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Prototype Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA

$73K - $100K/yr

Guide the design effort in creating prototypes and production drawings. * Evaluate products, parts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Guide the design effort in creating prototypes and production drawings. * Evaluate products, parts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Guide the design effort in creating prototypes and production drawings. Evaluate products, parts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related fieldBring at least 5 years of ...

Summit Products

Product Design Engineer

Altoona, IA · On-site

$124K - $149K/yr

Having a "Hands on" approach when assembling and building concepts and prototypes is expected. Must ... Do you have Manufacturing Design Engineering Experience? * Do you have experience with Routings/BOM'

Summit Products

Cad Tech

Altoona, IA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Job Duties: * Support engineering and prototype staff during the design and prototype phase of new product development. * Create production prints with AutoCAD and Solidworks. * Maintain and ...

RFA Engineering

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/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 ...

RFA Engineering

Entry Level Mechanical Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/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 ...

Coilcraft

CAD Drafter

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Support prototype builds and provide accurate drawings to manufacturing teams.Qualifications:High school diploma or equivalent required.Associate's degree in Drafting/Design, Engineering Technology ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden CAD Drafter

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Support prototype builds and provide accurate drawings to manufacturing teams. Qualifications: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Associate's degree in Drafting/Design, Engineering ...

Coilcraft

Hawarden CAD Drafter

Hawarden, IA

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

Support prototype builds and provide accurate drawings to manufacturing teams. Qualifications: * High school diploma or equivalent required. * Associate's degree in Drafting/Design, Engineering ...

RFA Engineering

UX Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Experience with design collaboration and prototyping tools such as Figma or Sketch. * Experience ...

RFA Engineering

UX Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

RFA Engineering ( is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with ... Experience with design collaboration and prototyping tools such as Figma or Sketch. * Experience ...

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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 Aug 17, 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 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,260 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Industrial Design Engineer

The Reserves Network Inc

Ankeny, IA

$75K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Industrial Design Engineer | $75,000 to $95,000 | Full Time | Direct Hire

What Matters Most
• Competitive base salary of $75,000 to $95,000
• Locations: Ankeny, Iowa or Kansas City, Missouri
• Full time direct hire opportunity with long term career growth
• Join a growing engineering team supporting industrial facility design and construction projects
• Opportunity to work on food processing, grain handling, feed manufacturing, seed processing, and industrial manufacturing facilities
• Collaborative culture that values teamwork, humility, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement, and paid time off

Job Description
Our client is growing and looking to add an experienced Industrial Design Engineer who can make an immediate impact on active engineering projects. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative team supporting the design and construction of complex industrial facilities while working alongside Project Managers, Engineers, Architects, and field personnel. If you enjoy solving technical challenges, creating innovative design solutions, and seeing projects come to life, this is an excellent opportunity to build a long term career with a growing organization.

Responsibilities:
• Develop detailed engineering drawings, Revit models, construction documents, and production plans for industrial facility projects
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Engineers, Architects, Contractors, and field teams to optimize designs and resolve technical challenges
• Prepare bills of material, cost estimates, engineering change documentation, RFIs, submittals, and technical specifications
• Perform design calculations, evaluate constructability, review applicable building codes, and support value engineering initiatives
• Support product development, prototype testing, continuous improvement efforts, and project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

Qualifications and Requirements:
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline preferred
• Five or more years of engineering or design experience with industrial facilities, manufacturing, food processing, agricultural processing, grain handling, or similar industrial environments
• Proficiency with Revit, AutoCAD, and Microsoft Office. Experience with Inventor, Navisworks, and BIM software is a plus
• Ability to contribute immediately with minimal supervision while managing multiple priorities
• Ability to travel up to 25 percent as project needs require

Benefits and Perks:
• Base salary of $75,000 to $95,000
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid holidays and paid time off
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities

Your New Organization:
Our client is a growing engineering and construction organization experiencing increased demand across its Industrial Division. As project volume continues to expand, they are investing in experienced engineering talent to strengthen an already successful team. The company values humility, collaboration, strong character, and continuous improvement, providing engineers with the opportunity to contribute immediately while building rewarding long term careers.

Your Career Partner:
The Reserves Network, a veteran founded and family owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $95,000, excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Final compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, technical expertise, and internal pay equity. Please note that hiring at the top of the range is uncommon to allow room for future salary growth.