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Mechanical Design Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ethos

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 ...

Ethos

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 ...

Ethos

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 ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Mechanical Design Engineer - Hydraulics We are seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer with a focus on ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$80K - $110K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Mechanical Design Engineer As a Mechanical Design Engineer in this role, you will be responsible ...

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 ... Mechanical Design Engineer As a Mechanical Design Engineer in this role, you will be responsible ...

Intellectt INC

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Forest City, IA · On-site

$82K - $113K/yr

BE in Mechanical Engineering Key Requirements: * 3-4 years of experience in the recreational vehicle (RV) industry * Strong knowledge of structural and chassis design * Hands-on experience with UG NX ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA

$73K - $100K/yr

Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years of recent mechanical design experience in the realm of manufacturing and automation, showcasing your ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years of recent mechanical design experience in the realm of manufacturing and automation, showcasing your ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years of recent mechanical design experience in the realm of manufacturing and automation, showcasing your ...

Three Point Solutions

Product Design Engineer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Ottumwa, IA 52501 Duration: 24 Months (Possibility of Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) Job Summary Entry-level product engineering role focused on mechanical design support ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsMechanical Design Engineering JobsMechanical Design Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Mechanical Design Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$86K

$128.2K

How much do mechanical design engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical design engineering 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 is mechanical design engineering?

Mechanical design engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems and products. Mechanical design engineers use principles of physics, mathematics, and material science to create everything from small individual parts to large-scale machinery. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed models and prototypes before manufacturing. This discipline is essential in industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and consumer electronics, ensuring that products are efficient, reliable, and cost-effective.

What are some of the common challenges Mechanical Design Engineers face when working on cross-functional teams?

Mechanical Design Engineers often collaborate with electrical engineers, manufacturing teams, and project managers. One common challenge is ensuring that the mechanical design aligns with electrical requirements and manufacturability constraints, which can require frequent communication and compromise. Balancing innovative ideas with practical limitations such as budget, materials, and timelines is also a recurring challenge. Successful engineers develop strong problem-solving skills and adaptability to navigate these multidisciplinary interactions effectively.

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 understanding of engineering principles, proficiency in CAD software, and typically a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as knowledge of industry standards and certifications like FE or PE, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills for excelling in this role. These skills ensure innovative, safe, and efficient design solutions that meet project requirements and industry standards.

What is the difference between Mechanical Design Engineering vs Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering?

AspectMechanical Design EngineeringMechanical Manufacturing Engineering
Primary FocusDesign and development of mechanical components and systemsManufacturing processes, production efficiency, and quality control
Skills & CertificationsCAD software, engineering principles, often requires a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineeringManufacturing methods, quality assurance, often requires a bachelor's in mechanical or manufacturing engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, labs, CAD workstationsFactories, production lines, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageProduct design, R&D, prototypingMass production, assembly, process optimization

Mechanical Design Engineering focuses on creating and developing mechanical systems and components, while Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering emphasizes the production, process improvement, and quality control of those designs. Both roles require a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and often collaborate closely in product development cycles.

What are popular job titles related to Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mechanical Design Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mechanical Design Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Mechanical Design Engineering job openings:
Mechanical Design Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Design Engineering job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,016 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Ethos

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

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 production schedule.
This role focuses on ownership, standardization, continuous improvement, and lifecycle support of existing product platforms, while ensuring designs are manufacturable, cost-effective, compliant, and scalable.
The role works closely with other Sr. Engineering Managers leading sub-teams within the department to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective execution across the product portfolio, while supporting Manufacturing, Warranty, and Customer Service functions, and occasionally Sales.
Position Responsibilities:
  • Lead, develop, and manage a team of product design engineers supporting production and in-market products
  • Own product architectures, standards, and design intent across heavy haul trailer platforms
  • Prioritize and assign engineering work based on production needs, product improvements, cost-reduction initiatives, and field feedback
  • Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD)
  • Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality, and manufacturability issues
  • Partner with Manufacturing Engineering and Production to:
    • Improve weldment, fabrication, and assembly methods
    • Improve BOM accuracy, drawings, and release quality
  • Lead and participate in structured design reviews and approve engineering changes
  • Oversee ECN/ECO execution to ensure timely, accurate, and well-documented product changes
  • Ensure compliance with FMVSS, DOT, and internal engineering and quality standards
  • Apply DFMEA, lessons learned, warranty data, and field feedback to improve durability, safety, and product reliability
  • Drive design-for-manufacturing, design-to-cost, and continuous improvement initiatives

Requirements
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
• Experience in heavy haul trailers, heavy equipment, or fabricated mobile equipment
• Strong background in mechanical systems, structures, hydraulics, and manufacturing processes
• Proven experience supporting products in production environments
• Practical, hands-on engineering judgment
• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to balance cost, performance, manufacturability, and reliability
• Proficiency with CAD tools, Excel, and engineering data systems
Benefits
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
  • Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
  • Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity)
  • Short Term & Long Term Disability
  • Training & Development

Apply