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Design Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services ...

McClure Engineering Co

Senior Traffic Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$97K - $134K/yr

A successful Senior Traffic Engineer will demonstrate past success in team technical/design leadership and the ability to mentor/develop less experienced team members. The Senior Traffic Engineer ...

Baker Group

Systems Engineer - Automation

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Work with project managers, engineering team and mechanical design engineers to develop sequence of operations for equipment. * Re-estimate projects based upon engineered control submittals.

Baker Group

Systems Engineer - Automation

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Work with project managers, engineering team and mechanical design engineers to develop sequence of operations for equipment. * Re-estimate projects based upon engineered control submittals.

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of embedded software that controls machine operations, functionality, or display information to operators.

Actalent

Software Engineer

Ames, IA

$45 - $60/hr

Lead the design, implementation, and testing of robust software solutions that meet and exceed customer requirements. * Working on display and touchscreen systems * Writing test cases and test ...

Talent Solutions

Senior Electrical Engineer

Ames, IA

$105K - $137K/yr

Senior Electrical Engineer - MEP Consulting Locations: Ames / Des Moines, Iowa or Omaha, Nebraska ... Design and coordinate power distribution, lighting, lighting controls, and low-voltage systems.

RFA Engineering

Data Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

RFA Engineering ( www.rfamec.com ) supports industry-leading clients through the full software ... Design, build, and maintain cloud-based data pipelines and data products that support analytics ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsDesign Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Design Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$39.6K

$86.2K

$155K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Ames, IA is $86,227.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $96,400.00 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.
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For Design Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,227 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Project Engineer 2

WesTech Engineering

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

WesTech Engineering rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Our mission at WesTech is to help communities thrive by delivering high-quality water solutions with superior service - safely and sustainably. To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more.
As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor, excellence and continuity make this an outstanding working environment. Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers.
Summary
Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key part of project teams. They have a basic understanding of WesTech products, and they possess the engineering skills to complete the common design work which will be peer reviewed in accordance with company procedures. Day-to-day work activities will be focused on supporting production work through completing design calculations and clearly communicating the completed design to internal customers and external customers when required.
Some of the work you will do:
  • Execute engineering deliverables using common methodologies, procedures, and practices to ensure designs are congruent with national and local standards and codes
  • Perform common design tasks and calculations for several projects at a time
  • Receive and incorporate comments and changes to designs including adjusting work practices where necessary
  • Prepare and review technical reports when required
  • Provide complete and clear design packages for use by internal and external customers
  • Reviews and stamps calculations and drawings (where applicable)
  • Focused on expanding experience and proficiency in applicable products, with solid understanding of relevant design practices
  • Creates good designs that meet company best practices, customer requirements and industry standards
  • Mastering ability to break down tasks, plan, estimate and manage work to meet or beat project deadline
  • Collaborates professionally with teammates and peers.
  • Communicates clearly at team events, clarifying requirements and sharing areas of concern

Here are the skills that you need:
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in the following disciplines:

    • Civil/Structural Engineering
    • Mechanical Engineering

  • Experience: Generally at least 1 year or more of related experience
  • Engineer in Training (E.I.T.) certification or able to obtain within 6 months of the start date (if relevant to area of discipline)
  • Strong math skills, specifically trigonometry and geometry, understanding of chemistry and physics
  • Excellent computer skills: MS Word, Excel, and other Windows applications
  • Detail oriented, well organized
  • Strong communication skills
  • Self-motivated with detailed and complete follow-through

Here are the skills and qualifications that will set you apart:
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license or Structural Engineer (SE) license or able to obtain within 6 months of the start date (if relevant to area of discipline)
  • Knowledge of software such as Mathcad, Inventor, STAAD, Plant 3D, and/or Navisworks as relevant to area of discipline
  • Knowledge of design codes such as AISC, ASCE, ACI as they apply to steel structures.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to use a workstation using computer/phone
  • Some lifting may be involved (up to 40 lbs.)

Benefits and perks we offer:
  • Competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses.
  • Dollar for dollar 401K match of 6%.
  • Flexible work hours, hybrid schedules with remote work options.
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package with an on-site medical facility
  • Company HSA contribution, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program
  • Company-paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long-term Disability.
  • PTO plan and Paid Holidays.
  • Tuition Reimbursement.
  • Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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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