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Associate Design Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Electrical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$76K - $118K/yr

... associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and ... The position will research, develop, design, and test electrical components, equipment, systems ...

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$22 - $29.50/hr

This position is ideal for someone with a passion for design and engineering who is eager to ... Associate's Degree or equivalent work experience * Recommendations from faculty in CAD program ...

Showing results 41-60

Associate Design Engineer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$40.5K

$80.6K

$128.8K

How much do associate design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate design engineer in Des Moines, IA is $80,647.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $92,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate design engineer?

Associate Design Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in the development, planning, and creation of new products or systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, contributing to drafting designs, creating prototypes, and conducting tests to ensure functionality and quality. Their responsibilities often include preparing technical documentation, using CAD software, and collaborating with other departments to ensure design specifications are met. This role provides foundational experience for a career in engineering design.

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

To thrive as an Associate Design Engineer, you need a solid foundation in engineering principles, CAD design, and a relevant engineering degree such as mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard design software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Revit) and knowledge of relevant codes or certifications are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail set standout candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for creating accurate, efficient designs and collaborating effectively with teams to deliver successful engineering projects.

What are some common challenges faced by associate design engineers in their first year, and how can they overcome them?

Associate Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new design software, understanding project specifications, and effectively communicating with cross-functional teams. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the technical complexity of projects or the pace of deliverables. To overcome these hurdles, new engineers should take advantage of mentorship opportunities, actively seek feedback, and participate in collaborative meetings to build confidence and technical proficiency. Regularly reviewing documentation and engaging with more experienced colleagues can also help accelerate learning and integration into the team.

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

AspectAssociate Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, team-based projects, supporting senior engineersLead or independent projects, more responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace industriesUsed across similar industries, often with more complex tasks

The Associate Design Engineer typically holds an entry-level position supporting design tasks, while the Design Engineer has more experience and responsibility in leading projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Design Engineer often has additional certifications and a broader scope of work.

What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Associate Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Design Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

Infographic showing various Associate Design Engineer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,647 per year, or $38.8 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Engineer - Data Centers

Olsson

Urbandale, IA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Join Olsson's Data Center Design team as an Associate Mechanical Engineer, where you'll support on complex, mission-critical projects, including hyperscale data centers and secure facilities. This role works within a multidisciplinary team known for delivering innovative, high-performance building systems.

You'll help provide technical knowledge on strategies that safeguard infrastructure, protect assets, and meet the most rigorous code and client requirements. You'll collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, and security professionals across sectors such as data centers, healthcare, higher education, commercial, industrial and federal facilities.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Bachelor's degree in ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology degree recognized by NCEES.
  • A minimum of one year of engineering experience.
  • Must possess Engineer Intern certificate (EI) via the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
  • Interested in pursuing NCEES Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience with REVIT Autodesk software

#LI-DD1

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.