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Contract Electrical Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Director, Electrical Engineering (Nevada)

Nevada, IA ยท On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

This role provides design leadership for electrical infrastructure across high-voltage (26 kV to ... Professional Engineer (PE) license in the United States is highly desired. * Six Sigma ...

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 ...

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 41-60

Contract Electrical Design Engineer information

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 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 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.

Design Engineer

United Equipment Accessories

Waverly, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Develop innovative, high quality, and reliable products to satisfy customer motion application needs while considering technical and economic factors.

  • Provide technical support and service to current and potential customers, including assessing product requirements, installation recommendations, and technical assistance, often involving travel to customer sites and events.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including sales, customer service, marketing, engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing to communicate product specifications, design changes, and standard requirements.


Job description

Description:

POSITION: Design Engineer

COMPANY: United Equipment Accessories, Inc.

POSITION SUMMARY:

  • The Design Engineer develops innovative, high quality, and reliable products to satisfy our customer’s motion application needs while integrating technical and economic factors, feasibility, time and cost limitations 
  • Provide superior technical support and service to current and potential customers, assessing product and service requirements throughout the sales process including installation recommendations or technical assistance, as required, and travel to customer sites, exhibits, tradeshows, and other events – both nationally and internationally  
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team that includes sales, customer service, marketing, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing to communicate product specifications, standard requirements, design and design changes for engineering and manufacturing to assure realization of customer requests 
  • Other tasks, projects and duties as assigned by the Electrical Engineering Supervisor. 



Requirements:

 EDUCATION -  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline is required. Electrical/electronics engineering experience is preferred.  EXPERIENCE -  Minimum four (4) years demonstrated success in design engineering, new product development, establishment of component specification testing, lean manufacturing and ISO or similar Quality system experience preferred  SKILLS -   Highly motivated individual with strong listening, written and oral communication skills is necessary to effectively follow instructions, collect and disseminate information with customers, suppliers, and employees at all levels of the organization. Exemplary customer service skills and prompt responses to inquiries are essential. Professionalism, time management, organization, and prioritization skills are critical competencies. Advanced mathematical, statistical analysis, and problem solving skills are required. Technology savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Solidworks, or similar 3D CAD, and a manufacturing ERP system. The ability to work under time and budgetary pressures is also necessary. PHYSICAL - Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, walk, talk, and hear (with mechanical assistance if necessary) sufficiently to understand and comprehend individual one-on-one conversations.  Use of hands and arms to operate equipment and handle product is also necessary.  Possess specific vision abilities including near vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus (with corrective lenses if necessary) to perform the requirements of the position. A current and valid driver’s license and maintaining insurability for operation of company vehicles is required to perform the essential duties of this position.  MENTAL -  Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and possess the ability to communicate clearly on technical and business levels while maintaining professional conduct is essential.  The ability to handle high pressure, high demand situations and projects with financial impact is also critical. WORKING CONDITIONS: The Design Engineer role requires infrequent domestic travel for tradeshows, customer visits, and other necessary events. This position will spend a significant amount of time visiting or working in a manufacturing or plant office setting that has typical factory hazards including noise, dust, and cutting, drilling, blocked walkways, and tripping hazards.  United Equipment Accessories, Inc. functions in a real market environment that changes at various times of the year which occasionally may create high output or greater time pressure demands.  The Design Engineer is an exempt position and completion of duties regardless of the number of hours or number of days worked per week is expected.  Office hours will vary according to travel schedule and business demands.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND MEASUREMENTS OF PERFORMANCE: 

  • Follow rules and processes as outlined in the Employee Handbook, Quality Manual and Safety training regarding conduct and performance standards expected of all employees 
  • Maintain confidentiality of private information and request utilization of non-disclosure agreements to ensure protection of company intellectual property and trade secrets 
  • Maintain a positive work attitude that reflects the UEA Core Values (Accountability, Care, Hardworking/ Dedicated, Creative Problem Solver and Knowledge Seeker) 
  • Establish, document, and evaluate finished component processing parameters for new and repeat customer orders and communicate results to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor 
  • Collaborate with the sales team and customer to gather product specifications, research application requirements and material availability to determine production probability modifying the design, as necessary, to assure customer satisfaction  
  • Utilize technology software to create new product designs or modify existing ones to meet quality standards, customer requests, technical and economic factors, feasibility, time, and cost limitations to assure reliability of product designs  
  • Regularly communicate with customers to clarify and ensure understanding of product specifications, application, and working environment; assist the Customer Service Manager and inside sales staff with estimating and quote preparation, as requested  
  • Provide regular updates to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor regarding project statuses, field, or design challenges; provide improvement or resolution suggestions to resolve impeding challenges 
  • Knowledgeable on quality objectives and policies for the company and seeks guidance or clarification, when necessary, always working to achieve best results towards these objectives and policies  
  • Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain departments in evaluation of sub-component supplier quality, cost, production capability and delivery time 
  • Support continuous improvement efforts within the function; evaluate, modify, and design processes, documenting all phases (DFMEA, ECO’s, etc.) 
  • Provide technical expertise and instruction with machining and assembly design inquires, seeking new methods and practices to streamline and improve production time and quality 
  • Participate in trade shows, exhibits, customers visits and other necessary events to promote UEA products and services and gather market feedback to design products that solve industry challenges 
  • Schedule all travel arrangements, hotel, and car rentals (as applicable), and publish travel schedule and UEA office visits via Outlook Calendar  
  • Participate in required or suggested training opportunities to enhance product knowledge, sales and technology skills 
  • Work to achieve desired results, contribute to the department’s overall efficiency and productivity goals, and ensure overall customer satisfaction  
  • Consistently and effectively identify, manage, and complete multiple responsibilities accurately, timely and within budget including communication and follow through on task information, status, and questions to the appropriate people 
  • Demonstrate collaborative working relationships, good judgment, reasoning, and professional conduct in all business interactions, representing UEA favorably with employees, customers, and vendors 
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for the position and situation 
  • Demonstrate physical, regular, and punctual attendance and communicate scheduled and unscheduled absences in advance  
  • Perform other tasks, projects and duties as directed by Electrical Engineering Supervisor