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Design Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

The Senior Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting in a finished product that meets the needs ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$88K - $122K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$34 - $48/hr

Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures, gauges, assemblies, and equipment * Create 3D models and detailed 2D manufacturing drawings * Support machining, fabrication, welding, and assembly ...

Waterloo, IA 50703 Duration: 24 Months (Possible Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, OT Likely) Key Responsibilities • Design and develop manufacturing tooling, fixtures ...

Tool Designer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Design tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assemblies * Lead tooling development for new and revised products * Collaborate with machinists, welders, and suppliers * Drive manufacturable, cost-effective ...

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Showing results 1-20

Design information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$41.4K

$112.9K

$198.7K

How much do design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for design in Waterloo, IA is $112,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,300.00 and $142,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a design job?

A design job involves creating visual concepts, layouts, and solutions to communicate ideas and solve problems. Designers work in various fields such as graphic design, web design, product design, and interior design. Their responsibilities often include understanding client needs, brainstorming creative concepts, and using specialized software to bring ideas to life. Design professionals play a key role in shaping user experiences, branding, and the visual identity of products or organizations.

What are different types of design jobs?

Design jobs utilize the power of creative skills in nearly every industry. You can find design jobs with agencies as well as directly with medium to large sized businesses, with positions aligned with your skill strengths and creative preferences. As a graphic designer, you create product illustrations and branding images that align with the clients’ vision. As a user experience (UX) designer, your duties are to develop the front end interface of websites, mobile applications, software programs, and video games. As an interior designer, you turn home and office furnishings into cohesive spaces with aesthetic appeal.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Designer, you need a solid grasp of design principles, visual communication, and proficiency in design software such as Adobe Creative Suite, often supported by a relevant degree or portfolio. Familiarity with tools like Photoshop, Illustrator, Figma, or Sketch, as well as knowledge of user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) standards, is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong collaboration and communication skills set outstanding designers apart. These skills are crucial for producing compelling, user-centered designs that effectively solve problems and meet client or organizational goals.

What are some common challenges designers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Designers often collaborate with professionals from marketing, engineering, and product management. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication, as team members may have different priorities or technical backgrounds. Designers need to advocate for user-centered solutions while balancing business goals and technical constraints. Establishing a shared vocabulary and using visual prototypes can help bridge gaps and ensure everyone is aligned throughout the project.

What is the difference between Design vs Graphic Designer?

AspectDesignGraphic Designer
CredentialsPortfolio, design software skillsPortfolio, design software skills
Work EnvironmentVaries across industries, including digital, print, productPrimarily digital and print media
Industry UsageUsed broadly in product, UX, interior, fashion, and graphic designSpecifically in visual communication and branding
Common Search/ComparisonDesign vs Graphic Designer

Design is a broad field encompassing various specialties like UX, interior, and product design, focusing on creating functional and aesthetic solutions. Graphic Designer is a specific role within design, primarily focused on visual communication through digital and print media. While both roles require similar skills and tools, Design covers a wider range of disciplines, whereas Graphic Designer specializes in visual branding and imagery.

What are 20 careers in design?

Design careers encompass roles such as graphic designer, industrial designer, user experience (UX) designer, user interface (UI) designer, fashion designer, interior designer, web designer, motion graphics artist, packaging designer, visual designer, brand designer, game designer, exhibit designer, textile designer, furniture designer, CAD technician, art director, creative director, multimedia artist, and design researcher. These roles often require proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite, knowledge of design principles, and strong visual communication skills. Many positions may also require a portfolio and relevant certifications or degrees.

What jobs can you do with design?

A career in design can lead to roles such as graphic designer, user experience (UX) designer, industrial designer, interior designer, fashion designer, and web designer. These jobs typically require skills in visual communication, creativity, and proficiency with tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, often involving collaboration and project management. Opportunities exist across industries including advertising, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment.

Which career is best in design?

The best career in design depends on individual interests and skills, with options including graphic design, industrial design, user experience (UX) design, and interior design. Success often requires proficiency in relevant tools like Adobe Creative Suite or CAD software, along with a strong portfolio and sometimes certification. Fields like UX design are growing rapidly due to increased focus on digital products and user-centered experiences.

What job categories do people searching Design jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Design jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Design jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Design job openings:

Infographic showing various Design job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $112,894 per year, or $54.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Design Engineer
COMPANY: United Equipment Accessories, Inc.
POSITION SUMMARY:
  • The Design Engineer develops innovative, high quality, and reliable products to satisfy our customer's motion application needs while integrating technical and economic factors, feasibility, time and cost limitations
  • Provide superior technical support and service to current and potential customers, assessing product and service requirements throughout the sales process including installation recommendations or technical assistance, as required, and travel to customer sites, exhibits, tradeshows, and other events - both nationally and internationally
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team that includes sales, customer service, marketing, engineering, supply chain and manufacturing to communicate product specifications, standard requirements, design and design changes for engineering and manufacturing to assure realization of customer requests
  • Other tasks, projects and duties as assigned by the Electrical Engineering Supervisor.

Requirements
EDUCATION - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related Engineering discipline is required. Electrical/electronics engineering experience is preferred. EXPERIENCE - Minimum four (4) years demonstrated success in design engineering, new product development, establishment of component specification testing, lean manufacturing and ISO or similar Quality system experience preferred SKILLS - Highly motivated individual with strong listening, written and oral communication skills is necessary to effectively follow instructions, collect and disseminate information with customers, suppliers, and employees at all levels of the organization. Exemplary customer service skills and prompt responses to inquiries are essential. Professionalism, time management, organization, and prioritization skills are critical competencies. Advanced mathematical, statistical analysis, and problem solving skills are required. Technology savvy with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Solidworks, or similar 3D CAD, and a manufacturing ERP system. The ability to work under time and budgetary pressures is also necessary. PHYSICAL - Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, walk, talk, and hear ( with mechanical assistance if necessary ) sufficiently to understand and comprehend individual one-on-one conversations. Use of hands and arms to operate equipment and handle product is also necessary. Possess specific vision abilities including near vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus ( with corrective lenses if necessary ) to perform the requirements of the position. A current and valid driver's license and maintaining insurability for operation of company vehicles is required to perform the essential duties of this position. MENTAL - Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently and possess the ability to communicate clearly on technical and business levels while maintaining professional conduct is essential. The ability to handle high pressure, high demand situations and projects with financial impact is also critical. WORKING CONDITIONS: The Design Engineer role requires infrequent domestic travel for tradeshows, customer visits, and other necessary events. This position will spend a significant amount of time visiting or working in a manufacturing or plant office setting that has typical factory hazards including noise, dust, and cutting, drilling, blocked walkways, and tripping hazards. United Equipment Accessories, Inc. functions in a real market environment that changes at various times of the year which occasionally may create high output or greater time pressure demands. The Design Engineer is an exempt position and completion of duties regardless of the number of hours or number of days worked per week is expected. Office hours will vary according to travel schedule and business demands. ESSENTIAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND MEASUREMENTS OF PERFORMANCE:
  • Follow rules and processes as outlined in the Employee Handbook, Quality Manual and Safety training regarding conduct and performance standards expected of all employees
  • Maintain confidentiality of private information and request utilization of non-disclosure agreements to ensure protection of company intellectual property and trade secrets
  • Maintain a positive work attitude that reflects the UEA Core Values (Accountability, Care, Hardworking/ Dedicated, Creative Problem Solver and Knowledge Seeker)
  • Establish, document, and evaluate finished component processing parameters for new and repeat customer orders and communicate results to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor
  • Collaborate with the sales team and customer to gather product specifications, research application requirements and material availability to determine production probability modifying the design, as necessary, to assure customer satisfaction
  • Utilize technology software to create new product designs or modify existing ones to meet quality standards, customer requests, technical and economic factors, feasibility, time, and cost limitations to assure reliability of product designs
  • Regularly communicate with customers to clarify and ensure understanding of product specifications, application, and working environment; assist the Customer Service Manager and inside sales staff with estimating and quote preparation, as requested
  • Provide regular updates to the Electrical Engineering Supervisor regarding project statuses, field, or design challenges; provide improvement or resolution suggestions to resolve impeding challenges
  • Knowledgeable on quality objectives and policies for the company and seeks guidance or clarification, when necessary, always working to achieve best results towards these objectives and policies
  • Collaborate with Quality and Supply Chain departments in evaluation of sub-component supplier quality, cost, production capability and delivery time
  • Support continuous improvement efforts within the function; evaluate, modify, and design processes, documenting all phases (DFMEA, ECO's, etc.)
  • Provide technical expertise and instruction with machining and assembly design inquires, seeking new methods and practices to streamline and improve production time and quality
  • Participate in trade shows, exhibits, customers visits and other necessary events to promote UEA products and services and gather market feedback to design products that solve industry challenges
  • Schedule all travel arrangements, hotel, and car rentals (as applicable), and publish travel schedule and UEA office visits via Outlook Calendar
  • Participate in required or suggested training opportunities to enhance product knowledge, sales and technology skills
  • Work to achieve desired results, contribute to the department's overall efficiency and productivity goals, and ensure overall customer satisfaction
  • Consistently and effectively identify, manage, and complete multiple responsibilities accurately, timely and within budget including communication and follow through on task information, status, and questions to the appropriate people
  • Demonstrate collaborative working relationships, good judgment, reasoning, and professional conduct in all business interactions, representing UEA favorably with employees, customers, and vendors
  • Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate for the position and situation
  • Demonstrate physical, regular, and punctual attendance and communicate scheduled and unscheduled absences in advance
  • Perform other tasks, projects and duties as directed by Electrical Engineering Supervisor