1

Design Engineer Jobs in Norwalk, IA (NOW HIRING)

Civil - Project Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Manager - Civil Engineering Des Moines, IA About Sherwood Design Engineers Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people ...

Civil - Project Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Project Manager - Civil Engineering Des Moines, IA About Sherwood Design Engineers Sherwood is a civil and environmental engineering firm that is committed to investing in and embracing people ...

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ...

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ...

Consistently ranked by Engineering News Record in the top 150 firms, we offer a values-based ... We are seeking a full-time Civil Design Technician to join our Transportation Design team in our ...

Cad Tech

Altoona, IA ยท On-site

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Duties: * Support engineering and prototype staff during the design and prototype phase of new product development. * Create production prints with AutoCAD and Solidworks. * Maintain and ...

As a Civil Engineer for our Site Design team, you will provide basic project design through CAD drafting, instruct drafters on how to create drawings of designs, and prepare project schedules. You ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Engineer information

See Norwalk, IA salary details

$37.9K

$82.5K

$148.4K

How much do design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for design engineer in Norwalk, IA is $82,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,700.00 and $92,200.00 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 cities near Norwalk, IA are hiring for Design Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Design Engineer job openings in Norwalk, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,523 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Roadway Design Engineer - Mid-Level - CD0004

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$85K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) is seeking an experienced self-motivated mid-level engineer with demonstrated success at assisting with or leading project management duties and responsibilities, implementing project designs utilizing the latest computer aided software, techniques and skills to deliver multimodal transportation corridors, roadway, highway/interchange and multi-use trail projects for our state and municipal clients. Additionally, the position offers to ability to be actively involved in business development, marketing and growth of the office. This position offers project management and technical responsibilities, and an accelerated career growth opportunity is present for the right candidate.

The position will be located in Des Moines, IA or Omaha, NE.

Essential Dutiesinclude the following under the direct supervision of a lead design engineer or project manager:

  • Works on a range of projects, from conceptual design to small intersections to larger multidisciplinary corridor projects.
  • Oversee data collection, technical analyses and written documentation
  • Participate in and presents project findings, technical analysis in writing and at client meetings, technical group gatherings, and day or evening public meetings/hearings
  • Work in multi-disciplinary teams across the FHU Great Plains region to evaluate alternatives, prepare technical findings, prepare project plans, and cost estimating
  • Assist with or take lead role on project management responsibilities including setting project team schedules, communicating and tracking project budgets, preparing invoices, leading client interactions including project communications, meetings and project submittals.
  • Use computer aided design engineering software (Civil3D and/or MicroStation/ OpenRoads) as the primary transportation design modeler as well as plan production for various sized transportation engineering projects.
  • Responsible for job specific quality system tasks as defined in the FHU quality manual
  • Oversees and assists with the analytical work of other team members, including mentoring and project related management younger team members
  • Participates in the planning, estimation, preparation of proposals as well as other competitive project pursuit elements including client interviews
  • Participate in business development efforts including client visits, professional societies and marketing events

Requirements

  • Apply Federal, State, and Municipal design standards as appropriate, including IowaDOT, SUDAS, and Nebraska DOT standards.
  • Maintain an organized electronic or hard copy design journal for each project
  • Follow FHU's Total Quality Management program for all tasks and deliverables
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil/Transportation Engineering from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • 5 or more years of Transportation Engineering in Roadway Design experience
  • Certificates, licenses, registrations: Professional Engineer License or active pursuit of Professional Engineer License in Iowa or Nebraksa. Licensed in South Dakota or Kansas is a plus.
  • Experience with Civil3D and/or MicroStation/Open Roads is preferred
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is preferred

The pay for this position has a range of $85,000 - $105,000 annually. The actual offer will carefully consider a range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Application Deadline: 8/15/2026

Benefits

At FHU, we are committed to supporting our employees with competitive benefits, flexible programs, and opportunities for professional growth so our teams can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our benefits package includes:

  • Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, with FHU contributing a significant portion of premiums and covering 100% of the cost for some plans
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions for employees enrolled in the high-deductible health plan
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
  • Telehealth and mental health resources available at no cost to eligible employees
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services
  • Generous vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays
  • Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
  • 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match and discretionary profit-sharing contributions
  • Annual discretionary bonus opportunities based on company and individual performance
  • Flexible schedules and remote work options depending on position and business needs
  • Professional development opportunities including continuing education assistance, tuition reimbursement, professional society participation, and reimbursement for certifications and registration fees
  • Opportunities to get involved through internal committees and employee-led groups

We are passionate about creating a workplace where employees feel supported, connected, and inspired by the work they do. From professional development opportunities to company-sponsored events and team activities throughout the year, we are committed to building a culture that celebrates employees and strengthens the communities we serve.