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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

E91

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

E91 Design Center is seeking an Electrical Design Engineer LOCATION: Dubuque, Iowa DURATION: Full Benefits Electrical Engineer responsible for wiring harness routing, electrical system design, CAD ...

Bazooka Farmstar

Senior Design Engineer

Washington, IA

$75K - $100K/yr

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.

Intellectt INC

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Forest City, IA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

My name is Vyshu, and I'm reaching out from Intellectt Inc. regarding an exciting contract opportunity for a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer based in Forest City, lowa with one of our prestigious ...

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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 Jul 13, 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 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.

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 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.

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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,796 per year, or $39.8 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer - Construction

Mechanical Design Engineer - Construction

The Waldinger Corp.

Des Moines, IA

$74K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

The Waldinger Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

The Waldinger Corporation has an opportunity for a qualified Mechanical Design Engineer.
Job Summary:
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an integral role in transforming project concepts into practical, constructible solutions. Working closely with Operations, project teams, and customers, this position is responsible for the design, analysis, and coordination of mechanical systems from project development through construction and commissioning.

Responsibilities:

Preconstruction Duties:

  • Works with Operations, customers, and project stakeholders to define project objectives, establish design criteria, and develop practical project solutions.
  • Assists in the development of conceptual designs, engineering estimates, schematic budgets, and scopes of work.
  • Identifies project risks, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value improvement early in the project lifecycle.
  • Participates in project pursuits and supports business development efforts through technical expertise and solution development.

Engineering & System Development:

  • Designs HVAC, plumbing, piping, and related mechanical systems for design-build projects.
  • Performs load calculations, equipment selection, system analysis, and code compliance reviews.
  • Develops sequences of operation and evaluates design alternatives based on performance, reliability, maintainability, and project requirements.
  • Produces engineering calculations, reports, drawings, and other technical deliverables.

Project Execution & Coordination

  • Coordinates with Operations, designers, BIM personnel, vendors, and trade partners throughout the project.
  • Participates in project meetings and provides discipline-specific leadership during design and construction.
  • Supports project teams through technical problem-solving, design clarification, and resolution of field-related issues.
  • Reviews engineering deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project goals.

Construction Support

  • Supports field operations through submittal review, startup assistance, commissioning activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
  • Performs site visits to verify existing conditions, review installation progress, and evaluate completed work.
  • Supports project closeout, turnover activities, and post-installation system performance reviews.

Leadership & Continuous Improvement

  • Provides mentorship, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing to engineers, designers, and project teams.
  • Participates in peer reviews and contributes to the development of engineering standards, tools, and best practices.
  • Supports departmental initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, innovation, and professional development.
  • Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus.


Requirements:

Job Related Experience: 5-10 years of design engineering experience

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Construction Engineering or related field or equivalent experience 

Certification: P.E. License

Travel Requirements: Occasional Travel

We Offer:
•Paid holidays
•Health, dental, and vision insurance
•Growth potential with a stable company
•Paid vacation
•Health club reimbursement
•Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
•401k with company match and profit-sharing
•Continuing education and advancement opportunities
•Tuition reimbursement
•Term, AD&D, and Dependent Life insurances
•Prepaid Legal
The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.
The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.

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