Software Engineer?

AspectApplication Design EngineerSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, CAD or design certificationsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, coding certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing settings, client sitesOffices, development labs, remote work
Industry UsageElectronics, automotive, industrial equipmentIT, software development, tech companies
Primary FocusDesigning and testing physical products and systemsWriting, testing, and maintaining software applications

Application Design Engineers focus on creating and testing physical product designs, often working with hardware and systems integration. Software Engineers primarily develop and maintain software applications. While both roles require technical skills and collaboration, their core responsibilities and work environments differ significantly, making this comparison useful for those exploring career options or job opportunities in engineering fields.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Application Design Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Application Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, software development, and system design, usually supported by a degree in engineering or computer science. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and programming languages such as Python or C++ is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP) being advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for translating client needs into technical solutions and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure that complex applications are designed efficiently, meet user requirements, and function reliably in real-world environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Application Design Engineers when working on custom solutions for clients?

Application Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing client requirements with technical feasibility, managing tight deadlines, and ensuring seamless integration with existing systems. They must frequently adapt to evolving project scopes and navigate communication between cross-functional teams, including sales, development, and support. Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills are essential, as is the ability to clearly translate client needs into practical design specifications.

What are Application Design Engineers?

Application Design Engineers are professionals who develop, customize, and optimize technical solutions or products to meet specific client or industry needs. They work closely with customers, sales teams, and product development teams to ensure that applications perform efficiently and address user requirements. Their role often involves both engineering design tasks and application support, requiring a strong understanding of both product capabilities and customer use cases. They may also assist in troubleshooting, prototyping, and modifying existing systems to improve functionality.
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:
ITS Design Engineer - Mid-Level - NTT0009

ITS Design Engineer - Mid-Level - NTT0009

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$90K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig is looking to hire a full-time Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) design engineer to join our National Services Group. This role can be based in any of our offices in Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, or Utah.

This position offers a mid-level engineer the opportunity for an extremely rewarding career in the transportation technology field, working on some of the largest and most complex transportation projects across the Midwest and Western US, partnering with public agencies and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative, technology-forward solutions.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will focus on the analysis, design, and delivery of ITS solutions for transportation projects. Typical assignments include ITS device design, communications networks, multimodal corridors, roadway improvements, and highway/interchange projects for public and private clients.

You will:

  • Lead and support the design of ITS systems and communications infrastructure for transportation projects
  • Develop ITS design criteria and contribute to systems engineering documentation such as Concepts of Operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and Maintenance Plans
  • Prepare design layouts for fiber optic and wireless communications systems, device installations, conduits, pull boxes, splice points, electrical power feeds, and related infrastructure
  • Produce conceptual design graphics and exhibits for cabinet wiring schematics, network architecture, field equipment integration, and fiber splicing
  • Develop construction specifications using applicable federal, state, and municipal standards
  • Use design software such as Civil 3D, MicroStation, InRoads, and/or OpenRoads to create ITS plans and contract documents
  • Coordinate ITS elements with other design disciplines and subconsultants
  • Mentor junior engineers and designers and oversee their work in developing construction documents
  • Support quantity calculations and prepare opinions of probable construction costs
  • Assist with client coordination, project meetings, presentations, agendas, exhibits, and meeting documentation
  • Help keep ITS design tasks on schedule and within budget
  • Maintain organized project records, design decisions, correspondence, and action items
  • Collaborate with a team focused on innovative mobility and proactively communicate current and upcoming workload

What makes this role exciting

  • Work on high-impact, technology-driven transportation projects
  • Gain exposure to a wide variety of clients, agencies, and project types
  • Build expertise in ITS, connected vehicle systems, and communications infrastructure
  • Take on increasing leadership responsibility, including mentoring staff and managing larger design efforts over time
  • Contribute to a team that values innovation, collaboration, and quality

Requirements

Position requirements include the following:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an accredited four-year college or university, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
  • 5 to 10 years of transportation engineering experience including but not limited to ITS, Connected Vehicle, traffic engineering, and/or transit design engineering.
  • Professional engineer licensed in the State of Colorado. If licensed in another state will be required to obtain a CO PE license within six months after start date.
  • Modeling, design, and plan production experience with Civil3D and/or MicroStation/InRoads/Open Roads.
  • Experience in development of ITS plans, specifications, and opinions of probable costs.
  • Ability to multi-task several projects at one time while staying on budget and on schedule.
  • Ability to prepare technical reports and business correspondence with Microsoft Office applications.

The pay for this position has a range of $90,000 - $125,000 annually. The actual offer will carefully consider a range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Application Deadline: 6/29/26

Benefits

At FHU, we are committed to supporting our employees with competitive benefits, flexible programs, and opportunities for professional growth so our teams can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our benefits package includes:

  • Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, with FHU contributing a significant portion of premiums and covering 100% of the cost for some plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions for employees enrolled in the high-deductible health plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Telehealth and mental health resources available at no cost to eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services
  • Generous vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match and discretionary profit-sharing contributions
  • Annual discretionary bonus opportunities based on company and individual performance
  • Flexible schedules and remote work options depending on position and business needs
  • Professional development opportunities including continuing education assistance, tuition reimbursement, professional society participation, and reimbursement for certifications and registration fees
  • Opportunities to get involved through internal committees and employee-led groups

We are passionate about creating a workplace where employees feel supported, connected, and inspired by the work they do. From professional development opportunities to company-sponsored events and team activities throughout the year, we are committed to building a culture that celebrates employees and strengthens the communities we serve.