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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Product Design Engineer

Decorah, IA · On-site

$119.50K - $143.60K/yr

Description Product design engineer is responsible for end-to-end development of innovative products from concept to production. This role involves creating detailed designs, refining products to ...

Apply mechanical engineering principles to machine and equipment design * Support the development of engineering solutions for new products and modifications to existing products * Prepare ...

Senior Design EngineerLocation: Washington, IA, 52353 Position Overview Performs a variety of engineering work in leading, planning, and design (or redesign) of products and/or product components.

Sustaining Design Engineer

Garner, IA · On-site

$82.50K - $101.40K/yr

The Sustaining Design Engineer designs, documents, and supports components and assemblies used in Stellar Industries products. The Design Engineer focuses on cost, material availability ...

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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 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.

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 cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Design Engineer job openings:
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

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Ankeny, IA

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

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