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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Actalent

Design Engineer

Pella, IA

$31.25 - $33.65/hr

The Design Engineer drives continuous improvement of utility equipment across the entire product lifecycle. In this role, you develop and implement design enhancements that improve performance ...

Actalent

Design Engineer

Pella, IA · On-site

$31.25 - $33.65/hr

The Design Engineer drives continuous improvement of utility equipment across the entire product lifecycle. In this role, you develop and implement design enhancements that improve performance ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and developing the layout and design of electrical wire harness systems used in off-highway equipment. They ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and developing the layout and design of electrical wire harness systems used in off-highway equipment. They ...

Rite-Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · Hybrid

Rite-Hite is seeking a Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the designing of products that meet the criteria set forth, and supporting products after production ...

Rite-Hite Doors, Inc.

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Rite-Hite is seeking a Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the designing of products that meet the criteria set forth, and supporting products after production ...

Bazooka Farmstar

Design Engineer

Washington, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Performs a variety of engineering work in leading, planning, and design (or redesign) of products and/or product components. Will work with other engineering or production disciplines to ensure ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer We are seeking a Continuous Improvement Design Engineer with an emphasis on electrical systems to support the design, integration, and optimization of off-road mobile ...

Rite Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Rite-Hite is seeking a Design Engineer to join our team. This position is responsible for the designing of products that meet the criteria set forth, and supporting products after production ...

H. T. PROF Group

Senior Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Senior Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting in a finished product that meets the needs ...

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All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$82.8K

$148.9K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Iowa is $82,796.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,900.00 and $92,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design engineer?

Design engineers develop ideas for new products and determine ways to improve existing products. As a design engineer, you put a creative perspective on your technical engineering knowledge to perform your job duties, which include creating sketches of design ideas and using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate plans for prototypes. To ensure the product is viable, you also evaluate other aspects of the product design, such as safety, cost, sustainability, aesthetics, and user experience. You collaborate with a team of technicians and other engineers to run tests, troubleshoot problems, and ultimately produce a newly designed product.

What does a design engineer do?

A Design Engineer is responsible for creating and developing new products, systems, or structures by combining engineering principles with creative design. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to produce detailed drawings and specifications, working closely with other engineers and teams to ensure functionality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. Design Engineers are involved in every stage of product development, from initial concept through prototyping, testing, and final production. Their work often requires problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.

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

To thrive as a Design Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, CAD software proficiency, and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), are commonly required. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into workable designs. These abilities ensure innovative, efficient, and manufacturable solutions that meet both technical and client requirements.

How does a design engineer typically collaborate with other departments during a project?

Design Engineers regularly work alongside teams such as manufacturing, quality assurance, and product management to ensure that designs are both innovative and feasible for production. Collaboration often involves participating in cross-functional meetings, reviewing prototypes, and incorporating feedback from various stakeholders. This teamwork is essential to address technical and practical challenges early in the design process, which ultimately helps in delivering a successful product to market. Strong communication and adaptability are key skills for thriving in this collaborative environment.

What is the difference between Design Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectDesign EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Design certifications often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license optional
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD software, project planningManufacturing plants, labs, fieldwork, CAD and testing
Employer & Industry UsageProduct design firms, automotive, aerospace, consumer goodsManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy sectors

Design Engineers focus on creating and developing product designs using CAD tools, while Mechanical Engineers often work on the broader application, testing, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Design Engineers typically emphasize design skills and software proficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers may engage more in analysis and system integration.

What jobs can a design engineer do?

A design engineer creates and develops new products, systems, or structures across industries such as automotive, aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing. They use CAD software, perform simulations, and collaborate with teams to ensure functionality and safety. Design engineers often work in research and development, product design, or process improvement roles.
More about Design Engineer jobs

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

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Design Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in IA?

For Design Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,796 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

IFP Motions Solutions Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

IFP Motion Solutions Inc. is a growing motion control company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with operations in 13 states. All locations work together to provide a range of services including manufacturing, repair, design engineering, and distribution of components. Our customer base includes industrial manufacturers, mobile integrations, and fluid power OEMs. With a knowledgeable sales team and a large inventory, we have the capability to design, prototype, manufacture, and service a wide range of motion control systems.

Summary

We are seeking a talented and driven Design Engineer to join our team. As a Design Engineer, you will design and develop hydraulic power units (HPUs), valves and manifolds, and complete hydraulic systems; taking projects from concept through detailed design and into production. You will work hands‑on in SolidWorks and collaborate closely with our internal engineering teams and shop floor to deliver quality designs.

Responsibilities
  • Provide hydraulic design and development for power units (HPUs), valves, manifolds, and complete systems of varied complexity.
  • Create and maintain 3D models, detailed part drawings, and assemblies in SolidWorks.
  • Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure manufacturability and proper fit.
  • Select appropriate hydraulic components and size systems to meet performance and application requirements.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and the shop floor to resolve design and production issues.
  • Support prototyping, testing, and design validation, and revise designs based on findings.
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation, BOMs, and revision control.
Job Requirements
  • Minimum 2-4 years of mechanical design engineering experience, OR equivalent experience with a strong hydraulic systems/components background.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, detailing, and assemblies.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T and the ability to produce manufacturable, production‑ready drawings.
  • Solid understanding of hydraulic principles and components.
  • Has the ability to manage multiple tasks, has excellent attention to detail, and is willing and able to learn new technologies quickly.
  • Has solid verbal and written communication skills. Works well as an individual and in a team within a manufacturing or production environment.
Additional Beneficial Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college/university (strongly preferred).
  • Experience reading and interpreting hydraulic schematics.
  • Familiarity with FEA / stress analysis.
  • Prior experience designing HPUs, manifolds, or complete hydraulic systems.
Benefits

Starting wage commensurate with the experience level of the candidate. Enjoy a rewarding work environment and competitive benefits, including 401(k) and Profit Sharing with financial advisor support, medical, dental, vision plans, life and pet insurance, wellness program, and fitness club subsidies.

About IFP

IFP Motion Solutions Inc. is a growing motion control corporation headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our business spans 13 states with four physical locations: Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis, Houston, and Kansas City. It employs 210+ team members across Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly, Hydraulic Repair, Field Service, Warehouse & Distribution, Customer Service, Purchasing, Accounting, Marketing, and Sales. Our locations collaborate to serve a unique blend of manufacturing, repair & refurbishing, design engineering, and components distribution. Our customers include industrial manufacturers, mobile integrations, and fluid power OEMs. Combined with our knowledgeable sales team and expansive inventory, we can design, prototype, manufacture, or service any conceivable motion control system.

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