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Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components. These designs primarily include small and mid-sized cast and ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer - Hydraulics We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on hydraulic systems to support product design and integration. This role involves working closely ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

They collaborate with cross-functional teams, including other designers, engineers, and stakeholders, to design and optimize mechanical solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards.

Baker Group

Project Engineer I - Mechanical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$73K - $99.60K/yr

... design, material selection, estimating, and creation of proposals, scope letters, contracts, etc ... Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. o Offers information, helps with ...

ACI Mechanical

Laborer

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

ACI Mechanical is a full-service, merit-shop, design-build commercial and industrial mechanical ... The ACI Team comprises of engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal ...

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD ... This is an entry level position. It is based on-site and does not offer a remote work option.

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Document component- and system-level mechanical, hydraulic, and electronic designs using 3D CAD ... This is an entry level position. It is based on-site and does not offer a remote work option.

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How much do entry level mechanical design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical design engineer in Ames, IA is $32.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.35 and $36.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer job?

An Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and testing of mechanical components and systems. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to create technical drawings, 3D models, and prototypes using design software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Their duties often include analyzing design specifications, making modifications, and ensuring products meet industry standards. These engineers collaborate with cross-functional teams to solve design challenges and improve efficiency. This role serves as a foundation for gaining hands-on experience and building expertise in mechanical engineering principles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering fundamentals, CAD software proficiency, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) software is advantageous. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to work collaboratively in team settings are essential soft skills. These competencies enable you to design practical solutions, bring ideas to life, and contribute efficiently to engineering projects.

What are some typical projects or assignments an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer might work on?

As an Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer, you may be involved in developing component designs, updating existing models, creating technical drawings, and assisting with prototype testing. You’ll often collaborate with senior engineers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance to ensure your designs meet project specifications and industry standards. It’s common to balance multiple tasks, such as modeling new parts in CAD, running basic simulations, and participating in design reviews. These experiences give you valuable exposure to the product development cycle and help you build the foundation for more advanced engineering responsibilities.
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Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,549 per year, or $32.5 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Ames, IA • On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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 an experienced 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.
Mechanical Design Engineer
Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the concept and development of mechanical components. These designs primarily include small and mid-sized cast and machined components.
Responsibilities
  • Create models and prints utilizing proper model-based definition methods and GD&T
  • Ability to work with a large number of stakeholders and communicate back and forth regarding project scope, status, and changes
  • Work with internal fabrication departments to facilitate parts being in the right place at the right time
  • Supporting builds and fit ups on the factory floor as needed
  • Excellent communicator across all levels of the organization
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Mechanical Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Skills
  • Creo or Solidworks proficiency, especially with castings (trainable)
  • Knowledge and application of GD&T standards (trainable)
  • Familiarity with PDP processes and milestone requirements
  • Strong communication skills with ability to present and speak in front of groups
  • Collaboration and flexibility across multiple design disciplines and product lines
  • Adaptability to accommodate changes in scope and schedule of projects

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Salary Range: $60,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience
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.

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