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Contract Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer As a Mechanical Design Engineer in this role, you will be responsible for finding projects, vetting & designing them, and bringing these projects into production. This role ...

Ethos

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$88K - $122K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Ethos

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Ethos

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location. Responsibilities: * Design automation for a variety of ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location. Responsibilities: * Design automation for a variety of ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location.Responsibilities:Design automation for a variety of products ...

Mestek Machinery

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Analyzes various design requirements and recommends possible solutions or alternate constructions ... S. in Mechanical engineering. * 5+ years in engineering with experience within a manufacturing or ...

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Support mechanical design and troubleshooting for production line * Evaluate and improve design ... Analyze engineering requirements and specifications * Collaborate with cross-functional teams ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Cresco, IA · On-site

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of trailer systems, including structural frames, suspension systems ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

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All JobsContract Mechanical Design Engineer JobsContract Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Contract Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$86K

$128.2K

How much do contract mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical design engineer in Iowa is $86,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract mechanical design engineer?

A Contract Mechanical Design Engineer is a professional hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and improve mechanical systems and components. They work across industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer products, using CAD software and engineering principles. These engineers collaborate with teams, ensure designs meet specifications, and often assist with prototyping and testing. Contract roles offer flexibility and variety but may require frequent job transitions.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily tasks of a contract mechanical design engineer?

As a Contract Mechanical Design Engineer, your main responsibilities typically include designing mechanical components or assemblies, creating detailed drawings and 3D models, and performing engineering analysis to ensure safety and functionality. You will frequently collaborate with project managers, manufacturing teams, and other engineers to refine designs and support the product development cycle. Daily tasks may also involve reviewing specifications, conducting design reviews, and troubleshooting engineering issues as they arise. This role often involves balancing multiple projects simultaneously, so strong organizational and communication skills are important for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract mechanical design engineer?

To thrive as a Contract Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of mechanical engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and a relevant engineering degree. Experience with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or CATIA, as well as familiarity with industry standards and possibly a Professional Engineer (PE) license, are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are valued soft skills in this role. These qualifications are essential to efficiently develop innovative mechanical solutions, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and meet project deadlines in contract-based environments.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:

Contract Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,016 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Mechanical Design Engineer
As a Mechanical Design Engineer in this role, you will be responsible for finding projects, vetting & designing them, and bringing these projects into production. This role focuses on cost reduction projects and will operate across multiple product lines and vehicle systems (structures, hydraulics, powertrain, electrical, and cabs). You will work with various stakeholders to understand function and requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Create models and prints utilizing proper model-based definition methods and GD&T
  • Ability to work with many stakeholders and communicate project scope, status, changes, and challenges
  • Work with various suppliers and internal departments to facilitate part fit up, testing, and start of production
  • Support fit ups on the factory floor and support new part testing as needed
  • Communicate project details across all levels of the organization
  • Manage multiple tasks and projects with different product groups

Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • 3+ years of demonstrated design or cost reduction experience.
  • Excellent communication, both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to get projects completed with minimal oversight
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to work independently

Desired Skills
  • Creo and Windchill proficiency
  • Knowledge and application of GD&T standards
  • Familiarity with CI processes
  • Strong communication skills with ability to present and speak in front of groups
  • Collaboration and flexibility across multiple design disciplines and product lines
  • Adaptability to accommodate changes in scope and schedule of projects
  • Familiarity with construction and forestry equipment

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $80,000-$110,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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