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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

XL Specialized Trailers

Design Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

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 ...

Rfamec

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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 ...

Rfamec

Electrical Design Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

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 ...

Masaba Inc.

Sr. Design Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

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 ...

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 ...

Bridgestone

Equipment Design Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

The Equipment 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 ...

Productive Resources LLC

Product Design Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

Product Design Engineer II Eldridge, IA - Direct Hire Productive Resources (www.productiveresources.com) is seeking a candidate to be part of our client's team at their facility in Eldridge, IA. As a ...

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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 September 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.

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA • On-site

Three Point Solutions
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Three Point Solutionsexternal

$40 - $43/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Title:         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 Summary

Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support, troubleshooting, and product validation for production lines (Windrower Platform), with strong involvement in design improvements and testing.

Key Responsibilities

• Support mechanical design and troubleshooting for production line
• Evaluate and improve design solutions for cost, quality, and performance
• Execute product validation and verification (V&V) activities
• Analyze engineering requirements and specifications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, suppliers, manufacturing)
• Document design decisions, analysis, and test results
• Assist in prototype development and implementation of design changes
• Support continuous improvement initiatives

Core Duties

• Mechanical design support (CAD-based)
• Product testing & validation (V&V)
• Troubleshooting production/design issues
• Engineering documentation & reporting
• Cross-functional coordination
• Process and product improvement

Work Environment / Role Nature

• Mix of office (design) and shop-floor support
• Collaboration-heavy engineering team environment
• May require occasional overtime for production support
• Exposure to assembly line and manufacturing processes

Required Skills

• Mechanical design (Creo or similar CAD tools) – 1–2 years
• Problem-solving & troubleshooting – 2+ years
• Engineering fundamentals (design, testing, analysis) – 1–2 years
• Communication & teamwork – 2+ years
• Product testing & validation – 1+ year

Preferred Skills

• Product Verification & Validation (V&V)
• Assembly line processes & documentation

• Weld processes & documentation
• SAP
• Excel & PowerPoint

Technical Exposure Areas

• CAD / Engineering tools – 1–2 years
• Engineering specifications & analysis – 1–2 years
• EPDP / product development lifecycle – 1+ year exposure

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical / Agricultural Engineering (or equivalent)
• Entry-level to early-career (0–2 years experience)

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