ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing ... Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered.

previous page

Showing results 21-21

All JobsManufacturing JobsEntry Level Manufacturing JobsEntry Level Manufacturing Jobs in Waterloo, IA

Entry Level Manufacturing information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$14

$30

$50

How much do entry level manufacturing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing in Waterloo, IA is $30.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.02 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level manufacturing?

An Entry Level Manufacturing job involves performing basic tasks in a production or assembly environment, often under the guidance of experienced workers. Responsibilities may include operating machinery, assembling products, inspecting materials, and maintaining a clean work area. No prior experience is usually required, as on-the-job training is provided. These positions are ideal for individuals looking to gain hands-on experience in manufacturing and develop technical skills.

What does a typical day look like for someone in an entry level manufacturing position?

A typical day for an entry level manufacturing employee involves operating and monitoring machines, assembling products or components, conducting quality checks, and ensuring a clean and safe work area. You’ll often work as part of a team, communicating with supervisors and co-workers to maintain production goals. Depending on the facility, shifts may vary, and you may rotate between different tasks to keep up with workflow demands. This variety keeps the workday active and helps employees develop a broad set of skills relevant to advancing in the manufacturing industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in entry level manufacturing, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing worker, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to detail, and basic mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with operating machinery, using hand tools, and following safety protocols—sometimes demonstrated through OSHA certifications—is important. Reliability, teamwork, and effective communication help set candidates apart in fast-paced manufacturing environments. These abilities are crucial for maintaining production quality, efficiency, and safety on the job.

How to start a career in entry level manufacturing?

To start a career in entry level manufacturing, gain basic technical skills through high school education or vocational training, and consider obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety or equipment operation licenses. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team environment, with on-the-job training provided for specific machinery and processes.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA?

The most popular types of Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA?

For Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs in Waterloo, IA are:

What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Entry Level Manufacturing job openings:

Entry Level Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Manufacturing job openings in Waterloo, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,221 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

RFA Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
This position requires aptitude in support of Dynamic Systems Modeling (DSM) and analysis as it pertains to whole machine configurations. Through the creation, refinement, and execution of system models, this position will provide analytical support to product development and design.
Job Description
  • Provide direct analytical support for one or more product groups.
  • Develop a growing understanding of product function.
  • Lead in the development of measurable dynamic performance specifications using simulation and other engineering analysis methods.
  • Work with design teams to develop virtual simulation models that can be used to verify designs analytically.
  • Develop dynamic system analysis plans for specific product development programs.
  • Report results using a standardized reporting system.
  • Document processes that can be used to continually improve our ability to analytically develop and verify our product designs.
  • Contribute to Product and Component Technical Specifications, Design Guidelines, and Engineering Analysis Procedures.
  • Create and maintain vehicle dynamic models using Matlab, Simulink and Simscape programs.

Technical Responsibilities
  • Understand the dynamic interactions of hydraulic systems, linkages, rigid bodies, engines, drivetrains, and control systems.
  • Support the development of robust control strategies for product innovation and differentiation.
  • Use Engineering analysis tools to assess complex hydro-electro-mechanical systems.
  • Contribute to the specification/selection of components and subsystems for optimal machine level performance.
  • Generate objective machine level dynamic performance objectives that capture ambiguous and/or subjective operator and customer feedback.
  • Support the vision for how analysis tools can change the way Design and PV&V Engineering work is done.
  • Resolve stability issues that can arise from the above, but that cannot be analyzed using linear theory due to the nonlinear nature of both the primitive elements and the subsystem and machine level interactions.
  • Generate mathematical models for previously un-modeled phenomena.
  • Analyze simulation results to distinguish between characteristics of the design and artifacts of the mathematical models.

Requirements
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Physics or equivalent degree.
  • Masters of Science with a related concentration in System Dynamics would be ideal.
  • Strong interest in vehicle physics and free body diagrams.

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Experience with hydraulics, controls, powertrain, and electrical systems beneficial.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simscape, Simulink, Simscape Fluids, Simscape Multibody is desirable.
  • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams.
  • Experience with operating agriculture equipment or off-highway mobile equipment.
  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink and Simscape, or other vehicle dynamics simulation software (i.e. Ansys Motion, GT-Suite - GT-3DMBD Vehicle Dynamics) is preferred
  • Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply