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Design Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager 1

Ames, IA · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

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 ...

Project Manager

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Project Managers will execute commercial and defense programs, for United States-based customers ... P rograms that include "significant design and development activities": Accountable for the pursuit ...

Project Support Manager Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model ... Programs that include "significant design and development activities": Accountable for the pursuit ...

Project Support Manager Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model ... Programs that include "significant design and development activities": Accountable for the pursuit ...

Project Support Manager Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model ... Programs that include "significant design and development activities": Accountable for the pursuit ...

Showing results 21-40

Design Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$36.6K

$91.2K

$157.8K

How much do design project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for design project manager in Iowa is $91,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,300.00 and $110,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design project manager?

Design project managers oversee one or a group of creative projects for a client. They are often found working on interior design efforts and online web design projects. As a design project manager, your job duties include establishing the project schedule, monitoring the budget, and motivating a team of creative professionals. The qualifications to pursue a career as a design project manager include a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or business management and several years of industry experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a design project manager?

To thrive as a Design Project Manager, you need expertise in project management methodologies, design principles, and a relevant degree, often paired with experience in design or architecture fields. Familiarity with project management tools (such as Asana, Trello, or MS Project), design software (like Adobe Creative Suite), and certifications such as PMP or Agile are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and project challenges effectively. These competencies ensure projects are delivered on time, meet quality standards, and align with client or organizational goals.

How does a design project manager typically coordinate collaboration between design teams and other departments?

A Design Project Manager acts as a central point of communication, ensuring that design teams work closely with stakeholders such as marketing, engineering, and product management. They regularly hold meetings to align project goals, clarify requirements, and address any roadblocks, fostering a collaborative environment. By managing timelines and expectations across departments, they help ensure that design deliverables integrate seamlessly with larger organizational objectives. This role often requires balancing creative vision with practical constraints from other teams, making strong communication and negotiation skills essential.

What is the difference between Design Project Manager vs Interior Designer?

AspectDesign Project ManagerInterior Designer
CredentialsProject management certifications, design backgroundInterior design degree, licensing (if applicable)
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, design firms, client meetingsShowrooms, clients' homes, design studios
Industry UsageConstruction, architecture, design firmsResidential, commercial interior design
Primary FocusManaging design projects, timelines, budgetsCreating interior spaces, aesthetics, functionality

The main difference is that a Design Project Manager oversees the entire project process, coordinating teams and managing timelines, while an Interior Designer focuses on designing and decorating interior spaces. Both roles require design knowledge, but their responsibilities and daily tasks differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Design Project Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Design Project Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Design Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Design Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Design Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,224 per year, or $43.9 per hour.

Project Manager Mechanical Engineering

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Ankeny, IA • Hybrid

$88K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


MSA Professional Services rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 453 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Project Manager - Mechanical Engineering with experience in mechanical systems design, project management, and client coordination to lead projects from pursuit through closeout. This role serves as the primary point of contact for clients and internal teams, managing mechanical engineering projects while ensuring quality, budget, and schedule performance.

This position is for a hybrid or onsite role in our Des Moines or Cedar Rapids IA office.

ResponsibilitiesProject Management & Delivery
  • Lead mechanical engineering projects through pursuit, initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closeout
  • Develop project management plans, work breakdown structures, and schedules
  • Oversee project team performance and ensure quality deliverables
Client & Business Development
  • Serve as primary point of contact for clients
  • Support proposal development, scoping, and contract preparation
  • Communicate with clients on budgets, schedules, and project updates
  • Identify opportunities for additional services and project growth
Technical & Team Leadership
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams and external partners
  • Review technical work and ensure documentation quality
  • Mentor junior staff and contribute to team development
  • Collaborate with leadership on project strategy and delivery
Financial & Operational Management
  • Monitor budgets, manage scope changes, and pursue amendments when needed
  • Review and issue invoices; ensure timely client payment
QualificationsRequired
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • 6+ years of project management or mechanical engineering experience
  • Proven experience managing engineering projects, budgets, and schedules
  • Strong knowledge of project management principles and best practices
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Teams)
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
Preferred
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in Iowa.
  • Experience with HVAC systems, building systems, or industrial mechanical design
  • Project management certification (PMP, PSMJ, EMI, or equivalent)
  • Experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams
Why MSA

At MSA, our people are our greatest asset. We believe in building strong teams, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment where employees can grow professionally while making meaningful contributions to the communities we serve.

You'll join a firm where your work matters - where your expertise, teamwork, and ideas help drive the success of projects and the organization as a whole.

BEST-IN-INDUSTRY BENEFITS

The salary for this position ranges from $88,000 to $142,000, with higher compensation possible for candidates with significant experience and exceptional qualifications.

  • Better Together - A collaborative work environment that promotes open doors, new ideas, and honest opinions.
  • Multi-disciplinary Opportunities - As multi-talented people in a multi-disciplinary firm, we encourage employees to explore interests, seek new experiences, and apply their skills where they can make the greatest impact.
  • We've Got Your Back - Support when you need it and independence when you don't.
  • Commitment to DEIB - We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work and where diverse perspectives drive innovation.
  • Passion & Purpose - We are passionate about what we do and proud of it.
  • Communities of Practice - Our Communities of Practice bring together experts across disciplines to collaborate, share knowledge, and generate new ideas.
Additional Benefits

Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost

  • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested

  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents

  • Paid Time Off - Minimum of 17 days in the first year

  • Paid Holidays - 8 holidays annually

  • Paid Parental Leave - 2 weeks for both parents, with additional paid leave for birth parents

  • Employer-Paid Insurance - Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage

  • Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) - Annual performance-based bonus opportunity

Equal Opportunity Employer

MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.

Employment Type: OTHER

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