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Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa City, IA (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$121K - $145K/yr

The Product 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 ...

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 ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Be able to interpret machine designs generated using 2-D CAD methods. * Motivation to contribute to the improvement of engineering procedures. * Proficient in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and ...

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Design Engineer information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$39.6K

$86.3K

$155.1K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Iowa City, IA is $86,253.00, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Design Engineer jobs in Iowa City, IA?

For Design Engineer jobs in Iowa City, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Design Engineer jobs in Iowa City, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design Engineer jobs in Iowa City, IA are:

What cities near Iowa City, IA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

Cities near Iowa City, IA with the most Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Iowa City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,253 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Product Design Engineer

Bridgestone Americas, Inc

Muscatine, IA • On-site

$121K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Bridgestone Americas rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 137 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

325th of 545 rated manufacturers


Job description

Company Overview

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM), headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, and Bridgestone Europe, Middle East and Africa (BSEMEA), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, operate collectively as a "Bridgestone West" strategic region. This region services the strategic business needs of teams across the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa. BSAM and BSEMEA are subsidiaries of Bridgestone Corporation, globally headquartered in Japan. Bridgestone and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand products and solutions to address the needs of a broad range of customers and industries.

Job Category
Engineering & Science
Position Summary
The Product Design Engineer will provide engineering services and support to the global commercial dealer systems operations through evaluation, analysis, design, upgrading and installation of equipment and process systems. The Product 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 assemble and improve reliability of equipment designs. The teammate is familiar with equipment and processes used at franchise dealer locations. The Product Design Engineer should possess strong analytical and problem solving skills, and is familiar with risk reduction methods. We are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
Responsibilities

Engineering Design & Development, Installation, and Support

  • The Product Design Engineer will support Engineering teammates in the design and development of new equipment to be used by franchised dealers.
  • Maintain current and legacy machine designs by releasing Engineering Change Orders that overcome component obsolescence and introduce design enhancements to existing equipment to ensure maximum uptime for franchised dealers.
  • Utilizes advanced computer aided design tools such as AutoCAD and Creo to document machine design, track revision history, and product lifecycle management.
  • Ensures standardization of mechanical designs and drawings is maintained throughout equipment lifecycle.
  • Is aware of new technology to keep equipment and processes technologically advanced and leading the industry in product quality, productivity, and energy efficiency.

Project Management

  • Plans, organizes, and controls small scale projects, is responsible for meeting project deliverables on cost, schedule and functionality.
  • Works with manager to secure resources to achieve goals.
  • Consulting & Communications
  • Visits manufacturing plants and commercial franchised dealers to study processes.
  • Represents the company in contacts with outside suppliers of services and equipment.
  • Serves as technical resource to the Technical Services Group and Equipment Assembly and provides on sight support when required.


Maintenance of Expertise

  • Maintains reference documents, technical work instructions and forms in the QMS system.
  • Attends trade shows, technical seminars, and reads technical publications to keep abreast of the latest technology.
  • Technology Development Uses experience, knowledge, and creativity to recommend ideas for technology development.
  • Management of small scale dealer equipment development projects to meet time and budget commitments.
  • Responsible for ongoing machine design support to overcome obsolescence, assembly issues, and incorporate required advancements in technology to ensure maximum uptime for franchised dealers manufacturing operations.
  • Makes recommendations to Department Manager regarding appropriate goals for projects. Once project goals are established, acts under guidance of the Department Manager or Lead/Principal Engineer to achieve those goals. Collaboration with the electrical engineering team, project engineering team and the process engineering team to make decisions regarding machine hardware and manufacturing processes.
  • Collaboration outside of engineering required with Marketing, TSG, IT, Purchasing, Legal, Logistics, Finance, and Production Control.

The Product Design Engineer will must be willing to travel domestically support franchised dealer locations with technical issues and equipment installations. The Product Design Engineer will must be willing to work extended hours as needed to achieve company goals.

Minimum Qualifications

Typically requires a bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of related experience; or an advanced degree without experience; or equivalent work experience

At Bridgestone, you are Free to Be


We believe people can only provide superior service and quality to others when they feel safe bringing their chosen version of themselves to work. We believe in championing all perspectives, individuals and teams because we understand the importance of seeing the world and our business through many different lenses. So, show us what you are made of, because who you are is what we need.


What we offer


At Bridgestone, what really matters is to foster co-creation opportunities and empowering you to be creative and curious to make mobility safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for future generations. Whatever role you fill, when you represent Bridgestone, you are a valued teammate, and part of our larger mission to "Serve Society with Superior Quality", for that, we offer you more than just a competitive compensation; we will provide you:


  • A supportive and engaging onboarding experience to ensure a smooth transition into our team.
  • The opportunity to develop and grow, through training and regular mentorship.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility activities.
  • A truly global, dynamic and challenging work environment.
  • Agility and work/life effectiveness and your long-term well-being.
  • An effective and inclusive team.

Bridgestone is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. It is our policy to consider all individuals for employment based on their unique merit and without regard to age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


Employment Eligibility

If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.


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