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Contract Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Design Engineer

Pella, IA

$31.25 - $33.65/hr

Design Engineer The Design Engineer drives continuous improvement of utility equipment across the ... electrical, embedded, or systems engineering disciplines. Job Type & Location This is a Contract ...

Design and coordinate electrical and technology systems, including power distribution, lighting ... S in Electrical Engineering or a related field Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Iowa, or ...

Are you ready to apply your technical expertise to high-impact commercial design projects? Join ... We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer with a background in engineering, architecture ...

Are you ready to apply your technical expertise to high-impact commercial design projects? Join ... We are seeking an experienced Electrical Engineer with a background in engineering, architecture ...

Substation Design Electrical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site +1

$91K - $112K/yr

At least 2 years of engineering experience required * Prior experience working with physical design or protection and control design of electrical power substations required * Capable of reviewing ...

Develop electrical design plans and contract documents * Provide on-site inspection services ... Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or equal * 2+ years' experience working in the ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Electrical Design Engineer information

What are some common challenges faced by contract electrical design engineers, and how can they be managed effectively?

Contract electrical design engineers often face challenges such as rapidly adapting to new project requirements, learning unfamiliar software or standards, and integrating into existing teams. To manage these effectively, it's important to maintain strong communication with project managers and team members, proactively seek clarification on project specifications, and stay updated on industry standards. Being adaptable and having a structured approach to documentation and design reviews can also help ensure smooth project delivery and successful collaboration.

What is the difference between Contract Electrical Design Engineer vs Electrical Project Engineer?

AspectContract Electrical Design EngineerElectrical Project Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., PE)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering, project management certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, client sites, freelance or contract basisConstruction sites, project offices, company-employed
Industry UsageConsulting firms, engineering contractors, freelance projectsConstruction firms, industrial plants, infrastructure projects
Job FocusDesign, drafting, specifications, and technical calculationsProject planning, coordination, execution, and oversight

The Contract Electrical Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing electrical systems and specifications, often working on a contractual basis. In contrast, the Electrical Project Engineer manages project execution, coordination, and delivery. Both roles require electrical engineering credentials but differ in scope and work environment.

What is a contract electrical design engineer?

Contract Electrical Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test electrical systems and components for various projects, typically on a temporary or project-based contract. They often work for engineering firms, manufacturers, or directly with clients, providing expertise in circuit design, schematics, and compliance with relevant regulations. These engineers may be involved in sectors like construction, automotive, aerospace, or electronics, and their contract status allows companies to hire specialized talent as needed for specific projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract electrical design engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Electrical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering principles, experience with circuit design, and typically a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software such as AutoCAD or Altium Designer, as well as familiarity with industry standards and possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license, is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication make candidates stand out in this project-based role. These skills ensure precise, efficient designs that meet client specifications and industry regulations, which is critical for project success and client satisfaction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Electrical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Contract Electrical Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution.

Licensed Electrical Engineer

Shive Hattery Group

Iowa City, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Shive-Hattery is a premier architecture and engineering consulting firm headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In total, the firm has 16 offices across the US. Shive-Hattery was founded in 1895 and has earned and maintained a strong reputation for excellence in client focus, quality service and communication. The firm prides itself on its One Firm , full-service offering; placing the best people with their clients, no matter the project location.
Shive-Hattery's Iowa City IA office has an opening for a Licensed Electrical Engineer with a minimum of 5 years of experience. This position could offer the ability to work from one of the other Shive-Hattery offices depending on the candidate.
This professional position will perform a variety of duties as a lead electrical engineer on campus utility projects, renewable energy projects, industrial, building and site projects primarily providing electrical expertise on higher education projects. This position will work in a team setting on the timely, professional, and accurate production of various design documents, contracts, technical drawings, code research, Revit models and other items associated with the delivery of electrical design services.
  • Design electrical systems for campus electrical and communications, buildings for industrial clients, incorporating power distribution, LED and custom lighting design solutions, Life Safety Systems, and data/communications.
  • Direct the electrical design and production efforts for projects.
  • Engage with clients on projects.
  • Operate both independently and in collaboration with the electrical team.
  • Coordinate across disciplines on various projects.
  • Provide guidance and mentorship to early career engineers and designers during the design & production phases.
  • Prepare specifications and perform code research.
  • Travel to project locations to collect details about current conditions. Some travel might be necessary.
  • Visit construction sites to help ensure quality, monitor progress, verify compliance with the electrical design contract, and conduct construction observation tasks.
  • Manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing with attention to detail.
  • Work in a diverse market including Industrial, Institutional, Commercial, Education, Government and Healthcare facilities.
  • Engage in marketing and business development initiatives aimed at regional, national, and local growth for targeted clients

Why Shive-Hattery?
You will find the right balance at Shive-Hattery. A large pool of resources in a 500+ person design firm, with a small firm feel where you build personal connections with colleagues, partners and clients. Flourish as a professional with the freedom to chart your own course and make an impact - and Design What Matters to make the world a better place.
Our learning and teaching culture is founded on collaboration. You will learn from and teach other employees while working across disciplines. You will grow your skills and continue your professional growth at Shive-Hattery.
Shive-Hattery offers an outstanding and competitive total compensation package including competitive pay and over 35 different benefits.
Benefit Highlights
โ€ข Medical, Dental, Vision - 4 tiers of coverage
โ€ข Voluntary Life Insurance - Employee, Spouse, and Child
โ€ข Voluntary Insurance Plans - Accident, Critical Illness, & Hospital Indemnity
โ€ข FSA - Medical & Dependent Care
โ€ข 8 Paid Holidays + PTO
โ€ข Paid Parental Leave
โ€ข 401K/Roth 401K with Company Match
โ€ข Overtime Bonus
โ€ข Profit Sharing Bonus
โ€ข First Time License Bonus
โ€ข Tuition Reimbursement & Licensure/Certification Financial Support
โ€ข Professional Development Opportunities
โ€ข Calm Meditation & Stress Relief Subscription
โ€ข ...And Many More!
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
  • At this time, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must have current and ongoing authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.

Notice to Recruiters and Staffing Agencies: To protect the interests of all parties, Shive-Hattery and its partners will not accept unsolicited candidate submissions from a recruiter or staffing agency who is not operating under an executed recruiting or staffing services contract with Shive-Hattery. Please do not contact our employees directly in that regard or otherwise submit unsolicited candidate information in any form.
Shive-Hattery offers a flexible work environment and supports balancing personal and professional responsibilities. We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Requirements
  • Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited engineering school; or a degree in Architectural Engineering with an electrical engineering emphasis.
  • Experience: 5+ years
  • Professional Engineer license with the State of Iowa, or the ability to obtain the license within a year
  • Experience in the design of lighting, power, and low-voltage systems for buildings and sites, Medium Voltage experience a plus.
  • Experience in 3D modeling, Revit is preferred.
  • Practical experience with Microsoft Word and Excel is desired.
  • Must be able to communicate effectively and possess good interpersonal skills.
  • For certain clients, we are required to conduct drug and/or alcohol testing on employees who perform work at the client site or on the client project. Consequently, employees and/or applicants will be required to satisfactorily pass a drug and/or alcohol test prior to any such work assignment.