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Prototype Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Actalent

Design Engineer

Pella, IA · On-site

$31.25 - $33.65/hr

Participate in prototype build activities and provide engineering support during testing and validation. * Use finite element analysis (FEA) and other engineering tools to evaluate and improve design ...

Rite-Hite Doors, Inc.

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Design parts/products for prototyping/production. * Perform mathematical verification and modeling ... Create or direct engineering change notices and sign for technical acceptance. * Follow all ...

Rite-Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · Hybrid

Design parts/products for prototyping/production. * Perform mathematical verification and modeling ... Create or direct engineering change notices and sign for technical acceptance. * Follow all ...

Rite Hite

Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Design parts/products for prototyping/production. * Perform mathematical verification and modeling ... Create or direct engineering change notices and sign for technical acceptance. * Follow all ...

Saige Partners

Design Engineer

Cresco, IA

Support prototype development, product testing, validation, and field evaluations to ensure design performance under real-world operating conditions. Investigate and resolve engineering issues ...

Keen Project Solutions LLC

Design Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Design Engineers participate throughout the project lifecycle, from conceptual design through ... Support testing, prototyping, mockups, or preproduction reviews when needed to validate design ...

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and ... Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve electrical system issues on prototype and production machines.

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and ... Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve electrical system issues on prototype and production machines.

RFA Engineering

Electrical Design Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Compile and furnish necessary information (engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the design solution required for building of prototypes and adoption of the ...

Rfamec

Electrical Design Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Compile and furnish necessary information (engineering decisions and reports of pertinent design analyses data) to document the design solution required for building of prototypes and adoption of the ...

Rfamec

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and ... Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve electrical system issues on prototype and production machines.

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All JobsPrototype Design Engineer JobsPrototype Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Prototype Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$27

$34

$36

How much do prototype design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype design engineer in Iowa is $34.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.31 and $36.11 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a prototype design engineer do?

A Prototype Design Engineer is responsible for creating early models or prototypes of new products to test and refine their design and functionality. They work closely with product development teams to turn concepts into physical or digital prototypes, using specialized tools and materials. Their role often involves problem-solving, rapid iteration, and collaboration with engineers, designers, and manufacturers to ensure the prototype meets project requirements and can be successfully scaled for production.

What are some common challenges a prototype design engineer faces when transitioning concepts to functional prototypes?

Prototype Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with real-world manufacturability, meeting tight project deadlines, and iterating quickly based on testing feedback. They must frequently collaborate with cross-functional teams—including product designers, engineers, and manufacturing specialists—to solve problems and refine prototypes. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as priorities may shift rapidly based on testing results or stakeholder input. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial for delivering prototypes that meet both technical and user requirements.

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

To thrive as a Prototype Design Engineer, you need strong skills in mechanical design, 3D modeling, and materials selection, typically supported by a degree in engineering or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), rapid prototyping tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are essential. Creativity, problem-solving, and effective communication are vital soft skills that distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for turning concepts into functional prototypes efficiently, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and driving product innovation.

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

AspectPrototype Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Primary FocusDeveloping and testing prototypes to validate conceptsDesigning mechanical components and systems for production
Skills & CertificationsCAD, prototyping tools, engineering principlesCAD, mechanical engineering certifications, materials knowledge
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, workshops, R&D departmentsDesign offices, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageProduct development, R&D projectsMass production, mechanical systems design

While both roles require strong CAD skills and engineering knowledge, Prototype Design Engineers focus on creating and testing prototypes to validate new ideas, whereas Mechanical Design Engineers concentrate on designing mechanical parts for manufacturing. The roles often overlap in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics, but their core responsibilities differ in the development process.

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

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

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

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

Prototype Design Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Prototype Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,260 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Design Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

IFP Motions Solutions Inc.
See more jobs at IFP Motions Solutions Inc.external

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

IFP Motion Solutions Inc. is a growing motion control company based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with operations in 13 states. All locations work together to provide a range of services including manufacturing, repair, design engineering, and distribution of components. Our customer base includes industrial manufacturers, mobile integrations, and fluid power OEMs. With a knowledgeable sales team and a large inventory, we have the capability to design, prototype, manufacture, and service a wide range of motion control systems.

Summary

We are seeking a talented and driven Design Engineer to join our team. As a Design Engineer, you will design and develop hydraulic power units (HPUs), valves and manifolds, and complete hydraulic systems; taking projects from concept through detailed design and into production. You will work hands‑on in SolidWorks and collaborate closely with our internal engineering teams and shop floor to deliver quality designs.

Responsibilities
  • Provide hydraulic design and development for power units (HPUs), valves, manifolds, and complete systems of varied complexity.
  • Create and maintain 3D models, detailed part drawings, and assemblies in SolidWorks.
  • Apply geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) to ensure manufacturability and proper fit.
  • Select appropriate hydraulic components and size systems to meet performance and application requirements.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and the shop floor to resolve design and production issues.
  • Support prototyping, testing, and design validation, and revise designs based on findings.
  • Maintain accurate engineering documentation, BOMs, and revision control.
Job Requirements
  • Minimum 2-4 years of mechanical design engineering experience, OR equivalent experience with a strong hydraulic systems/components background.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks for 3D modeling, detailing, and assemblies.
  • Working knowledge of GD&T and the ability to produce manufacturable, production‑ready drawings.
  • Solid understanding of hydraulic principles and components.
  • Has the ability to manage multiple tasks, has excellent attention to detail, and is willing and able to learn new technologies quickly.
  • Has solid verbal and written communication skills. Works well as an individual and in a team within a manufacturing or production environment.
Additional Beneficial Skills
  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field from an accredited college/university (strongly preferred).
  • Experience reading and interpreting hydraulic schematics.
  • Familiarity with FEA / stress analysis.
  • Prior experience designing HPUs, manifolds, or complete hydraulic systems.
Benefits

Starting wage commensurate with the experience level of the candidate. Enjoy a rewarding work environment and competitive benefits, including 401(k) and Profit Sharing with financial advisor support, medical, dental, vision plans, life and pet insurance, wellness program, and fitness club subsidies.

About IFP

IFP Motion Solutions Inc. is a growing motion control corporation headquartered in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Our business spans 13 states with four physical locations: Cedar Rapids, Minneapolis, Houston, and Kansas City. It employs 210+ team members across Engineering, Manufacturing, Assembly, Hydraulic Repair, Field Service, Warehouse & Distribution, Customer Service, Purchasing, Accounting, Marketing, and Sales. Our locations collaborate to serve a unique blend of manufacturing, repair & refurbishing, design engineering, and components distribution. Our customers include industrial manufacturers, mobile integrations, and fluid power OEMs. Combined with our knowledgeable sales team and expansive inventory, we can design, prototype, manufacture, or service any conceivable motion control system.

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