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Circuit Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Accord Technologies Inc.

Sr. FPGA Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$127K - $163K/yr

Knowledge of digital electronic devices and circuit design principles. * Experience using design/analysis tools, such as Timing Designer and Hyperlynx * Hands-on hardware build, test, and integration ...

BAE Systems

Technician IV

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$58K - $94K/yr

Experience with a variety of circuit designs: RF, Digital, Power Supplies. * Experience reading schematics. * Experience with a variety of test equipment: Oscilloscopes, Multi meters, power supplies ...

Varsity Tutors

Electrical Engineering Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Guides students through solving RLC circuit problems, designing amplifier circuits, analyzing Bode plots, implementing feedback control systems, and interpreting electromagnetic field solutions.

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All JobsCircuit Designer JobsCircuit Designer Jobs in Iowa

Circuit Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$201K

How much do circuit designer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for circuit designer in Iowa is $199,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $199,600.00 and $200,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Circuit Designer vs PCB Designer?

AspectCircuit DesignerPCB Designer
Primary FocusDesigning electrical circuits and schematicsCreating physical layouts of printed circuit boards
Skills & CertificationsElectrical engineering knowledge, circuit simulation toolsPCB design software, electrical layout skills
Work EnvironmentEngineering labs, design officesDesign studios, manufacturing facilities
Industry UsageElectronics, aerospace, automotiveConsumer electronics, industrial equipment

While both roles involve electronic design, a Circuit Designer focuses on creating and analyzing electrical circuits and schematics, whereas a PCB Designer specializes in translating those circuits into physical printed circuit board layouts. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge and often collaborate during product development.

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

To thrive as a Circuit Designer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering principles, circuit analysis, and schematic design, typically supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD tools such as Altium Designer, OrCAD, or Eagle, as well as familiarity with simulation software like SPICE, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication stand out as valuable soft skills in this field. These skills ensure accurate and innovative circuit designs that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What does a circuit designer do?

A circuit designer creates circuit boards for a variety of uses, from power grids to assembly automation. Specific job duties vary, depending on the type of devices, tools, or systems with which you work. As a circuit designer, your responsibilities include following project specifications to develop or improve circuits or circuit boards, troubleshooting the new circuit board, and implementing the new design. You may also run simulation software to test your circuit design to ensure it meets the needs of your client.

How much do circuit designers make in the US?

Circuit designers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $85,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized roles with advanced skills in CAD tools and circuit analysis can earn higher salaries, often exceeding $130,000 annually.

How do you become a circuit designer?

To become a circuit designer, typically a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with circuit design software such as SPICE or CAD tools, developing strong analytical skills, and understanding electronic components are essential steps; some roles may also require professional certifications or internships to build practical skills.

What are some common challenges faced by circuit designers when working on complex projects?

Circuit designers often encounter challenges such as managing signal integrity, ensuring compatibility between different components, and meeting strict power or space constraints. Collaboration with other engineers, such as PCB layout specialists and firmware developers, is essential to address these issues effectively. Additionally, staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving design tools and industry standards is crucial for delivering reliable and efficient circuits. Effective communication and problem-solving skills can help circuit designers overcome these hurdles and succeed in their roles.

What does a circuit designer do?

A Circuit Designer is responsible for creating the layout and schematics of electronic circuits used in devices such as computers, smartphones, and other electronic equipment. They work with both analog and digital circuits, ensuring that the design meets performance, safety, and manufacturing requirements. Circuit Designers use specialized software to simulate and test their circuits before they are built and often collaborate with engineers from other disciplines to develop functional and efficient products.
More about Circuit Designer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Circuit Designer jobs in Iowa? For Circuit Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Circuit Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Circuit Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Circuit Designer jobs in IA? For Circuit Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Circuit Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Circuit Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $199,873 per year, or $96.1 per hour.

Principal Designer - Signals

Gannett Fleming, Inc.

Audubon, IA • On-site

$180 - $195/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Gannett Fleming rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

183rd of 447 rated engineering

Job description

GFT is seeking a Principal Designer, Signals to join our Transit & Rail Systems team. Working with the public transit team at GFT means shaping the future of transportation, delivering projects that improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for millions of passengers nationwide. Specializing in rail systems, bus rapid transit, and zero-emission mobility solutions, our experts combine deep technical knowledge with innovative thinking to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of transit networks. Together, we're transforming urban landscapes, reducing environmental impact, and connecting communities through state-of-the-art public transportation infrastructure. Explore some of our signature public transit projects here.

What you’ll be challenged to do

If you are looking for new and challenging ways to expand your range of experience in an exciting field of engineering practice, consider joining our world class team. The Senior Rail Signal Engineer will produce preliminary and final designs for a wide variety of clients and signal system technologies. Our client base includes commuter rail (heavy rail) mass transit (subway, elevated and other fixed urban guideway systems) and light rail. We also provide services to signal equipment suppliers for large signal projects.

Key Responsibilities
  • Generate preliminary or final design signal drawings, technical specifications, technical reports, construction cost estimates, project schedules and cutover plans.
  • Manage assigned project work including scope, schedule, and budget and provide timely, quality milestone reporting.
  • Help generate technical content for customer proposals when required.
  • Ensure that designs adhere to necessary federal, state, and local standards and laws, understanding of AREMA, FRA and CENELEC standards.
  • Coordinate and guide CADD technicians to produce CADD drawings.
  • Follow QA/QC policies and practices and identify possible quality and safety issues within the scope of the project.
  • Review and seal design drawings, if licensed.
  • Develop signal circuit designs.
  • Mentor junior staff.
  • Design of signal systems with the following technologies: CTC, cab signaling, fixed block, ATC, ATP, PTC, CBTC, micro‑processor‑based systems, highway crossing design, vital and non‑vital circuit design in ABS territory, and Interlockings.
What you will bring to our firm
  • Technical degree or equivalent years of signal design experience will also be considered.
  • 15+ years of related experience performing the tasks described above.
  • Experience with signal equipment manufacturers, consultants, and railroads.
  • Experience in leading rail teams.
  • Experienced with the development of vital and non‑vital application programs, including compilation, debugging, and simulation for systems including Hitachi Microlok®, Alstom VPI, Alstom VHLC, ElectroLogIXS, EC5 and similar platforms preferred.
Compensation

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $195,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits
  • Hybrid (in‑person and remote) work environment.
  • Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
  • Tax‑deferred 401(k) savings plan.
  • Competitive paid‑time‑off (PTO) accrual.
  • Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
  • Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
  • Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Equal Opportunity Employer

GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Location: PAC

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full‑Time

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