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Entry Level Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Signal Energy

Field Engineer

Coggon, IA · On-site

The Field Engineer (FE) is an entry-level, field-based position responsible for the support and ... Bachelor's degree in construction management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical ...

RFA Engineering

Software Test Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

We are seeking a growth-oriented entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field (Software, Electrical, Mechanical ...

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Ottumwa, IA 52501 Duration: 24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job Summary Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support ...

RFA Engineering

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

Use Engineering analysis tools to assess complex hydro-electro-mechanical systems. * Contribute to ... Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered.

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... entry level position. Responsibilities: * Adheres to and enforces prescribed ethics, safety and ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

... entry level position. Responsibilities: * Adheres to and enforces prescribed ethics, safety and ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Laborer

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service ... This is an entry-level position. Duties: * Transport construction materials and equipment to and ...

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Laborer

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service ... This is an entry-level position. Duties: * Transport construction materials and equipment to and ...

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Laborer

Ames, IA · On-site

$17.25 - $22.25/hr

... engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service ... This is an entry-level position. Duties: * Transport construction materials and equipment to and ...

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All JobsMechanical Engineering JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineering JobsEntry Level Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Mechanical Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$31

$51

How much do entry level mechanical engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level mechanical engineering in Iowa is $31.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.29 and $35.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level mechanical engineer?

Entry level mechanical engineers are recent graduates or those with limited professional experience who work on designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing mechanical devices and systems. They typically support senior engineers by performing calculations, creating technical drawings, and assisting with product development. Their responsibilities often include using computer-aided design (CAD) software, conducting tests, and preparing reports. Entry level positions provide valuable hands-on experience and foundational knowledge in the field, serving as a stepping stone toward more advanced engineering roles.

What does an entry level mechanical engineer do?

An entry level mechanical engineer designs, develops, and tests mechanical devices and systems, such as engines, tools, and machinery. They often use computer-aided design (CAD) software and work under the supervision of experienced engineers to support project development and manufacturing processes.

What is the difference between Entry Level Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering or Design
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, testing in labs or officesDesign development, CAD modeling, prototyping
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, consultingProduct design, machinery, consumer goods
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Mechanical Engineering roles focus on foundational engineering tasks like analysis and testing, while Mechanical Design Engineers specialize in creating detailed designs and CAD models. Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries. The main difference lies in the focus: general engineering versus specialized design work.

What types of projects and responsibilities can I expect as an entry level mechanical engineer?

As an entry-level mechanical engineer, you’ll typically work on a variety of tasks such as drafting and updating technical drawings, assisting with prototype development, and conducting basic analyses under the guidance of senior engineers. You may also be involved in quality testing, preparing documentation, and supporting the design or manufacturing process. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including electrical engineers, manufacturing staff, and project managers—is common, providing valuable exposure to different aspects of the engineering process. This role offers a strong foundation for learning industry standards and developing technical problem-solving skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level mechanical engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), engineering simulation tools, and basic knowledge of manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and time management skills help you collaborate effectively and manage project deadlines. These competencies are crucial for delivering quality engineering solutions, adapting to project requirements, and contributing to successful team outcomes.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Mechanical Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Mechanical Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Mechanical Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,861 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Product Safety & Compliance - Human Factors Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

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 entry level to early career 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 to validate products with cutting edge technology. 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.
Product Safety & Compliance - Human Factors Engineer
The Product Safety & Compliance - Human Factors Engineer is responsible for leading the verification and validation of products across development, sustaining, compliance, and certification activities. This role provides the infrastructure, test methods, and capabilities necessary to ensure design integrity, manufacturing reliability, quality, and compliance. This individual will ensure that all products, assemblies, and components are thoroughly tested, meet performance and certification requirements, and are free from defects before reaching the customer.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute verification and validation test methods, protocols, and reports for components, assemblies, and electro-mechanical systems.
  • Design test cases, methodologies, processes, and acceptance criteria to validate product life cycle performance and quality metrics.
  • Benchmarking of competitive products in focal area of human factors
  • Evaluate Safety Standards and compliance within the NPD process
  • Lead functional testing of electro-mechanical assemblies, mechanical components, and electrical/control circuits.
  • Develop and implement testing procedures to validate autonomous and automated systems.
  • Lead lab testing and certification activities to UL, CE, and ETL standards, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborate with certification agencies (UL, ETL, TUV, CSA) and external laboratories to achieve product compliance.

Requirements
  • Master of Science in Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or related human factors equivalent
  • Professional product engineering experience, including experience with a validation & verification engineering role.
  • Proven expertise in mechanical and electro-mechanical system testing and validation.
  • Exposure with CAD and 3D modeling software platforms such as SolidWorks and CREO.
  • Experience with ISO standards relating to off-road equipment
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Uncompromising moral and ethical standards.
  • Excellent communication, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Desired Skills and Experience
  • PHD in Ergonomics, Biomechanics, Kinesiology, or related human factors equivalent
  • Direct experience with lab testing for UL, CE, and ETL certifications and compliance to ASME standards.
  • Working knowledge of product compliance and certification processes with agencies such as UL, ETL, TUV, CSA, and external labs.
  • Experience in MATLAB & Data analysis tools

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $90,000-$105,000 - 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
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • 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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