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Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Ames, IA

The ACI Team comprises of engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service technicians, and support staff who are all dedicated to serving our clients. Job ...

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

The ACI Team comprises of engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service technicians, and support staff who are all dedicated to serving our clients. Job ...

Shive-Hattery

Mechanical Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

Must be able to manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and ... If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and interests, we'd love to hear from you. Apply ...

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Ames, IA

$102K - $135K/yr

The ACI Team comprises of engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service technicians, and support staff who are all dedicated to serving our clients. Job ...

Collabera Digital

Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$175K - $195K/yr

Mechanical Engineer with experience in coordinating mechanical design questions and RFIs, as well ... We make and manage software platforms and products that power growth and deliver captivating ...

Shive-Hattery

Senior Mechanical Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$95K - $126K/yr

Manage time and workload effectively which includes planning, organizing, and prioritizing with ... If this role sounds like a fit for your skills and interests, we'd love to hear from you. Apply ...

ISG

Mechanical Engineer - Healthcare

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $145K/yr

Mechanical Engineer - Healthcare Department: Mechanical + Refrigeration Employment Type: Full Time ... Manage building automation systems and sustainability initiatives * Participate in equipment ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team ... role, management responsibility, etc. Other Duties Please note this is not designed to cover or ...

J.S. Held LLC

Forensic Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$130K - $170K/yr

We are seeking a mid-to-senior level Forensic Mechanical Engineer to join our already robust team ... role, management responsibility, etc. Other Duties Please note this is not designed to cover or ...

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All JobsR&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer JobsManager R&D Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$44.4K

$100.4K

$162.5K

How much do manager r&d mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for manager r&d mechanical engineer in Des Moines, IA is $100,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,500.00 and $123,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer do?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer leads teams in designing, developing, and improving mechanical products or systems, often focused on innovation and new technology. They oversee research projects, manage engineering staff, and coordinate cross-functional collaboration to turn ideas into viable prototypes or products. Their responsibilities also include budget planning, project timelines, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. This role requires both technical expertise in mechanical engineering and strong leadership skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer?

A Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer requires a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and typically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, product lifecycle management (PLM) systems, and project management tools, as well as certifications like PMP, are often essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and strategic thinking distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are critical for leading teams, driving innovation, and delivering successful product development projects in a competitive engineering environment.

What are some of the main challenges faced by a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

As a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer, one of the primary challenges is balancing hands-on technical work with leadership responsibilities, such as guiding multidisciplinary teams and managing project timelines. You will often need to foster innovation while ensuring projects adhere to budget constraints and regulatory standards. Additionally, staying updated on emerging technologies and integrating them into ongoing research can be demanding. Candidates can prepare by developing strong project management skills, cultivating effective communication strategies, and remaining adaptable to evolving technical environments.

What is the difference between Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManager R&D Mechanical EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering; often requires experience in R&DBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentLeads R&D projects, manages teams, collaborates with cross-functional departmentsDesigns, develops, tests mechanical systems, works under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in R&D departments across manufacturing, aerospace, automotive industriesCommon in manufacturing, product design, and engineering firms

The main difference is that a Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer oversees R&D projects and manages teams, while a Mechanical Engineer focuses on designing and developing mechanical systems. The manager role involves leadership and strategic planning, whereas the engineer role emphasizes technical execution.

What are the most commonly searched types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

The most popular types of R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA?

For Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Manager R&D Mechanical Engineer jobs in Des Moines, IA are:

Manager R D Mechanical Engineer jobs near you

Mechanical Engineer

ACI Mechanical, Inc.

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

About us:

ACI Mechanical is a full-service, merit-shop, design-build commercial and industrial mechanical contractor. Our company was founded in 1945 with a solid commitment to customer service that still exists today. The ACI Team comprises of engineers, project managers, skilled welders, pipe fitters, sheet metal mechanics, service technicians, and support staff who are all dedicated to serving our clients.

Job Summary:

ACI Mechanical is seeking an experienced mechanical or process engineer passionate about the design of plumbing, piping, and HVAC systems for commercial and industrial buildings. This role involves overseeing projects from the initial concept through installation, testing, and commissioning all systems within industry standards.

Duties:

  • Manage the full-cycle design and layout of piping, plumbing, and HVAC systems
  • Solid understanding of piping systems include process liquids, steam and condensate, compressed air, chilled and heating water, plumbing systems, waste and vent, storm water, and more. In addition, solid understanding of HVAC equipment selection, duct design, DX piping design, and hydronics
  • Conduct project building and energy code compliance analysis, heat load, and pressure drop calculations
  • Develop project specifications and select all related equipment such as boilers, chillers, heat exchangers, valves, instrumentation, and other compatible materials
  • Communicate with vendors for accurate component selection and pricing when necessary
  • Create detailed drawings, technical specifications, and cost-effective proposals
  • Perform field surveys and construction site visits to ensure installation complies with drawings
  • Attend design meetings with clients and partners, along with pre-construction and post-construction meetings
  • Manage multiple projects varying in scope, simultaneously
  • Share information with Project Management, Procurement, and all other trade disciplines
  • Construct small-scale project cost estimates as necessary
  • Display proficiency in Revit, AutoCAD, and Navisworks
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • Approximately 4 or more years' experience in construction engineering or other related fields
  • Professional Engineering license preferred, but not required
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, construction, or other related engineering fields
  • Duct and piping fabrication/installation experience is preferred, not required
  • Driving record meets company requirements
  • Successful passing of pre-employment drug screening required

Benefits:

  • Paid time off, including paid holidays
  • Company 401K plan with a company match
  • Health, dental, vision insurance
  • Paid Bereavement Leave
  • Critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, life, and identity insurance
  • Company-paid employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Medical and dependent care flex benefits plans
  • Safety boot reimbursement

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements:
May be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibrations, loud noises, and more within OSHA standards when visited the jobsite. Employees may be exposed to outdoor conditions that include inclement weather such as heat, humidity, cold, wind, and dust. May be expected to carry up to 30 pounds regularly and 50 pounds occasionally, stand for long periods of time, walk for moderate-to-long distances on varying surface conditions, climb, crawl, crouch, reach, grip, push, and pull without issue.

ACI Mechanical is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. ACI Mechanical is a drug-free workplace, and employment is contingent on the successful passing of a drug test.

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