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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... * Assist with process safety, quality, and operational readiness reviews to ensure successful ... Partner with engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to drive ...

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Assistant Design Engineer information

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$31K

$83.4K

$126.3K

How much do assistant design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant design engineer in Iowa is $83,364.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,200.00 and $98,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant design engineer do?

An Assistant Design Engineer supports senior engineers in creating and developing designs for products, structures, or systems. Their tasks often include preparing technical drawings, conducting research, creating prototypes, and assisting with testing and analysis. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and work closely with other team members to ensure designs meet project requirements and safety standards. This role is typically an entry-level position that provides valuable experience in engineering design and project management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or CATIA and knowledge of industry standards or certifications such as EIT (Engineer-in-Training) are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills make candidates stand out in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure precise, innovative design solutions and effective collaboration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Assistant Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectAssistant Design EngineerDesign Engineer
QualificationsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role in design teams, assisting senior engineersLead or primary role in designing projects, overseeing technical details
ResponsibilitiesAssist in creating designs, preparing drawings, and conducting researchDevelop and finalize designs, review technical specifications, and coordinate with manufacturing

The main difference between an Assistant Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in responsibility level and experience. Assistant Design Engineers support the design process and gain experience, while Design Engineers take on more complex tasks and lead design projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but Design Engineers typically have more hands-on experience and responsibility.

What are some common challenges assistant design engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to professional engineering environments?

Assistant Design Engineers often find that transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering roles involves adapting to tighter deadlines, larger teams, and stricter compliance with industry standards. Unlike classroom assignments, professional projects require precise documentation, coordination with other departments such as manufacturing and quality assurance, and adherence to budget constraints. Embracing collaborative tools and clear communication is essential, as is being open to feedback from senior engineers to grow technically and professionally.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Assistant Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Assistant Design Engineer job openings:

Roadway Design Engineer - Mid-Level

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) is seeking an experienced self-motivated mid-level engineer with demonstrated success at assisting with or leading project management duties and responsibilities, implementing project designs utilizing the latest computer aided software, techniques and skills to deliver multimodal transportation corridors, roadway, highway/interchange and multi-use trail projects for our state and municipal clients. Additionally, the position offers to ability to be actively involved in business development, marketing and growth of the office. This position offers project management and technical responsibilities, and an accelerated career growth opportunity is present for the right candidate.

The position will be located in Des Moines, IA or Omaha, NE.

Essential Duties include the following under the direct supervision of a lead design engineer or project manager:

  • Works on a range of projects, from conceptual design to small intersections to larger multidisciplinary corridor projects.
  • Oversee data collection, technical analyses and written documentation
  • Participate in and presents project findings, technical analysis in writing and at client meetings, technical group gatherings, and day or evening public meetings/hearings
  • Work in multi-disciplinary teams across the FHU Great Plains region to evaluate alternatives, prepare technical findings, prepare project plans, and cost estimating
  • Assist with or take lead role on project management responsibilities including setting project team schedules, communicating and tracking project budgets, preparing invoices, leading client interactions including project communications, meetings and project submittals.
  • Use computer aided design engineering software (Civil3D and/or MicroStation/ OpenRoads) as the primary transportation design modeler as well as plan production for various sized transportation engineering projects.
  • Responsible for job specific quality system tasks as defined in the FHU quality manual
  • Oversees and assists with the analytical work of other team members, including mentoring and project related management younger team members
  • Participates in the planning, estimation, preparation of proposals as well as other competitive project pursuit elements including client interviews
  • Participate in business development efforts including client visits, professional societies and marketing events

Requirements

  • Apply Federal, State, and Municipal design standards as appropriate, including IowaDOT, SUDAS, and Nebraska DOT standards.
  • Maintain an organized electronic or hard copy design journal for each project
  • Follow FHU's Total Quality Management program for all tasks and deliverables
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Transportation Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • 5 or more years of Transportation Engineering in Roadway Design experience
  • Certificates, licenses, registrations: Professional Engineer License or active pursuit of Professional Engineer License in Iowa or Nebraksa. Licensed in South Dakota or Kansas is a plus.
  • Experience with Civil3D and/or MicroStation/Open Roads is preferred
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is preferred

The pay for this position has a range of $85,000 - $105,000 annually. The actual offer will carefully consider a range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Application Deadline: 8/15/2026

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.