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Hands On Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Electromechanical Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on engineering work, collaborating across teams, and supporting new technology from early concept through machine installation and testing. Responsibilities * Design ...

W3Global Inc.

Refrigeration Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... the hands-on engineering, design, and technical execution of industrial refrigeration and process utility systems. This role partners closely with sales, project management, field teams, and ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

... Practical, hands-on engineering judgment · Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills · Excellent written and verbal communication skills · Ability to balance cost, performance ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA

$102K - $141K/yr

... Practical, hands-on engineering judgment Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Ability to balance cost, performance ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

... hands-on engineering judgment • Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills • Excellent written and verbal communication skills • Ability to balance cost, performance ...

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All JobsHands On Engineering JobsHands On Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Hands On Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$43.7K

$137.9K

$163.4K

How much do hands on engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for hands on engineering in Iowa is $137,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,400.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hands on engineering?

A Hands On Engineering job involves direct, practical work with materials, components, and systems, rather than solely focusing on design or theoretical analysis. Engineers in these roles often build, test, troubleshoot, and improve mechanical, electrical, or software systems in real-world applications. They may work in labs, manufacturing facilities, or field environments, applying engineering principles to solve technical challenges. This role is ideal for those who enjoy working with their hands and seeing tangible results from their efforts.

What does a hands on engineering professional do?

As a Hands On Engineering professional, your daily tasks usually involve assembling, testing, and modifying prototypes or products, conducting experiments, and recording data to improve designs or processes. You may work closely with design engineers, technicians, and production teams to solve technical challenges and implement improvements on the shop floor or in the field. Regular responsibilities often include troubleshooting equipment, interpreting technical drawings, and ensuring all projects comply with safety and quality standards. This role provides a dynamic, collaborative environment where practical problem-solving and technical expertise directly impact project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in hands on engineering?

To excel in a Hands On Engineering role, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on experience with design, fabrication, and testing processes, often supported by a relevant engineering degree or technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, lab equipment, rapid prototyping tools, and industry-specific safety standards is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability enable you to troubleshoot issues and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. These competencies are vital for delivering practical engineering solutions, ensuring safety, and efficiently contributing to project goals.

Do hands-on engineers do any hands-on work?

Hands-on engineers actively participate in practical tasks such as assembling, testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment or systems. Their work often involves using tools, performing physical tasks, and applying technical skills directly in the field or lab environment.

What hands-on engineering job is most hands-on?

A hands-on engineering job that is highly tactile and practical is often in fields like mechanical or electrical engineering, where workers directly assemble, test, and troubleshoot equipment or systems. These roles typically require physical skills, tools, and sometimes certifications, and involve working in labs, workshops, or on-site environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa?

For Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Hands On Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

Hands On Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hands On Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $137,948 per year, or $66.3 per hour.

Electromechanical Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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.
Electromechanical Engineer
As an Electromechanical Engineer you will support the design and development of precision construction technology systems. This role will focus on integrating mechanical and electrical components-such as mounting brackets and electrical harnesses-into construction equipment. The ideal candidate enjoys hands-on engineering work, collaborating across teams, and supporting new technology from early concept through machine installation and testing.
Responsibilities
  • Design and develop mechanical and electrical components to support precision construction technology systems
  • Create and release mounting brackets, electrical harnesses, and related hardware for technology integration
  • Work hands-on with fabrication and test shops to install new components on development machines
  • Support prototype, pilot, and early production machine builds
  • Create detailed technical drawings using standard engineering dimensioning and tolerancing practices
  • Develop electrical harness schematics and routing layouts
  • Work with suppliers to support part development and design updates
  • Collaborate with supply management, manufacturing, and engineering teams to source prototype components and support product updates
  • Drive parts and designs through the engineering release and approval process
  • Provide support during machine testing, troubleshooting, and validation activities

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Physics or a related field
  • Experience with electromechanical design or system integration
  • Experience designing mechanical components and electrical harnesses
  • Ability to create and interpret engineering drawings
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams

Desired Skills
  • Experience supporting construction, agricultural, or off-highway equipment
  • Hands-on experience working with prototype or test machines
  • Familiarity with manufacturing or factory build environments
  • 3D CAD and drawing creation tools (Creo preferred)
  • Electrical harness design tools (Capital Harness)
  • Product lifecycle and data management systems
  • Enterprise resource planning tools
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple tasks
  • Willingness to work both in an office setting and on the shop floor

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $65,000-$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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