ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Hydraulic Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Controls Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

This role combines mechanical engineering principles with machine controls, allowing engineers to work directly with hydraulic systems, powertrains, vehicle dynamics, and off-highway equipment. You ...

RFA Engineering

Control Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field. * Understanding of control systems, hydraulics, powertrain ...

Actalent

Water Engineer

Newton, IA · Hybrid

Coordinate and review technical analyses and research related to water system design, using computer simulations and hydraulic modeling techniques. * Monitor and supervise engineering work for minor ...

Actalent

Water Engineer

Newton, IA · Hybrid

Coordinate and review technical analyses and research related to water system design, using computer simulations and hydraulic modeling techniques. * Monitor and supervise engineering work for minor ...

RFA Engineering

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Use of Creo and Windchill to support 3-D Modeling of components, sheet metal and possibly hydraulic ...

RFA Engineering

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... hydraulics, powertrain, electrical, and cabs). You will work with various stakeholders to ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... hydraulics, powertrain, electrical, and cabs). You will work with various stakeholders to ...

RFA Engineering

Production Quality Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

... metal, hydraulic, electrical or paint experience is a plus Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position Pay Range: $60,000-$75,000 commensurate with experience About RFA Engineering RFA ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

... hydraulics, and manufacturing processes · Proven experience supporting products in production environments · Practical, hands-on engineering judgment · Strong problem-solving and root-cause ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA

$102K - $141K/yr

... hydraulics, and manufacturing processes Proven experience supporting products in production environments Practical, hands-on engineering judgment Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

... hydraulics, and manufacturing processes • Proven experience supporting products in production environments • Practical, hands-on engineering judgment • Strong problem-solving and root-cause ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsHydraulic Engineering JobsHydraulic Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Hydraulic Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$46K

$87.1K

$126.3K

How much do hydraulic engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydraulic engineering in Iowa is $87,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hydraulic engineer?

A Hydraulic Engineering job involves designing, analyzing, and managing systems that control and direct water flow, such as dams, levees, canals, and drainage systems. Hydraulic engineers apply principles of fluid mechanics to ensure efficient water distribution, flood prevention, and environmental conservation. They work on projects related to irrigation, stormwater management, and hydropower generation. This role often requires collaboration with other engineers, geologists, and environmental scientists to develop sustainable water infrastructure solutions.

What does a hydraulic engineer do?

As a Hydraulic Engineer, you can expect to work on a diverse range of projects, including designing water distribution systems, flood control infrastructure, stormwater management solutions, and hydraulic modeling for dams and bridges. Your daily duties may involve site assessments, data analysis, creating technical reports and drawings, collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams, and ensuring compliance with environmental or safety regulations. Many roles also require client meetings and field inspections to oversee construction progress and troubleshoot challenges as they arise. This position offers a dynamic mix of office-based design work and hands-on fieldwork, providing opportunities to see your engineering solutions come to life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydraulic engineer?

To thrive as a Hydraulic Engineer, you need strong knowledge of fluid mechanics, environmental regulations, and civil engineering principles, generally backed by a degree in civil or hydraulic engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, and computational fluid dynamics software, as well as relevant PE licensure where applicable, is essential. Excellent problem-solving skills, communication abilities, and teamwork set candidates apart in this field. These skills are vital for creating safe, efficient hydraulic systems and effectively collaborating on complex infrastructure projects.

How much do hydraulic engineers make in the US?

Hydraulic engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior or specialized hydraulic engineers can earn higher salaries, especially with professional certifications and advanced skills in fluid dynamics and CAD software.

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

The most popular types of Hydraulic Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

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

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

Hydraulic Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,090 per year, or $41.9 per hour.

Mechanical Controls Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 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 entry level to 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.
Mechanical Controls Engineer
As a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine systems that improve performance, productivity, efficiency, and operator experience. This role combines mechanical engineering principles with machine controls, allowing engineers to work directly with hydraulic systems, powertrains, vehicle dynamics, and off-highway equipment. You will participate in machine development activities from concept through production, using modeling, simulation, testing, and data analysis to create innovative solutions for advanced machine systems.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and validate control strategies for electro-hydraulic systems, powertrain systems, drivetrain systems, and machine implements.
  • Evaluate machine performance through testing, analysis, and system optimization.
  • Create and maintain mechanical and controls models using MATLAB, Simulink, and related engineering tools.
  • Conduct machine testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance tuning on prototype and production equipment.
  • Analyze hydraulic, powertrain, and machine operational data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, reliability, and durability.
  • Support development of machine architecture, system requirements, and performance specifications.
  • Work closely with mechanical design, software, and test engineers to integrate and validate machine systems.
  • Investigate and resolve machine performance issues through root cause analysis and engineering problem-solving techniques.
  • Translate customer, operator, and field feedback into measurable product improvements.
  • Support product development efforts from concept, prototyping, and validation through production launch.
  • Create engineering documentation, test reports, validation plans, and system performance summaries .

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
  • Understanding of machine systems including hydraulics, powertrains, drivetrains, thermodynamics, or vehicle dynamics.
  • Experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or professional engineering roles involving mechanical systems, testing, or product development.
  • Familiarity with engineering analysis, modeling, and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, Amesim, or similar platforms.
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting engineering test data.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts and work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desired Attributes
  • Experience developing or validating mobile equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, automotive systems, or other off-highway machinery.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic system design, performance analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, transmission systems, or machine implement controls.
  • Experience conducting laboratory, field, or vehicle testing.
  • Proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, sensors, and machine diagnostics.
  • Exposure to control systems development, machine automation, or robotics.
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, Amesim, CANalyzer, CANape, or similar engineering tools.
  • Hands-on experience operating, testing, or evaluating heavy equipment and machinery.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 - 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.

Apply