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Engineering Design Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Design Manager- Energy

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Coordinates with Engineers, Estimators, Superintendents, CAD Operators, and other trades to ... A Design Manager must have expertise in one or more electrical design disciplines and working ...

Design Manager- Energy

Sioux Center, IA · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Coordinates with Engineers, Estimators, Superintendents, CAD Operators, and other trades to ... A Design Manager must have expertise in one or more electrical design disciplines and working ...

Responsibilities include assisting with design programming, scheduling of the design process ... Minimum 2 years project management experience is highly regarded. * Knowledge of senior living ...

Responsibilities include assisting with design programming, scheduling of the design process ... Minimum 2 years project management experience is highly regarded. * Knowledge of senior living ...

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Showing results 1-20

Engineering Design Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$49.3K

$126.3K

$194.9K

How much do engineering design manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineering design manager in Iowa is $126,299.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,400.00 and $140,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Engineering Design Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEngineering Design ManagerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with management certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads design teams, oversees projects, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, analyzes, and tests mechanical systems, often working in labs or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, and engineering firms for leadership rolesCommon in product design, manufacturing, and R&D sectors

The Engineering Design Manager focuses on leading design teams and managing projects, requiring leadership skills and project management experience. In contrast, Mechanical Engineers are involved in the technical design and analysis of mechanical systems. Both roles often require similar engineering credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What does a design engineering manager do?

A design engineering manager oversees the development and execution of engineering designs, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, quality standards, and deadlines. They coordinate teams of engineers, review design plans, and utilize CAD software, often requiring leadership and project management skills. Their role involves balancing technical expertise with team management to deliver innovative and efficient engineering solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Engineering Design Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Engineering Design Manager, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and team leadership, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and relevant industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, PLM systems, and certifications such as PMP or PE are commonly required. Exceptional communication, problem-solving skills, and the ability to inspire and coordinate multidisciplinary teams make someone stand out in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering innovative design solutions, meeting project deadlines, and ensuring effective collaboration across the organization.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineering roles such as software engineers, petroleum engineers, and aerospace engineers can reach or exceed $300,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and in high-demand industries. Executive-level engineering managers and technical directors may also earn this level of compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

How much should an engineering manager be paid?

The salary for an engineering design manager typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior managers with specialized skills or working in high-cost areas can earn higher compensation, often including bonuses and stock options.

What does an Engineering Design Manager do?

An Engineering Design Manager oversees the design process for engineering projects, coordinating teams of engineers and designers to ensure that project goals are met efficiently and effectively. They are responsible for planning, organizing, and reviewing design work, ensuring compliance with industry standards and client requirements. Additionally, they often liaise with clients, stakeholders, and other departments to align the design vision with project specifications and timelines. Their leadership is crucial in solving technical challenges and delivering innovative solutions within budget.

What are the main challenges an Engineering Design Manager faces when balancing project deadlines with innovation?

Engineering Design Managers often need to ensure that their teams deliver high-quality designs within tight project timelines while also encouraging creativity and innovation. One of the main challenges is managing stakeholder expectations and resource constraints, as pushing for innovative solutions can sometimes require more time and iterative testing. Effective communication, prioritization, and fostering a collaborative environment help address these challenges, ensuring that projects remain on schedule without stifling new ideas. Managers frequently coordinate between engineering teams, clients, and other departments to align goals and keep projects moving forward.

What Does an Engineering Design Manager Do?

The job duties of an engineering design manager include overseeing a team of engineers and CAD designers on engineering projects. In addition to providing leadership to staff, in this career, you manage the budget planning for each project, work with concept development, and ensure that plans meet company or client needs and engineering standards. You offer guidance throughout the design process and inspect and sign off on design plans to ensure that they meet quality standards. As a manager, you are also responsible for providing effective staffing strategies and workflow.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineering roles such as Software Engineering Managers, Principal Engineers, and Engineering Directors can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries like technology, aerospace, and finance. These positions often require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership responsibilities, with compensation including base salary, bonuses, and stock options.
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Design Manager jobs in Iowa? For Engineering Design Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineering Design Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Design Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Engineering Design Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Engineering Design Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Engineering Design Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,299 per year, or $60.7 per hour.
Design Manager- Energy

Design Manager- Energy

Interstates

Sioux Center, IA • On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Interstates rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates
At Interstates, we don't just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we're doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you're bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you'll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work. We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you'll feel at home here.
The Design Manager supports client/owner relationships and leads design teams through projects from pursuit through commissioning and support. This role advocates for client/owner requirements and delivers constructable design packages across several design disciplines. The Design Manager serves as a technical leader and design decision maker internally and externally, owning the quality and satisfactory delivery of design scope, with a strong emphasis on power and distribution systems, including medium-voltage applications when applicable.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Supports client/owner relationships and project pursuits through presentations, technical discussions, and design input.
  • Reviews project information, develops concept designs, defines design scope, and supports proposals and estimating efforts.
  • Serves as the primary client/owner contact for design parameters, technical questions, and problem-solving throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Maintains client/owner relationships through regular check-ins during and outside of active projects.
  • Collaborates with the Project Manager to define goals, develop schedules, manage issues, and communicate progress across multiple projects.
  • Leads and coordinates the design team to deliver constructable, code-compliant, and budget-conscious design packages.
  • Provides technical leadership, mentors team members, reviews design efforts, and identifies resource or skill gaps.
  • Ensures quality of all design deliverables through internal reviews, audits, and alignment with client expectations.
  • Supports Construction Administration and maintains client relationships during and between active projects.
  • Develops construction drawings and specifications for electrical installation, interconnection, control, and power distribution systems, including medium-voltage applications where applicable.
  • Applies knowledge of installation, startup, and commissioning of MV systems and equipment, including microprocessor-based relays.
  • Must have knowledge of electrical terminology and components, electrical symbols, and the National Electric Code (NEC).
  • Ensures compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC and UL requirements.
  • Coordinates with Engineers, Estimators, Superintendents, CAD Operators, and other trades to communicate project details and resolve issues.
  • Monitors project performance, communicates deviations and risks, and escalates concerns as needed.
  • Uses sound judgment, attention to detail, and prioritization skills to manage competing deadlines.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Preference given to those with experience in power generation, relaying, and/or engineering.
Education and/or Experience: A Design Manager must have expertise in one or more electrical design disciplines and working knowledge of related industrial, power, and utility systems. Typically, the Design Manager must have at least four years of experience working directly with clients/owners on design projects.
What We Offer:
  • Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.
  • Engaged, collaborative teams and a culture focused on innovation and quality.
  • Support for licensure, continuing education, and professional development.
  • Inclusive environment with competitive benefits.

Travel: Travel will vary according to business requirements. Travel is expected as project needs arise but will likely be less than 35% overnight travel.
Accommodations: Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
Compensation: The pay range for this position is $93,100 to $128,030+ benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by the experience and education required, and level of responsibility. The range posted for this role represents a range that Interstates, in good faith, believes it is willing to pay at the time of this posting. The pay is determined by job related skills, training, education, and experience.
Application End Date: July 30, 2026
In alignment with Colorado state regulations, we encourage interested candidates to submit their applications by July 30, 2026. This will ensure your application is considered in the initial review process. Applications received after this date may be considered depending on the status of the search.
Interstates Describes Its Culture as: Family-Like:
  • Caring co-workers treat each other like family
  • Be treated like an individual, not just a number
  • Flexible schedules allow you to focus on your personal life as well as work-life
  • Lunch gatherings and social activities promotes fun and camaraderie
  • Support charities and your community through events sponsored and hosted by Interstates

Benefits:
  • Competitive Pay so you know you are valued
  • 401(k) to help you plan for your future
  • Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance with different options to meet your needs
  • Vacation so you can focus on you
  • Performance Bonus
  • Established Career Paths to help plan your future
  • Career Coaches that are focused on your success

What You Should Know Before You Apply
Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy. By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.
Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.

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