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Hardware Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Bridgestone

Product Design Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$121K - $145K/yr

The Product Design Engineer will provide support to the Equipment Assembly Plant to overcome ... hardware and manufacturing processes. * Collaboration outside of engineering required with ...

BAE Systems

Eng Prin - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$107K - $182K/yr

This role is primarily focused on hardware design, with opportunities to evolve into a multifaceted engineer, designing hardware test solutions and developing test software for testing our Navigation ...

BAE Systems

Eng Sr - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

This role is primarily focused on hardware design, with opportunities to evolve into a multifaceted engineer, designing hardware test solutions and developing test software for testing our Navigation ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

Hardware/Software Design: Work closely with other engineers to integrate FPGA designs with application software and embedded systems. Implement embedded software-based testing solutions where ...

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Hardware Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$65.3K

$138.6K

$201.9K

How much do hardware design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for hardware design engineer in Iowa is $138,552.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $163,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware design engineer?

Hardware Design Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test physical components and systems for electronic devices. They work on creating circuit boards, microprocessors, memory devices, and other hardware used in computers, smartphones, and various electronic products. These engineers use specialized software tools to plan and simulate hardware designs before building and evaluating prototypes. Their work is essential for bringing new technology products to market and improving existing devices.

What does a hardware design engineer do?

A hardware design engineer uses their advanced knowledge of computer systems and schematics to develop and build useful hardware. Their duties include identifying hardware needs, building new hardware pieces, and testing and analyzing the results to ensure the system works as desired. Hardware design engineers must have in-depth knowledge of computer components and processes to understand internet-ready computer systems. They must maintain their knowledge of the latest software and networking needs so they can design hardware that interacts with the internet appropriately. Hardware design engineers work in teams with software developers to ensure that all components are capable of working together.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hardware design engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Hardware Design Engineer, you generally need a strong background in electrical engineering, circuit design, and proficiency with schematic capture and PCB layout, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with industry-standard tools like Altium Designer, Cadence, or OrCAD, and knowledge of simulation and testing equipment are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills that help you innovate and troubleshoot efficiently. These skills and qualities ensure reliable hardware development, seamless collaboration, and successful project outcomes in a competitive tech industry.

What are some typical challenges hardware design engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Hardware Design Engineers often work closely with firmware, software, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration of their designs. A common challenge is aligning the hardware specifications with changing software requirements or manufacturing constraints, which may require iterative design adjustments. Effective communication and documentation are essential to avoid misunderstandings and ensure that all teams are synchronized throughout the product development cycle. Building strong relationships across disciplines can greatly enhance the efficiency and success of collaborative projects.

What is the difference between Hardware Design Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectHardware Design EngineerElectronics Engineer
Primary FocusDesigning and developing hardware components and systemsDesigning, testing, and troubleshooting electronic circuits and devices
Required SkillsCircuit design, PCB layout, hardware testingCircuit analysis, component selection, electronic testing
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsElectronics labs, research centers, manufacturing
Common CertificationsIEEE certifications, PCB design certificationsCertified Electronics Technician (CET), IEEE certifications

While both roles involve working with electronic systems, Hardware Design Engineers focus on creating physical hardware components like circuit boards, whereas Electronics Engineers often work on electronic circuit design, testing, and troubleshooting. Both roles are essential in electronics development and often collaborate in product development cycles.

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Hardware Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,552 per year, or $66.6 per hour.

Principal Hardware Design Engineer (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago

Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Date Posted:

2026-05-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

We are seeking a highly motivated Principal Electrical Engineer to join the Computing Products Department within the Displays, Computing & Networking Directorate. This department is responsible for the development and sustainment of state-of-the-art avionics hardware products including ruggedized mission computers, video processing modules, and network products used in commercial and military aircraft platforms. This role is onsite, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

This role supports all phases of the hardware development lifecycle—program pursuit, design, integration, verification, and factory transition.

The selected candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Systems, Software, Mechanical, Environmental Effects, Manufacturing/Operations, and Design-to-Cost teams, to ensure all product requirements are successfully achieved. Strong expertise in high-speed digital circuit board design, EMI control, manufacturability, testability, and thermal management is essential

What You Will Do:

  • Design and analyze Circuit Card Assemblies (CCA) for Avionics Computers (Processors, Memory, interfaces)

  • Work with lab equipment for integration testing of hardware designs

  • Schematic capture of digital/analog mixed signal electrical circuit designs

  • Avionics I/O (Ethernet, ARINC 429, MIL-STD 1553, PCIe

  • Oversight of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout

  • Design to Cost (DTC), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT)

  • Mentoring and delegating tasks to less experienced engineers

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

  • Hands-on troubleshooting experience

  • Excellent communication and presentation skills

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Ability to work collaboratively with team members and independently on assigned tasks

  • Experience in the Defense or Aerospace industry

  • EMI/EMC, Lighting protection circuits and testing

  • Demonstrated use of software tools for electrical circuit simulation and/or Printed Circuit Board layout

  • Experience with Avionics regulatory and certification requirements: TSO, DO-160, or DO-254, MIL-STD-461

  • Demonstrated ability to perform root cause analysis and drive corrective actions

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes: 

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option

  • Tuition reimbursement program

  • Student Loan Repayment Program

  • Life insurance and disability coverage

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning

  • Adoption Assistance         

  • Autism Benefit

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program

  • And more! 

May be eligible for relocation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application today.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018

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