Freelance Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary

The Designer II supports the design, configuration, documentation, and continuous improvement of Maintainer's service truck bodies and related products. Working independently and in collaboration with Engineers and Senior Designers, this position develops and maintains 3D models, engineering drawings, bills of materials, and product documentation while ensuring compliance with company design standards and customer requirements.

The Designer II applies advanced CAD modeling techniques and engineering drafting practices to produce accurate manufacturing documentation and supports Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain in developing products that are safe, manufacturable, cost-effective, and meet customer expectations. This position utilizes modern CAD automation, engineering systems, and configuration management tools to improve design efficiency, product quality, and manufacturing processes.

Essential Responsibilities

• Independently create, revise, and maintain mechanical component, assembly, and vehicle body designs using 3D CAD software.
• Develop and maintain engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), engineering parts lists, product structures, and related engineering documentation.
• Utilize CAD automation tools, parametric modeling techniques, family tables, and engineering design standards to improve design consistency, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Ensure engineering documentation complies with company drafting standards, ASME drawing practices, tolerancing requirements, welding and machining symbols, and established engineering procedures.
• Configure new product options and revisions while supporting Engineers and Senior Designers in the development of new products and product improvements.
• Support Manufacturing by applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) principles to improve manufacturability, quality, and production efficiency.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Sales, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve design, production, and customer-related issues.
• Support engineering change management activities by maintaining accurate product structures, engineering documentation, and part numbering.
• Create and maintain engineering documentation supporting production, service, and product support activities.
• Participate in troubleshooting product performance, manufacturing concerns, and design-related issues using structured problem-solving techniques.
• Assist with product validation activities, prototype evaluations, production readiness reviews, and Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) processes.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to improve product designs, engineering documentation, and design processes.
• Follow all company safety policies, engineering standards, quality system requirements, and departmental procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Associate degree in Engineering Design Technology, Mechanical Design, Manufacturing Technology, or related technical discipline.
• Three or more years of mechanical design experience in a manufacturing or product development environment. Equivalent manufacturing and design experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.
• Advanced proficiency using 3D modeling program to create assemblies, detailing, and drawing creation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical drafting principles, engineering documentation, and manufacturing processes.
• Ability to interpret and create engineering drawings in accordance with ASME drafting standards.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and problem-solving skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments while working independently and collaboratively.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with CAD automation tools, parametric modeling, family tables, design tables, and configurable product design.
• Experience with Product Data Management (PDM), Product Lifecycle Management (PLM), and ERP/MRP systems.
• Knowledge of welding, sheet metal fabrication, machining, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, and vehicle structures.
• Experience supporting engineering change management and configuration control.
• Experience creating technical documentation, product support literature, and manufacturing documentation.

Technical Skills

The successful candidate should have working knowledge of:

• Advanced 3D CAD modeling and detailed drawing creation
• Engineering drawing standards and ASME drafting practices
• Bills of Materials (BOM) development and engineering parts lists
• Engineering change management and product configuration
• Parametric modeling, family tables, and CAD automation
• Microsoft Office Suite
• ERP, PDM, and PLM systems
• Manufacturing processes including welding, machining, fabrication, painting, and assembly
• Mechanical design principles
• Basic hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems
• Engineering documentation and technical report preparation

Key Competencies

• Mechanical design and product documentation
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving and root cause analysis
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Organization and time management
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Customer focus
• Adaptability and willingness to learn
• Accountability and integrity

Physical Requirements

• Regularly sit and work at a computer for extended periods.
• Occasionally stand, walk, bend, climb, kneel, and reach while supporting manufacturing operations.
• Frequently lift or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally up to 50 pounds.
• Work periodically in a manufacturing environment around moving equipment, noise, welding operations, and airborne particulates while following all required safety procedures.

Work Environment

This position is split between an office engineering environment and a manufacturing facility. Regular interaction with production personnel and occasional inspection of completed vehicles is expected.

Leadership Expectations

Although this position has no direct supervisory responsibilities, the Designer II is expected to:

• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and accountability.
• Communicate effectively with Engineers, Manufacturing, and cross-functional teams.
• Support a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Take ownership of assigned design projects and documentation through completion.
• Contribute positively to team goals and company objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.