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Assistant Engineering Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Crystal Group

Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel ... business * Assist with engineer activity in systems engineering, benchmark testing, and ...

Crystal Group

Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA

Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel ... business * Assist with engineer activity in systems engineering, benchmark testing, and ...

Crystal Group

Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel ... business * Assist with engineer activity in systems engineering, benchmark testing, and ...

Ryan Companies

Project Engineer Intern

Des Moines, IA

$16.25 - $21.25/hr

This role will assist the project team in the completion of designated projects while focusing on ... You must be pursuing a bachelor's degree in construction engineering/management or closely related ...

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All JobsEngineering JobsAssistant Engineering Manager JobsAssistant Engineering Manager Jobs in Iowa

Assistant Engineering Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$36.9K

$71.9K

$101.9K

How much do assistant engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant engineering manager in Iowa is $71,941.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,604.00 and $78,707.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Assistant Engineering Managers?

Assistant Engineering Managers support the Engineering Manager in overseeing engineering projects, coordinating teams, and ensuring that technical tasks are completed efficiently and on schedule. They help manage day-to-day operations, assist with project planning, and often serve as a bridge between engineers and upper management. Their role may also include monitoring budgets, ensuring safety standards, and troubleshooting technical issues. This position is ideal for someone with strong technical expertise and leadership skills aiming to advance into higher management roles.

What is the difference between Assistant Engineering Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssistant Engineering ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, management experience often preferredBachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentSupervisory role overseeing engineering teams and projectsDesign, analysis, and development of mechanical systems
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, construction, engineering firmsAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, product design

The Assistant Engineering Manager typically oversees engineering teams and manages projects, requiring leadership skills and management experience. Mechanical Engineers focus on designing and analyzing mechanical systems, primarily requiring technical expertise. Both roles are common in manufacturing and engineering industries, but the Assistant Engineering Manager has a broader supervisory scope.

What are some typical challenges an Assistant Engineering Manager faces when transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role?

One common challenge for new Assistant Engineering Managers is balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities such as team coordination, mentoring, and project oversight. Adapting to this dual role requires strong time management and communication skills, as you'll need to guide your team while still contributing your technical expertise. Additionally, you may encounter situations where you must resolve conflicts or make decisions that impact project timelines and team morale. Support from senior management and a willingness to learn from feedback can help you navigate these challenges successfully.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Engineering Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools like AutoCAD, project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project), and knowledge of industry standards or certifications (such as PMP or Lean Six Sigma) are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills are vital for coordinating teams and ensuring project goals are met. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering successful engineering projects on time and within budget while fostering a productive team environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Assistant Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa? For Assistant Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Assistant Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Assistant Engineering Manager job openings:
Assistant Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Engineering Manager job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,941 per year, or $34.6 per hour.
Sr. Engineer Manager of Product Design

Sr. Engineer Manager of Product Design

XL Specialized Trailers

Manchester, IA

Full-time

Posted 8 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

Apply