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Assistant Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA

Serve as technical support for the project team of design engineers and project managers for roadway/transportation related projects * Assist in the planning, design, and construction administration ...

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Primary Responsibilities: • Serve as technical support for the project team of design engineers and project managers for roadway/transportation related projects • Assist in the planning, design ...

Foth

Civil Design Technician

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Serve as technical support for the project team of design engineers and project managers for roadway/transportation related projects Assist in the planning, design, and construction administration of ...

W3Global Inc.

Structural Revit Designer

Coralville, IA · Hybrid

$100K - $125K/yr

Strong knowledge of structural analysis, design principles, and engineering software used to ... Upper Midwest, and assist in resolving field issues. * Interpret and apply domestic and ...

TekWissen LLC

CAD Technician

Muscatine, IA · On-site

Applying sound project design engineering principles. * Ensure systems and equipment are designed and installed in accordance with Monsanto and regulatory standards. * Assist with project reviews and ...

Olsson

Project Civil Engineer - Site Design

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$83K - $110K/yr

Prepares planning and design documents in appropriate engineering discipline. * Performs process ... Coordinates assistant and associate professional staff and technical staff's work; may supervise ...

Dubuque County

Assistant County Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$99K - $114K/yr

Design and/or provide supervision of the design process for construction and maintenance projects ... Code. Assist the engineer with the preparation of the Construction Program, Budget, and Annual ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsAssistant Design Engineer JobsAssistant Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Assistant Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$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:
Assistant Design Engineer jobs near you

Sr. Engineer Manager of Product Design

XL Specialized Trailers

Manchester, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Sr. Engineer Manager of Product Design (Heavy Haul Trailers)

Location: XL Specialized Trailers – Manchester, IA (On-site)

Reports To: Sr. Director of Engineering

Position Summary

The Sr. Engineer Manager of Product Design is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of XL's standard product offerings to support the production schedule. This role focuses on ownership, standardization, continuous improvement, and lifecycle support of existing trailer platforms, while ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, compliant, and scalable. The role works closely with other Sr. Engineering Managers leading sub-teams within the department to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective execution across the product portfolio, while supporting Manufacturing, Warranty, and Customer Service functions, and occasionally Sales. This position is expected to manage and develop people while remaining highly tactical and hands-on with regular on-site engagement. The position blends strong people leadership with hands-on technical oversight and close collaboration with manufacturing, sales, quality, and supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead, develop, and manage a team of product design engineers supporting production and in-market products
  • Own product architectures, standards, and design intent across heavy haul trailer platforms
  • Prioritize and assign engineering work based on production needs, product improvements, cost-reduction initiatives, and field feedback
  • Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD)
  • Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality, and manufacturability issues
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Production to:
    • Improve weldment, fabrication, and assembly methods
    • Improve BOM accuracy, drawings, and release quality
  • Lead and participate in structured design reviews and approve engineering changes
  • Oversee ECN/ECO execution to ensure timely, accurate, and well-documented product changes
  • Ensure compliance with FMVSS, DOT, and internal engineering and quality standards
  • Apply DFMEA, lessons learned, warranty data, and field feedback to improve durability, safety, and product reliability
  • Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-to-cost, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Support sales, service, and operations by providing clear engineering guidance and technical explanations
  • Maintain and improve engineering documentation, databases, and design tools
  • Assist with development and implementation of standard, pre-engineered product offerings to reduce custom engineering resource demands and improve schedule execution

Leadership & Collaboration

  • Build a culture of accountability, practical engineering judgment, and continuous improvement
  • Mentor and develop engineers in technical skills, standards, and problem-solving
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Manufacturing, Quality, Purchasing, and Service

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • Experience in heavy haul trailers, heavy equipment, or fabricated mobile equipment
  • Strong background in mechanical systems, structures, hydraulics, and manufacturing processes
  • Proven experience supporting products in production environments

Key Competencies

  • Practical, hands-on engineering judgment
  • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to balance cost, performance, manufacturability, and reliability
  • Proficiency with CAD tools, Excel, and engineering data systems

Work Environment

  • Combination of office and shop-floor support
  • Primarily on-site with limited travel as needed

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