ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Game Design Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

WesTech Engineering

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Summary WesTech is in search of a CAD Designer to participate in automated drafting activities for ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

Boyd Gaming

Food and Beverage Assistant Manager

Dubuque, IA

$45K - $60K/yr

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we ... Develops restaurant design. * Taste food samples. * Direct, motivate, and provide on-going support ...

Boyd Gaming

Food and Beverage Assistant Manager

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we ... Develops restaurant design. * Taste food samples. * Direct, motivate, and provide on-going support ...

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site +1

$22 - $29.50/hr

This position is ideal for someone with a passion for design and engineering who is eager to ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech Engineering

Student Drafter

Ames, IA · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

This position is ideal for someone with a passion for design and engineering who is eager to ... Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

Boyd Gaming

Banquet Sales Manager

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we ... Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to design menus, layouts, and timelines. * Maintain ...

Boyd Gaming

Banquet Sales Manager

Dubuque, IA

Company Description Boyd Gaming Corporation has been successful in gaming jurisdiction in which we ... Collaborate with culinary and operations teams to design menus, layouts, and timelines. * Maintain ...

TekWissen

Senior Software Engineer

Cedar Falls, IA

$113K - $150K/yr

Design, implement, and maintain client side and server side code for web based games Work on client/server based applications with a variety of web front ends ( HTML, Ajax, JavaScript, Action Script ...

previous pagenext page

Showing results 21-40

All JobsGame Design JobsGame Design Jobs in Iowa

Game Design information

See Iowa salary details

$44.1K

$146.5K

How much do game design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for game design in Iowa is $140,061.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $145,600.00 and $145,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is game design?

Game design is the process of creating the content and rules of a game, including its mechanics, story, characters, and overall player experience. Game designers develop the structure and features of a game, decide how it will be played, and work closely with artists, programmers, and other team members to bring the game to life. Their goal is to make engaging, balanced, and enjoyable experiences for players. Game design can apply to video games, board games, and other interactive entertainment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a game designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Game Designer, you need a strong grasp of game mechanics, storytelling, user experience, and typically a degree in game design or a related field. Familiarity with game engines like Unity or Unreal Engine, scripting languages, and prototyping tools is crucial. Creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential for developing engaging, innovative games that resonate with players and meet project goals.

What is the difference between Game Design vs Game Development?

AspectGame DesignGame Development
Primary FocusCreating game concepts, mechanics, and user experienceImplementing, coding, and building the game based on design
Skills RequiredCreativity, storytelling, understanding of gameplay mechanicsProgramming, software engineering, technical problem-solving
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, creative teams, collaborative settingsDevelopment teams, technical environments, coding labs
Common CertificationsGame design degrees, UX/UI certificationsComputer science, software engineering degrees

Game Design focuses on conceptualizing and designing gameplay experiences, while Game Development involves the technical implementation and coding of those designs. Both roles are essential in the game creation process and often collaborate closely to produce engaging games.

How do game designers typically collaborate with other departments during the development process?

Game designers work closely with artists, programmers, writers, and audio engineers to ensure that the gameplay experience aligns with the creative vision and technical constraints of the project. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, and iterative prototyping are common, allowing designers to communicate their ideas and adjust designs based on input from other team members. This collaborative environment helps address challenges such as balancing gameplay mechanics and ensuring that all elements integrate smoothly. Strong communication and flexibility are essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Game Design jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Game Design jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Game Design jobs in Iowa? For Game Design jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Game Design jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Game Design jobs in Iowa are:
Game Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Game Design job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $140,061 per year, or $67.3 per hour.

CAD Designer

WesTech Engineering

Ames, IA • On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago

WesTech Engineering rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 443 rated engineering

Job description

Our mission at WesTech is to help communities thrive by delivering high-quality water solutions with superior service - safely and sustainably. To achieve this mission, we recruit great people to be part of our collegial and collaborative teams in engineering, design, project management, field service, plant operations, professional services and more.
As one of the leading operating brands of Swire Water, our values of integrity, humility, endeavor, excellence and continuity make this an outstanding working environment. Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers.
Summary
WesTech is in search of a CAD Designer to participate in automated drafting activities for the purpose of laying out and preparing structural, mechanical & engineering drawings for new or existing water, wastewater & industrial equipment, and systems.
Some of the work you will do:
  • Draws structural, mechanical and engineering details of equipment, structures, and more using Autodesk Inventor and Autodesk Vault Professional.
  • Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find additional data
  • Work as a member of a design team
  • Interprets contract drawings & specifications to produce accurate drawings
  • Maintains sets of drawings and drawing changes
  • Prepares a variety of detail drawings that are clear & complete the first time
  • Creates detail drawings from sketches or layouts
  • Changes design to meet required specifications
  • Works from verbal instructions and sketches
  • Be aware of budget and schedule constraints on all work. Make every effort to complete assignment on time and on schedule
  • Visually compare design of components or other equipment, with drawing of parts; matching coordinating points for accuracy of fit
  • Other duties as assigned or requested

Here are the skills that you need:
  • Associate's degree in Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
  • Knowledge of the function and operation of Autodesk Inventor or other 3D CAD software
  • Knowledge of design concepts, planning, modeling techniques, standard plans and specifications, and engineering and drafting practices
  • Ability to prepare layouts, and drawings neatly, accurately, and legibly
  • Ability to make accurate drawings to scale from field notes, design drawings, sketches, and verbal instructions
  • Ability to make mathematical calculations related to the work
  • Ability to maintain records and drawings relative to the work
  • Ability to communicate effectively

Here are the skills and qualifications that will set you apart:
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
  • six or more years of related experience
  • Complex CAD model management
  • CAD library management
  • Ability to teach and mentor others
  • Knowledge of the function and operation of AutoCAD, and Inventor, AND CREO
  • Experience working in Team environment
  • Structural Detailing and GDT experience
  • Knowledge of steel fabrication
  • Familiarity with AISC steel manual
  • Familiarity with detailing of piping, fittings, valves, instruments
  • Knowledge and use of iLogic and other automation features of Autodesk Inventor
  • Experience with Autodesk Vault

Physical Requirements:
  • Must be able to work at desk computer/phone system.
  • Some lifting may be involved, (50 lbs), specifically when in the warehouse area(s)
  • May be required to be clean-shaven for proper respiratory equipment
  • When at job sites will be required to inspect equipment. This may involve:

    • Bending/stooping/walking on ladders, walkways, catwalks, (may involve heights)
    • Exposure to elements; cold, heat, wet, and/or dark. May be in a safety harness
    • When in fabrication shop, may involve utilizing hands in and around mechanical parts

Benefits and perks we offer:
  • Competitive salary and performance-based annual bonuses
  • Dollar for dollar 401K match of 6%
  • Flexible work hours, hybrid schedules with remote work options
  • Comprehensive health and wellness benefits package
  • Company HSA contribution, Paid Parental Leave, Employee Assistance Program
  • Company-paid Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment, and Long-term Disability
  • PTO plan and Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Company celebrations, summer parties, volunteer opportunities, games, prize drawings, and more!

WesTech considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
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.

What WesTech Engineering employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply