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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Hydraulics We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on hydraulic systems to support product design and integration. This role involves working closely ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components and systems that may include multiple plastic processes, castings or ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$65K - $80K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the development and maintenance of mechanical components and systems that may include multiple plastic processes ...

Three Point Solutions, Inc.

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$121.40K - $145.90K/yr

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

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Altec

Design Engineer

Osceola, IA · On-site

... engineering field • Communicates with customers on issues of technical specifications, product design and operation as appropriate • Supports Operations, Sales, and Service • Interfaces ...

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 ...

KYYBA

Be Seen First

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$36/hr

Design engineer supporting and windrower platform production line. Your Responsibilities: As a CI Design Engineer for Ottumwa Works located in Ottumwa, IA, you will: * Provide design support and ...

VIVA USA INC

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$34.13 - $39.13/hr

Description Design engineer supporting and windrower platform production line. Your Responsibilities: As a CI Design Engineer for the client, you will : Provide design support and troubleshooting for ...

New

Saige Partners

PCB Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA

PCB Design Engineer (Des Moines, IA) Overview We are seeking a detail-oriented PCB Design Engineer to join a growing, mission-driven organization focused on developing innovative safety and ...

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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 May 29, 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.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 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 a growth-oriented 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 - Hydraulics
We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on hydraulic systems to support product design and integration. This role involves working closely with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional teams to develop efficient, cost-effective solutions. Key responsibilities include 3D modeling with Creo, creating 2D drawings, supporting assembly line challenges, and troubleshooting hydraulic systems.
Responsibilities
  • Communication with suppliers and customers on product selection and integration
  • Use of Creo and Windchill to support 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and hydraulic or electrical routings.
  • Creation and support of 2D drawings and specification documentation
  • Work with manufacturing, quality, product verification and validation, customer support and suppliers to develop efficient and cost effective designs
  • Support Assembly Line challenges
  • Using Hydraulic Schematics to troubleshoot and validate system function.
  • Compile and furnish necessary information (engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the design solution required for building of prototypes and adoption of the design with possible involvement of other functional engineers.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical and electrical 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 Attributes
  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software; Creo (Preferred)
  • Previous experience with Windchill or PDMLink
  • Design experience with off-road mobile equipment
  • Ability to address quality issues, determine root cause and drive to a corrective action
  • Desire to work in an engineering environment focusing on robust & cost effective designs
  • Experience working with Hydraulic or Electrical Systems
  • Experience operating off-road mobile equipment

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 - 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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