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Automotive Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

MSI Mold Builders

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... automotive, or heavy trucking industry, we have a product for them!Our team is filled with ... A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOLD DESIGNERAs a Mold Designer, you will utilize Solid Modeling CAD ...

MSI Mold Builders

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... automotive, or heavy trucking industry, we have a product for them! Our team is filled with ... A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOLD DESIGNER As a Mold Designer, you will utilize Solid Modeling CAD ...

MSI Mold Builders

Mold Designer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

... automotive, or heavy trucking industry, we have a product for them! Our team is filled with ... A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOLD DESIGNER As a Mold Designer, you will utilize Solid Modeling CAD ...

Monro

Automotive Technician

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$20 - $35/hr

Our technicians are paid through a flat-rate, performance-based system designed to reward skill and ... Automotive training including basic car maintenance and repair or the equivalent combination of ...

Monro

Automotive Technician

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Our technicians are paid through a flat-rate, performance-based system designed to reward skill and ... Monro's family of brands is one of the leading automotive service and tire dealers in the United ...

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All JobsAutomotive Designer JobsAutomotive Designer Jobs in Iowa

Automotive Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$53.2K

$77.2K

$96.3K

How much do automotive designer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for automotive designer in Iowa is $77,237.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,300.00 and $84,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an automotive designer do?

An automotive designer is a creative professional that works in the automobile industry. Automotive designers are responsible for designing nearly all aspects of a car, including both external and internal components. As an automotive designer, your job duties revolve around using software like AutoCAD to create plans that can then be executed by the manufacturing team. You work with a creative team of designers to ensure you have a cohesive product that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automotive designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automotive Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or automotive design, proficiency in sketching, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Mastery of design software such as Autodesk Alias, CATIA, and Adobe Creative Suite, along with familiarity with 3D modeling and prototyping tools, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong teamwork and communication skills help set exceptional designers apart. These skills are crucial for developing innovative, functional, and aesthetically appealing vehicles that meet both client and industry standards.

What are some common challenges automotive designers face when balancing creativity with engineering constraints?

Automotive designers often encounter the challenge of blending innovative, visually striking concepts with practical engineering and safety requirements. While creativity is highly encouraged, every design must adhere to regulations, aerodynamics, manufacturability, and budget constraints. Effective collaboration with engineers, marketing teams, and production specialists is essential to ensure that the final vehicle is both aesthetically appealing and feasible to produce. Navigating these trade-offs is a key part of the role and can be both demanding and rewarding for designers who enjoy problem-solving in a team environment.

What is the difference between Automotive Designer vs Automotive Engineer?

AspectAutomotive DesignerAutomotive Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Automotive Design, or related fieldBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, CAD software, collaborative teamsResearch labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageFocuses on aesthetics, style, and user experience of vehicle exteriors and interiorsFocuses on vehicle performance, safety, and technical systems

Automotive Designers primarily focus on the visual appearance and user experience of vehicles, working in design studios using CAD tools. Automotive Engineers concentrate on vehicle performance, safety, and technical systems, often working in labs and manufacturing settings. Both roles are essential in the automotive industry but serve different functions in vehicle development.

Are automotive designers in demand?

Automotive designers are in demand as automakers focus on innovative vehicle designs, electric vehicles, and sustainability. The profession requires strong skills in CAD software and knowledge of industry trends, with job growth expected to be steady in the automotive industry.

How hard is it to get a job in automotive design?

Getting a job as an automotive designer can be competitive due to the specialized skills required, such as proficiency in CAD software and a strong portfolio. Candidates typically need a relevant degree in industrial design or automotive engineering and relevant experience or internships to improve their chances.
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Automotive Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automotive Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,237 per year, or $37.1 per hour.

Mold Designer

MSI Mold Builders

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Utilize CAD software (Creo or Solidworks) to create models, drawings, and bill of materials for plastic injection molds.

  • Complete injection and structural foam mold designs, including parting line splits, cooling, ejection, and mechanisms.

  • Perform part model analyzation, mass properties calculations, and interference checks.

Job description

MSI Mold Builders of Cedar Rapids, IA is looking to hire a full-time Mold Designer. Are you detail oriented? Would you like to be part of a dynamic and innovative team? If so, please read on!This manufacturing design position earns competitive pay. We also offer excellent benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance, a matching 401(k) plan, health savings account (HSA), paid holidays, paid time off (PTO), supplemental life insurance, an employee assistance program (EAP), and company-paid continuing education. If this sounds like the right machining and manufacturing management opportunity for you, apply today! ABOUT MSI MOLD BUILDERSSince 1971, we have been using the most innovative plastic technologies and designs to deliver high quality, low maintenance, and efficient plastic molds! From designing and building various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist, structural web processes as well as prototype molds. As the #1 choice in the plastic industry, we take care of everything, including design, creation, and installation. Our clients are diverse, but no matter if our products are for the medical equipment, agriculture, automotive, or heavy trucking industry, we have a product for them!Our team is filled with hardworking professionals. We value their time, skills, and experience and ensure that they are being taken care of. In order to ensure the success and happiness of our employees, we provide them with great benefits, a supportive company culture, and opportunities to thrive and contribute to a high-demand market. A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MOLD DESIGNERAs a Mold Designer, you will utilize Solid Modeling CAD software (Creo or Solidworks) to create models, drawings, and bill of materials for plastic injection molds. CAD software will also be utilized for part model analyzation, mass properties calculations, and interference checks. You will complete injection and structural foam mold designs from OEM supplied part models. Mold designs should consist of parting line splits, cooling, ejection, and mechanisms that are both cost effect for MSI to manufacture, and robust for our customers. QUALIFICATIONSHigh School Diploma and working towards Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school; or one year of related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.Do you have solid communication skills, both written and verbal? Are you a safe minded person?  Are you self-motivated and goal-oriented? If so, you might just be perfect for this manufacturing design position! READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?We understand your time is valuable, so we have a very quick and easy application process. If you feel that you would be right for this manufacturing management job, please fill out our initial 3-minute, mobile-friendly application. We look forward to meeting you!Location:52404