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Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

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 ... Use of Creo and Windchill to support 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and hydraulic or ...

Mechanical Engineering Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... Mechanical Engineering tutors nationally. As a tutor on the Varsity Tutors Platform, you'll have ... Set your own hours and tutor as much as you'd like. * Tutor remotely using our purpose-built Live ...

Project Engineer I - Mechanical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Project Engineer I: o Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. o Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. o May help ...

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 ...

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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Entry Level R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$17

$32

$53

How much do entry level r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level r&d mechanical engineer in Des Moines, IA is $32.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.30 and $36.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectEntry Level R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, development teams, innovation-focused settingsDesign offices, manufacturing facilities, product development teams
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, R&D departmentsManufacturers, engineering firms, product companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level R&D roles in mechanical engineeringDifferences in design-focused mechanical engineering roles

Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineers focus on developing new technologies and prototypes in research environments, while Mechanical Design Engineers primarily work on designing and improving existing products for manufacturing. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in daily tasks and work settings.

What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level R&D Mechanical Engineer job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $67,392 per year, or $32.4 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

About Us:

Afinitas, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a global leader in equipment, forming systems, and essential accessory products that support transportation, water, and utility precast concrete infrastructure worldwide. We provide industry-leading production equipment; highly engineered formwork; and a broad portfolio of precast concrete, electrical, and construction accessories, along with structural products and systems designed for bridge, highway, and heavy construction applications. Afinitas is part of BW Forsyth Partners, LLC, the investment group of global manufacturing and engineering consulting firm Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members, united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.


 


 

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBLITIES

  • Work with leadership to plan, conceptualize, and create mechanical designs for new products.

  • Work with leadership to plan and create standardization drawings across multiple divisions of Afinitas.

  • Work with leadership on continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Generate working prototypes for beta testing and customer demonstration.

  • Perform engineering calculations to support design work.

  • Create and review technical drawings, plans, and specifications using computer software.

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary engineering teams and work with vendors and contractors.

  • Ensure projects are completed in a timely manner.

  • Use AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MS Office software effectively

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 2+ years of experience as a Mechanical Engineer

  • Thorough understanding of:

    • Drafting standards, dimensioning, and tolerances

    • Mechanical power relationships such as horsepower, torque, speed

    • Strength of materials and structural analysis

    • Manufacturing processes

  • Training and/or experience in using AutoCAD or similar CAD software

  • Training and/or experience in using SolidWorks or similar 3-D modeling software

  • Technical 4-year education or technical 2-year education preferred

  • Excellent organizational and communication skills with regionally disbursed team

  • Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, adapt to shifting priorities

  • Attention to detail

  • Work autonomously with great level of personal ownership and satisfaction on quality work

#LI-CW1


 

At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying. We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work-therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process.

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.


 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.


Company:

Afinitas