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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components. These designs primarily include small and mid-sized cast and ...

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 ...

Ethos

Senior Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA

Senior Design Engineer 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 ...

Ethos

Senior Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Senior Design Engineer 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 ...

Ethos

Senior Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Senior Design Engineer 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 ...

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 · On-site

$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 ...

Puck Enterprises

Product Design Engineer I

Manning, IA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Product Design Engineer I Puck | Built to Lead. Location: Manning, IA Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full-Time Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Who We Are At Puck, we are Built ...

Puck Enterprises

Product Design Engineer I

Manning, IA

$121K - $146K/yr

Product Design Engineer I Puck | Built to Lead. Location:Manning, IADepartment:EngineeringEmployment Type:Full-TimeSchedule:Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Who We Are At Puck, we areBuilt to Lead.

Puck Enterprises

Product Design Engineer I

Manning, IA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Product Design Engineer I Puck | Built to Lead. Location:Manning, IADepartment:EngineeringEmployment Type:Full- TimeSchedule:Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Who We Are At Puck, we areBuilt to Lead.

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 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 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.

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 does a design engineer do?

A design engineer develops and modifies product designs, often using computer-aided design (CAD) software, to meet project specifications and safety standards. They analyze requirements, create prototypes, and collaborate with manufacturing teams to ensure functional and efficient products.

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineering professionals such as senior petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, or specialized software engineers in leadership roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires advanced skills, extensive experience, and working in high-paying industries or executive positions.

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.

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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Design engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or later, as the profession values skills, experience, and continuous learning. Many engineers successfully transition into the field through relevant education, certifications, and practical experience, making age less of a barrier than skill development and adaptability.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,796 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Ames, IA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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
Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components. These designs primarily include small and mid-sized cast and machined components.
Responsibilities
  • Create models and prints utilizing proper model-based definition methods and GD&T
  • Ability to work with a large number of stakeholders and communicate back and forth regarding project scope, status, and changes
  • Work with internal fabrication departments to facilitate parts being in the right place at the right time
  • Supporting builds and fit ups on the factory floor as needed
  • Excellent communicator across all levels of the organization
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Skills
  • Creo or Solidworks proficiency, especially with castings (trainable)
  • Knowledge and application of GD&T standards (trainable)
  • Familiarity with PDP processes and milestone requirements
  • 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

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Salary Range: $60,000-$85,000 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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