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Part Time Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Product Design Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Mechanical engineering degree or equivalent experience is preferred * Strong experience with CAD ... part-time, temp-to-hire, and contract roles. From entry-level positions to professional and ...

Maintenance Assistant

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$16 - $20.25/hr

Key Details: * Part-Time * Preferred: Thursday (12p-4p), Friday (8a-4:30p), Saturday(8:30a-2:30p ... Training in building maintenance/engineering including HVAC, mechanical, electrical and plumbing ...

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Part Time Mechanical Engineering information

What is a part time mechanical engineering job?

Part time mechanical engineering jobs are roles in the mechanical engineering field that require fewer working hours per week than a traditional full-time position, often offering flexible schedules. These jobs may involve responsibilities such as designing mechanical systems, performing analysis and testing, or assisting with prototype development. Part time positions can be ideal for students, recent graduates, or professionals seeking work-life balance, supplemental income, or gradual entry into the engineering field. Employers may offer part time roles in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, research, or energy. The specific duties and required qualifications will vary depending on the employer and the nature of the project.

What are some common challenges faced by part-time mechanical engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Part-time mechanical engineers often face the challenge of balancing project deadlines with limited working hours, which may require strong time management and communication skills. They may also need to quickly adapt to ongoing projects and efficiently collaborate with full-time team members to stay aligned with project goals. To address these challenges, it's helpful to set clear expectations with supervisors, actively participate in regular team meetings, and use collaborative tools to stay updated on project progress. This proactive approach fosters better integration with the team and ensures that part-time contributions are both effective and valued.

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

To thrive as a Part Time Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in mechanical engineering or related field. Familiarity with tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation software, as well as relevant certifications such as EIT or FE, is often required. Strong communication, time management, and teamwork skills help you efficiently handle project-based or flexible work schedules. These skills ensure effective project delivery, technical accuracy, and collaboration in a dynamic engineering environment.

How much does a part-time mechanical engineer make?

Part-time mechanical engineers typically earn between $20 and $40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Salaries can vary based on industry, certifications, and whether the work is freelance or employed by a company.

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Part Time Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Part Time Mechanical Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Part Time Mechanical Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Industrial Engineering Intern, Operations | Fall 2026

2nd Adventure Services (Brownells)

Grinnell, IA • On-site

$20/hr

Part-time, Internship

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Industrial Engineering Intern, Operations | Fall 2026

Apply Your Skills to Real Operational Challenges

2nd Adventure Services/Brownells is seeking an Industrial Engineering Intern for fall 2026 to support meaningful process improvement work across our manufacturing and fulfillment operations.

This paid, part-time, 10-week internship is ideal for a junior or senior student interested in industrial engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, operations, or continuous improvement. You will work alongside operations leaders, business analysts, and front-line teams to observe processes, analyze data, improve documentation, and recommend practical solutions. The part-time schedule can be arranged around class commitments, with onsite hours generally consolidated into two or three workdays per week.

Depending on business needs, candidate interests, and the number of interns selected, the internship may focus on one or both of the following areas:


What You Will Do

Manufacturing and BOM Improvement

  • Review and refresh Bills of Materials
  • Observe assembly processes and validate work instructions
  • Verify component quantities, sequencing, routings, and labor content
  • Update BOM and routing information in Infor M3
  • Identify opportunities to simplify and standardize assembly processes
  • Document findings and improvement recommendations

Fulfillment Process Engineering

  • Observe warehouse processes across receiving, inventory, fulfillment, shipping, returns, and value-added services
  • Interview associates and supervisors to understand current workflows
  • Create process maps, standard work, and standard operating procedures
  • Conduct time studies and identify waste using Lean principles
  • Analyze data to identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities
  • Support layout, slotting, labor-efficiency, and continuous improvement projects

You will summarize your work and present recommendations to operations leadership.

 

What You Will Need

  • Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, systems engineering, engineering technology, supply chain management, operations management, or a related field
  • Junior or senior standing preferred
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, including formulas, charts, and pivot tables
  • Familiarity with process mapping, data analysis, technical writing, Lean principles, or continuous improvement
  • Strong attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate with employees across the organization

Experience with ERP systems, BOMs, time studies, warehouse or manufacturing operations, Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or AutoCAD is helpful but not required.

 

Internship Details

  • Pay: $20.00 per hour
  • Dates: September 14 through November 20, 2026
  • Schedule: 15 to 25 hours per week, generally consolidated into two or three workdays around class commitments
  • Work arrangement: Primarily onsite, with limited remote work potentially available for documentation, analysis, and report writing after sufficient operational knowledge has been developed
  • Location: Grinnell, Iowa, with occasional scheduled work at our Montezuma facility
  • Applications: Applications will be reviewed as received until the internship is filled

Students may apply for the fall term without committing to future internships. Strong-performing interns may be considered for spring or summer 2027 opportunities based on business needs and availability.

 

How to Apply

Submit a current resume highlighting your education, expected graduation date, relevant coursework, technical skills, class projects, and work experience. A cover letter and transcript are not required.

Applications will be reviewed as received, and interested students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

 

Work Environment

This internship includes frequent walking and periods of standing in active warehouse and manufacturing environments. Interns may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds and must follow all safety requirements while working around forklifts, conveyors, and operational equipment.

Reliable transportation is required for occasional work between Grinnell and Montezuma. Mileage and commuting expenses are not reimbursed.

 

Join 2nd Adventure/Brownells

At 2nd Adventure, the shared-services organization supporting Brownells and our broader family of companies, you will work with experienced leaders, build practical skills, and contribute ideas that improve efficiency, standardization, and the way work gets done.

Permanent U.S. work authorization is required. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and pre-employment drug screening.

 

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. In addition, the employer may consider whether the individual applying for or holding the position is qualified. There are two steps involved in this determination. The first concerns whether the applicant or current employee satisfies the prerequisites for the position. The second step involves whether or not the person can perform the essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

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