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Application Design Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Design systems to enable rapid ML development, high availability, and clear observability * Develop ... Debug and troubleshoot components across multiple service and application contexts, engaging with ...

Design systems to enable rapid ML development, high availability, and clear observability * Develop ... Debug and troubleshoot components across multiple service and application contexts, engaging with ...

PE - Structural Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$30 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using structural design references, practice examination problems, and code application exercises to support licensed engineers preparing for PE Structural specialization ...

Solutions Architect

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$59 - $77.75/hr

Participate in the Architecture / Design Review Board processes * Lead the architecture and engineering of application delivery capabilities * Continuous Integration and Delivery through a Source-To ...

Software Developer - BIM VDC

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$47.75 - $63.25/hr

PURPOSE The Software Developer - BIM/VDC is a member of Baker Group's Information Technology ... application development process * Research, design, implement and manage software applications

Showing results 41-60

Application Design Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$20

$56

$85

How much do application design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for application design engineer in Ames, IA is $56.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.15 and $71.73 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 is an application design engineer?

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 near Ames, IA are hiring for Application Design Engineer jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Application Design Engineer job openings:

Senior Project Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Ankeny, IA • Hybrid

$88K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


MSA Professional Services rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 446 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Senior Project Engineer (Water/Wastewater)

Locations: Des Moines, IAType: FullTime | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

MSA continues to expand as leaders in the Water/Wastewater space, and we are looking for another Senior Project Engineer to support our exciting growth! This position can be based out of any of our Midwest office locations (WI, MN, IA, IL), and will primarily support municipal projects in the public sector. As a Project Engineer, you will serve as a client liaison, mentor staff, and play a key role in the successful execution of projects. MSA supports Water/Wastewater projects through planning, design, construction, and operations. 

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play. 

Come join the ownership team here! 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

  • Project project planning, scoping, budgeting and QA/QC
  • Client relationship development
  • Assist with mentoring emerging engineering staff
  • Oversight of plans, details, specifications, and bidding documents
  • Assistant with project funding packages with assistance from funding staff
  • Provide project updates at public forums
Qualifications

What you bring

Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering required
  • Professional Engineering (PE) required
  • 8+ years of prior experience with Water/Wastewater projects required
  • This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position
Why MSA
  • 100% employeeowned firm with 100+ years of community impact
  • Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
  • Flexible worklife integration
  • Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
  • Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Pay & Benefits*
  • Compensation Range: $88,871-$142,192 (commensurate with experience)
  • Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
  • ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
  • 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Shortterm incentive program for annual bonus opportunities 
  • Companypaid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

 

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Employment Type: OTHER

What MSA Professional Services employees say

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