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Mold Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Automation Toolmaker

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Understands function of mold, molding press and molding process sequences. * Ability to work ... Ability to read and understand complicated designs and drawings. * Reasoning Ability . Ability to ...

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$24.25 - $30.75/hr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD/CAM files, and technical documentation to bring innovative designs to life * Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and improve existing molds using precision ...

Tool and Die Maker - Machinist

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$24.25 - $30.75/hr

Read and interpret engineering drawings, CAD/CAM files, and technical documentation to bring innovative designs to life * Inspect, diagnose, troubleshoot, and improve existing molds using precision ...

2nd Shift - Machine Operator

Sheldon, IA ยท On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Conduct mold changes using overhead cranes and rigging. * Transfer plastic resin into ovens for ... Other Duties: Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of ...

2nd Shift - Machine Operator

Sheldon, IA

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Conduct mold changes using overhead cranes and rigging. * Transfer plastic resin into ovens for ... Other Duties: Please note this is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of ...

Experience designing or supporting tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, molds, dies, or workholding equipment in a manufacturing environment. * Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD ...

... molds for injection molding machines. Key Performance Indicators: -Sustainability: Complete 30 ... Collaborate with engineers and the CAD technician to enhance tooling designs. Utilize Mastercam ...

CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

... molds for injection molding applications. You will be responsible for programming, machine ... Collaborate with engineers and CAD technicians to improve tooling designs and manufacturing ...

Clow Valve - CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$25 - $34/hr

... molds for injection molding machines. Key Performance Indicators: -Sustainability: Complete 30 ... Collaborate with engineers and the CAD technician to enhance tooling designs. Utilize Mastercam ...

Clow Valve - CNC Programmer

Oskaloosa, IA ยท On-site

$25 - $34/hr

... molds for injection molding machines. Key Performance Indicators: -Sustainability: Complete 30 ... Collaborate with engineers and the CAD technician to enhance tooling designs. Utilize Mastercam ...

Automation Toolmaker

Ankeny, IA ยท On-site

$24.75 - $32/hr

Understands function of mold, molding press and molding process sequences. * Ability to work ... Ability to read and understand complicated designs and drawings. * Reasoning Ability. Ability to ...

Showing results 21-40

Mold Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$17

$31

$42

How much do mold designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mold designer in Iowa is $31.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $39.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mold designer do?

As a mold designer, you use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plastic molds for manufacturing processes. Your job duties include designing molds, using CAD software and programs like Pro-E, Unigraphics Drawing, Solidworks, and AutoCAD, and visiting manufacturing facilities to make sure your mold designs work correctly. You can fulfill the majority of your responsibilities in the office, but a good mold designer frequents the manufacturing floor to inspect their product. The qualifications to start a career as a mold designer are an associate degree in plastics engineering technology or tool and manufacturing technology, and five to eight years of experience in the field. You need excellent problem-solving skills for this job as well.

Is mold making a good career?

Mold designing is a skilled trade that offers steady employment opportunities in manufacturing and industrial sectors. It requires knowledge of CAD software, machining, and materials, and often involves working in a factory environment with regular hours. The profession can be financially rewarding and offers potential for advancement with experience and specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mold designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mold Designer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, CAD software proficiency, and a solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, often supported by an engineering degree or technical certification. Expertise in tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and mold flow analysis software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with production teams are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure the creation of precise, efficient molds that meet production and quality standards.

What is the difference between Mold Designer vs Mold Engineer?

AspectMold DesignerMold Engineer
ResponsibilitiesDesigns mold components and layouts based on product specifications.Develops and improves mold processes, troubleshooting, and testing.
Required SkillsCAD proficiency, understanding of materials, design principles.In-depth engineering knowledge, testing, and process optimization skills.
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, CAD labs, manufacturing facilities.Manufacturing plants, testing labs, R&D departments.
CertificationsCAD certifications, technical diplomas.Engineering degrees, certifications in manufacturing or plastics.

While Mold Designers focus on creating detailed mold designs, Mold Engineers oversee the entire mold development process, including testing and optimization. Both roles require technical skills and often collaborate closely, but Mold Engineers typically have a broader scope involving process improvements and troubleshooting.

What are some common challenges faced by mold designers, and how can they be addressed?

Mold Designers often encounter challenges such as balancing complex part geometries with manufacturability, minimizing cycle times, and ensuring tool longevity. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with engineers and manufacturing teams to refine part designs, selecting appropriate materials, and leveraging simulation software to predict and resolve potential issues before production. Proactive communication and staying updated with the latest CAD and CAE tools can help Mold Designers overcome these challenges efficiently.

What is a mold designer?

Mold designers are professionals who create detailed plans and blueprints for molds used in manufacturing processes, such as injection molding, blow molding, or casting. Their work involves designing molds that shape raw materials into finished products, ensuring efficiency, quality, and precision in production. Mold designers use specialized software like CAD to develop and test their designs before they are manufactured. They often collaborate closely with engineers, machinists, and production teams to optimize mold functionality and manufacturability.
What are popular job titles related to Mold Designer jobs in Iowa? For Mold Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mold Designer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mold Designer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Mold Designer jobs in IA? For Mold Designer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mold Designer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,218 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Automation Toolmaker

Accu-Mold Corp

Ankeny, IA โ€ข On-site

$25.25 - $32.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Automation Toolmaker

REPORTS TO: Automation Manager

FLSA: Non-exempt

JOB SUMMARY: Builds new automation and supports existing equipment. Responsibilities include press and custom automation builds, part machining and fabrication, machine trouble shooting and maintenance, pneumatic and water circuit plumbing on presses and Production improvements. Provides meaningful project updates to larger Automation team. Other responsibilities may include creating training materials, mentoring and training others, supporting production processes, and solving problems as a part of multifunctional teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1. Proficient in machining and measurement methods, Toolmaker skills necessary for Automation fabrication.
  2. Ability to understand drawings and deliver conforming parts.
  3. Ability to use CAD for troubleshooting and assembly reference.
  4. Ability to prioritize in order to meet due dates and support Production as needed.
  5. Provides updates to other Automation members and members of larger project teams.
  6. Troubleshoots mechanical problems. Recommends/implements solutions.
  7. Builds systems for testing concepts in development environment.
  8. Works with multi-disciplinary teams to solve problems and complete projects.
  9. Remains objective when evaluating multiple options, including own ideas; creates checklists.
  10. Provides accurate cost and time estimates.
  11. Understands function of mold, molding press and molding process sequences.
  12. Ability to work autonomously or as part of a group; may provide training for others.
  13. Must be a self-starter with a sense of urgency to complete tasks.
  14. Supports Production as needed by troubleshooting, applying solutions and providing ongoing preventative maintenance.
  15. Performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  1. Education/Experience. High school education coursework or GED required. Two-year tool & die degree or four years experience in tooling or moldmaking preferred. Experience using machining tools such as metal saws, mills, grinders, lathes, EDM sinkers, EDM Hole Burner and CNC Mill.
  2. Computer Skills. Ability to operate personal computer. Ability to learn software required to perform job functions (i.e. MS Outlook, IQMS, and Solid Works software). Experience with Microsoft Office Products required.
  3. Language Skills. Ability to read, comprehend, and utilize instructions and short correspondence with professionals. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to other employees.
  4. Mathematical Skills. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratios, percent and use trigonometry. Ability to read and understand complicated designs and drawings.
  5. Reasoning Ability. Ability to solve technical issues and deal with a number of variables. Ability to interpret a variety of instruction furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. An understanding of cause and effect as it relates to Automation and Toolmaking. Use of experience to troubleshoot and problem solve.
  6. Other Skills and Abilities. Willingness to attend conferences or training to enhance and update knowledge and skills. Occasional travel may be requested for company business. Overtime may be required to meet work demands.
  7. Supervisory Responsibilities. Mentor and train employees learning automation techniques. Ability to direct work task to others if you are assigned the lead role in a project.
  8. Physical Demands. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to stand and use hand to manipulate very small parts or tweezers. Sense of touch may be used to detect texture, burs and edges. Frequent movement throughout the facility is required. Normal or corrected to normal vision is required with good color vision, close vision, and ability to use microscope and adjust focus. May be required to move or transport up to 55 lbs.
  9. Work Environment. The duties of this job are executed in a climate-controlled environment with few temperature or humidity extremes. Noise levels will vary from very low to moderate depending on the location that the work is performed within the facility. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee may have contact with machining residues such as steel chips, grinding dust, EDM smoke, cutting oils and coolants. Safety glasses are required.

The description given is intended only to provide information about the general nature of the job and is not an all-inclusive list of the job duties, skills, or abilities.

Employment with Accumold is “at will”, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time and for any or no reason.

I have read and understand the information on this job description.