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Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mechanical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineer As a Mechanical Design Engineer in this role, you will be responsible for finding projects, vetting & designing them, and bringing these projects into production. This role ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$83K - $115K/yr

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer will collaborate with a team of up to 10 Design Engineers responsible for designing mechanical products and systems, resulting ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location. Responsibilities: * Design automation for a variety of ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location.Responsibilities:Design automation for a variety of products ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

We are seeking a highly qualified individual to join our team as a Mechanical Design Engineer (Automation) in our Hawarden, Iowa location. Responsibilities: * Design automation for a variety of ...

Mechanical Design Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$74K - $101K/yr

Analyzes various design requirements and recommends possible solutions or alternate constructions ... S. in Mechanical engineering. * 5+ years in engineering with experience within a manufacturing or ...

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Support mechanical design and troubleshooting for production line * Evaluate and improve design ... Analyze engineering requirements and specifications * Collaborate with cross-functional teams ...

Mechanical Design Engineer The Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for the design, development, and continuous improvement of trailer systems, including structural frames, suspension systems ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager The Mechanical Design Engineering Manager is responsible for leading a team that manages a defined portion of standard product offerings to support the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mechanical Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$86K

$128.2K

How much do mechanical design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineer in Iowa is $86,016.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges mechanical design engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Mechanical Design Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing teams. One common challenge is ensuring that mechanical designs align with the requirements and constraints of other disciplines, such as electronics placement or thermal management. Effective communication and regular meetings are crucial to resolve conflicts, address design changes, and keep projects on schedule. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps Mechanical Design Engineers anticipate potential issues early and deliver integrated solutions.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Design Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and relevant certifications (like FE or PE) is highly valuable. Strong teamwork, creativity, and effective communication skills help you collaborate on multidisciplinary projects and present design solutions. These abilities are crucial for developing innovative, manufacturable designs that meet both technical requirements and client needs.

What does a mechanical design engineer do?

A Mechanical Design Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing mechanical devices and systems. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed blueprints and models, ensuring that products meet required specifications and standards. Their work often involves problem-solving, selecting appropriate materials, and collaborating with other engineers and teams to bring a concept from idea to production. Mechanical Design Engineers are found in a wide range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and energy.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineer vs Mechanical Drafter?

AspectMechanical Design EngineerMechanical Drafter
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredAssociate degree or technical diploma in drafting or CAD technology
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, engineering firms, manufacturing companiesDrafting departments, engineering firms, manufacturing settings
ResponsibilitiesDesigns, analyzes, and develops mechanical systems and componentsCreates detailed technical drawings and plans based on engineers' designs

The main difference is that Mechanical Design Engineers focus on designing and developing mechanical systems, requiring engineering degrees and licenses, while Mechanical Drafters prepare detailed drawings based on engineers' concepts, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles work closely in the engineering process but serve different functions within the product development cycle.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Mechanical Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Mechanical Design Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,016 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer

Design Hire LLC

Sanborn, IA

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description


Design Hire is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to develop detailed 3D designs for manufacturable products and components. This role is a strong fit for someone who is detail-oriented, production-minded, and comfortable turning design concepts into accurate models and documentation that support fabrication and release.


Key Responsibilities

  • Create and revise 3D CAD models and drawings for sheet metal structures, assemblies, and related mechanical components.
  • Design parts with a strong focus on manufacturability, fabrication methods, production efficiency, and quality requirements.
  • Work with engineering, manufacturing, and production teams to resolve design issues and improve buildability.
  • Review dimensions, tolerances, materials, and documentation to support accurate release to the shop floor or supplier base.
  • Support design updates, prototype changes, and continuous improvement efforts throughout the product development cycle.


Qualifications

  • 5+ years of mechanical design experience preferred.
  • Strong experience with Creo 3D CAD.
  • Background designing sheet metal parts, structures, assemblies, or fabricated components.
  • Understanding of design for manufacturability and production-based design practices.
  • Experience working with fabrication, forming, cutting, welding, fastening, or related manufacturing processes.
  • Ability to create accurate drawings with proper dimensions, tolerances, and technical details.
  • Associate or bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Drafting, or a related technical field preferred.
  • Strong attention to detail, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.


Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Design Hire is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. It is our policy to consider for employment all individuals regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.


Employment Eligibility: If hired, a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification must be completed at the start of employment. Temporary work authorization or the need for sponsorship may disqualify you from employment.