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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Design Engineer Location: Waterloo, Iowa Salary: $65-75K plus 10% bonus Job Summary of the Design Engineer: The Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of design engineers responsible for ...

Aspire Talent Solutions

Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Design Engineer Location: Waterloo, Iowa Salary: $65-75K plus 10% bonus Job Summary of the Design Engineer: The Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of design engineers responsible for ...

FTHR

Design Engineer

Cresco, IA · On-site

Senior Design Engineer Location: Cresco, IA Job Summary: This role owns on the design, development, and continuous improvement of trailer systems, including structural frames, suspension systems ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

The Design Engineer is responsible for creating optimal solutions for Level 2 and 3 projects and preparing layouts with item lists for the sales process based on the customer need. As a Design ...

Actalent

Design Engineer

Pella, IA · On-site

$31.25/hr

Design Engineer Join our dynamic team as a Design Engineer, where you will play a crucial role in examining requests from various departments such as production, service, and technical publications.

Invio Automation

Design Engineer

Eldridge, IA

Design Engineers must possess a working knowledge of mechanical principles and an understanding of 3D models, layout drawings, and engineering specifications. Design Engineers require the ability to ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

The Design Engineer is responsible for creating optimal solutions for Level 2 and 3 projects and preparing layouts with item lists for the sales process based on the customer need. As a Design ...

Invio Automation

Design Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

Design Engineers must possess a working knowledge of mechanical principles and an understanding of 3D models, layout drawings, and engineering specifications. Design Engineers require the ability to ...

Keen Project Solutions LLC

Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

The Design Engineer translates their ideas, rough sketches, and specifications into general production and installation drawings used in the fabrication and installation of company products and ...

Keen Project Solutions LLC

Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

The Design Engineer translates their ideas, rough sketches, and specifications into general production and installation drawings used in the fabrication and installation of company products and ...

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Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$38K

$82.8K

$148.9K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 14% Internship, and 86% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,796 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Design Engineer I

Design Engineer I

Sherwood Design Engineers

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Design Engineer I
DSM
About Sherwood Design Engineers
Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people, communities and the environment.
Our team has delivered net zero energy and net zero carbon systems, net positive water systems, resilient coastlines, natural resource protection, green streets, living roofs and more for thousands of clients in the region and across the globe. We specialize in sustainable infrastructure, water management strategies, green building design, and systems based solutions for infrastructure and landscapes. Our focus is on the conservation and management of the consumption of all site resources - carbon, energy, water, and waste. We've worked on over thirty award-winning projects, and our work has been published locally and internationally.
Founded in 2003, our award-winning projects include Hudson Yards in New York (the largest private real estate development in U.S. history), San Francisco Better Streets Plan, Greater New Orleans Urban Water Plan, revitalization of the iconic waterfront Brooklyn Bridge Park, and the 35 square-km Baietan Urban Area Plan in the heart of Guangzhou, China.
Our mission is to engineer an environmentally and socially regenerative planet. Will you join us?
Role Summary
At Sherwood Design Engineers, we value collaboration that incorporates multiple perspectives, and believe that diverse ideas produce more robust and equitable solutions. We have an amazing opportunity for a driven and curious Design Engineer focused on land development design to support our team.
Minimum Skills
  • Typically industry internship experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering - Civil and/or Environmental
  • Exercises sound judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional and innovative work.
  • Ability to work with multiple site base files oriented in different coordinate frames and varying units.
  • Ability to read, understand and design topographic information.
  • Working knowledge of Windows, MS Office, and cloud-based collaboration software (Google Apps, Asana, Dropbox, Sharepoint, etc.)
  • Proficient in AutoCAD

Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of civil design programs (Civil 3D, LDT, Hydro CAD, Flowmasters, StormCAD, etc)
  • Knowledge of Graphics programs (Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
  • Certifications or other sustainability-oriented accreditation preferred (iLEED , EIT, etc.)
  • Knowledge of GIS principles
  • Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite

Expected Outcomes
  • Physical Site Assessment and Field Visits
  • Research, understand, and summarize regulatory requirements for residential, commercial, and industrial development projects, public works improvements, or other capital improvement projects using applied knowledge of civil engineering
  • Data Collection and Processing
  • Numerical Computations in the field of CIvil Engineering, Hydrology and Hydraulics, Stormwater management, etc
  • Prepare Technical Reports, Project Specifications, and Cost Estimates
  • Create and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, and schematics
  • Use drafting tools or computer-aided design (CAD) equipment and software in design work.
  • Design naturally and physically built structures using knowledge of biology, statistics, dynamics, materials, kinematics, hydrology, hydraulics, and geotechnics
  • Oversee construction of projects to ensure adherence to design specifications
  • Ensure projects comply with local zoning and ordinances, as well as national regulatory requirements
  • Identify, evaluate, and document existing structures for signs for disrepair and provide design remedies as necessary

What We Offer
  • Own a part of the firm with ESOP eligibility after one year
  • Flexible working - with every other Friday off
  • Competitive Health plans, including PPO and HMO options, Dental and Vision plans
  • Learning and Development stipend to use as you see fit
  • Generous PTO and 8 paid holidays
  • Automatic 401k enrollment
  • Fun team events, lunches and happy hours to get to know colleagues outside of work
  • A tangible opportunity to truly help the environment!

Compensation:
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. At Sherwood Design Engineers, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $67,000 to $74,000. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Employer will not sponsor visas for position. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

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