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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

$90 - $120/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 ...

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 ...

Bridgestone

Product Design Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$121K - $145K/yr

The Product Design Engineer will provide support to the Equipment Assembly Plant to overcome quality, startup, or troubleshooting issues and implement design changes necessary to reduce cost to ...

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Product Design Engineer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Ottumwa, IA 52501 Duration: 24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job ...

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 ...

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 ...

XL Specialized Trailers

Design Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

This job will collaborate inside a team of design engineers (10) responsible for designing mechanical products and systems resulting in a finished product that meets the needs and expectation of the ...

XL Specialized Trailers

Design Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

This job will collaborate inside a team of design engineers (10) responsible for designing mechanical products and systems resulting in a finished product that meets the needs and expectation of the ...

Masaba Inc.

Sr. Design Engineer

Sioux City, IA

$85K - $95K/yr

POSITION: Sr. Design Engineer COMPANY PROFILE: Our client custom designs and builds specialized construction and mining equipment. The work alongside their customers to design the machinery that ...

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Showing results 21-40

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 Aug 18, 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 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $82,796 per year, or $39.8 per hour.

Design Engineer

Rite Hite

Dubuque, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago

Rite-Hite rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

73rd of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Job description

At Rite-Hite, your work makes an impact. As the global leader in loading dock and door equipment, we design and deliver solutions that keep our customers safe, secure, and productive. Here, you'll find innovation, stability, and the chance to grow your career as part of a team that's always looking ahead.
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 introduction.
This is a Hybrid role based out of Dubuque, IA.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Manage broad and complex tasks/projects in accordance with the Rite-Hite Stage Gate design process.
  • Provide professional leadership to members of the project team.
  • Aggressively pursue participation, feedback and concurrences from all sources which have influence on the project.
  • Take a leadership role in the development of product requirements, concepts and prototypes.
  • Conceptualize designs as relating to product definitions.
  • Design parts/products for prototyping/production.
  • Perform mathematical verification and modeling of designs.
  • Analyze components or systems for design life and performance.
  • Write test plans and direct tests to verify analysis.
  • Design test stands.
  • Develop new product cost estimates with cost accounting.
  • Coordinate with suppliers.
  • Write purchase specifications.
  • Create CAD drawings and models for concepts, prototyping, and testing.
  • Review drawings and models for accuracy.
  • Design tooling and fixtures.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations to project teams and management as required.
  • Support production, customer service, applications, special order engineering and aftermarket engineering.
  • Perform failure analysis.
  • Visit customer sites as necessary to evaluate and troubleshoot product
  • Create or direct engineering change notices and sign for technical acceptance.
  • Follow all established procedures, standards and policies.
  • Maintain a professional working atmosphere.
  • Responsible for executing and supporting the quality system and procedures in the effort for continuous improvement.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:
  • Manage broad and complex tasks/projects.
  • Design and analyze components or systems for design life and performance, failure analysis.
  • Write test plans and direct testing.
  • Create or direct ECN's.
  • Design tooling and fixtures.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B. S.) from four year college or university in mechanical engineering; with at least two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience as demonstrated by PE certification.
What We Offer
At Rite-Hite, we take care of our people - because when you're supported, you can do your best work. Our benefits are designed to support your health, your future and your life outside of work:
  • Health & Well-being: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus life and disability insurance. A robust well-being program with an opportunity to receive an extra day off and more.
  • Financial Security: A strong retirement savings program with 401(k), company match, and profit sharing.
  • Time for You: Paid holidays, vacation time, and personal/sick days each year.

Join us and build a career where you're supported - at work and beyond.
Rite-Hite is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. In accordance with VEVRAA, we are committed to providing equal employment opportunities for protected veterans. We are also committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace for the safety of our employees and customers.

What Rite-Hite employees say

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About Rite-Hite

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Rite-Hite is the global leader in the manufacture and distribution of industrial loading dock and door equipment. Our innovative products and world class sales organization ensure solid, consistent growth, both for our company and our staff.

Industry

Machinery manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Milwaukee, WI, US

Year founded

1965

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