Design Engineer Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

GK Systems, a General Kinematics’ Brand, is a premier leader in the design and integration of recycling and foundry systems. Whether it’s the complete design and manufacture of a greenfield project, complicated retrofits, or system upgrades, GK Systems is the one stop shop.

We are currently looking for a qualified Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the development, design, and analysis of complex recycling and foundry systems. The ideal candidate will have direct experience with the design, layout, and ROI analysis of capital equipment projects and will thrive in a collaborative environment working alongside Production Engineering, Customer Service, and Sales. If you are passionate about engineering innovation, customer-driven design, and delivering high-quality industrial systems, we want to hear from you.

Job Responsibilities

· Lead and participate in the development and design of complete system layouts for recycling, foundry, and industrial processing applications, from concept through detailed design.

· Create, review, and modify engineering drawings and 3D models in conformance with GK standards to accurately and clearly define equipment, assemblies, and parts for manufacture, ensuring all deliverables meet quality and schedule requirements.

· Utilize Revit, Autodesk Construction Cloud, Inventor, and AutoCAD to produce complete, accurate drawing packages for internal manufacturing and external customer use, including BOM generation, general arrangement drawings, and installation documentation.

· Continuously develop and apply engineering design, structural analysis, CAD, and manufacturing knowledge, with a focus on deepening expertise in GK equipment and vibratory system technology.

· Support new market development initiatives by contributing technical insight to product positioning, application engineering, and identification of opportunities to expand GK Systems’ capabilities into adjacent industries.

· Partner proactively with Sales and Project Management teams to develop technically sound and commercially competitive proposals, including system sizing, equipment selection, and preliminary design concepts that address customer requirements and budget constraints.

· Integrate safety as a core design principle in all system layouts and equipment designs, adhering to applicable OSHA standards, ANSI/ASME codes, and GK internal safety guidelines to protect personnel and ensure regulatory compliance.

· Drive cost efficiency through design optimization, value engineering, and standardization of components, actively identifying opportunities to reduce material and fabrication costs without compromising quality or performance.

· Leverage available engineering tools, simulation software, and emerging technology to enhance design accuracy, accelerate project timelines, and improve overall team productivity.

· Fully support the Company’s ISO objectives, policies and procedures.

· Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited institution.

· 2+ years of engineering experience designing capital industrial equipment such as conveyors, vibratory systems, material handling equipment, or process machinery is strongly preferred; recent graduates with relevant internship or co-op experience will be considered.

· Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to systematically diagnose engineering challenges, evaluate design alternatives, and implement effective, well-documented solutions under project constraints.

· Demonstrated understanding of basic business concepts, project economics, and the ability to translate customer requirements into viable engineering solutions, communicating technical content clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

· Proven ability to take ownership of assignments, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and proactively drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision.

· Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with a collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively across cross-functional teams including Engineering, Sales, Manufacturing, and Customer Service.

· Strong attention to detail with a commitment to producing accurate, complete, and professional engineering documentation and drawings.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); hands-on experience with Autodesk Inventor, AutoCAD, and/or Revit required. Experience with Autodesk Construction Cloud, FEA tools, or other simulation software is a plus.

Pay: $70,000 to $80,000 paid annually. The range provided is a guideline and not a guarantee of compensation. Other factors that are involved in offer decisions include, and are not limited to a candidate’s experience, qualifications, geography, and internal equity.

Benefits: The position also comes with an annual profit-sharing incentive bonus payment. Our benefit programs provide choice and flexibility to meet the needs of you and your family. This includes health and well-being, financial planning tools, career development, PTO, and more.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential

functions of the job.

EOE M/F/D/V