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Prototype Designer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

UX Designer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$75K - $110K/yr

... designs for new and existing products. Responsibilities ... Develop user interaction task flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for new and ...

Designer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$26.39 - $77.88/hr

Designers who thrive at Work & Co see no boundary between form and function. They are highly ... We believe in prototyping early and often. Our focus is on the end-user, conducting multiple rounds ...

From designing and building various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist, structural web processes as well as prototype molds. As the #1 choice in ...

From designing and building various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist, structural web processes as well as prototype molds. As the #1 choice in ...

From designing and building various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist, structural web processes as well as prototype molds. As the #1 choice in ...

Responsible for creating and developing quality package designs, specifications, and prototypes to assist Account Managers in sales promotions; investigates and procures all data required to develop ...

Sr. Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$96K - $103K/yr

Implement designs, prototype, test, modify for cost- effectiveness/budget adherence, and commission processes. * Analyze problems via data, field engineering, experimentation, and team dialog to ...

Sr. Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Implement designs, prototype, test, modify for cost-effectiveness/budget adherence, and commission processes. * Analyze problems via data, field engineering, experimentation, and team dialog to ...

Sr. Designer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$95K - $102K/yr

Implement designs, prototype, test, modify for cost-effectiveness/budget adherence, and commission processes. Analyze problems via data, field engineering, experimentation, and team dialog to enhance ...

Sr. Designer

Ankeny, IA

$95K - $102K/yr

Implement designs, prototype, test, modify for cost-effectiveness/budget adherence, and commission processes. Analyze problems via data, field engineering, experimentation, and team dialog to enhance ...

Researching, directing & designing the RTW print & graphics concept across all seasons and special ... prototypes. * Organise and focused, you will follow the critical path to meet deadlines, ensuring ...

Looking to fill a UX Designer role. This individual will be collaborating with other UX designers ... Must be able to design wireframes and hi-fidelity clickable prototypes. Strengths in front-end ...

Lead, UX Product Designer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$107K - $140K/yr

As a Lead UX Product Designer for the Deloitte DT-US Product Engineering team, you will be tasked ... You should feel equally at home shaping big-picture workflow and strategy as you are prototyping ...

Assemble prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings. * Ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly work. * Conduct functional tests to verify performance ...

Assemble prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings. * Ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly work. * Conduct functional tests to verify performance ...

Assemble prototypes using engineering designs, schematics, and technical drawings. * Ensure precision, quality, and consistency in all assembly work. * Conduct functional tests to verify performance ...

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Showing results 1-20

Prototype Designer information

See Iowa salary details

$25

$38

$65

How much do prototype designer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for prototype designer in Iowa is $38.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27.79 and $49.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paid design job?

Senior roles such as Creative Directors or Design Directors typically earn the highest salaries in the design field, often exceeding six figures, especially in large companies or tech industries. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and proficiency with design tools and strategic planning.

What jobs can DT get you?

A Prototype Designer can lead to roles such as product designer, UX/UI designer, or industrial designer, focusing on creating and testing prototypes for new products. Skills in CAD, 3D modeling, and user experience are often required, and experience with rapid prototyping tools is beneficial. These roles typically involve collaboration with engineering and development teams in fast-paced environments.

What is a prototype designer?

A prototype designer is a professional who creates preliminary models of products, interfaces, or systems to test and refine ideas before full development. They often use design tools like Sketch or Figma and collaborate with engineers and stakeholders to improve usability and functionality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Prototype Designer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Prototype Designer, you need a solid background in industrial design, engineering principles, and rapid prototyping techniques, often supported by a relevant degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and sometimes certifications in design or product development are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, creativity, and effective teamwork and communication skills set outstanding candidates apart. These abilities are crucial for quickly iterating on functional models that address design challenges and support cross-functional product development.

Is prototyping UX or UI?

Prototype designers create interactive models that can focus on either user experience (UX) or user interface (UI), depending on project needs. They often use tools like Figma or Adobe XD to develop these prototypes, which help test and refine design concepts before development.

What does a Prototype Designer do?

A Prototype Designer creates early models or drafts of products to test functionality, aesthetics, and feasibility before mass production. They work with engineers, designers, and stakeholders to refine concepts using sketches, 3D modeling, or physical prototypes. Their role requires knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and design principles to bring ideas to life efficiently.

What kind of projects and teams do Prototype Designers typically work with?

Prototype Designers often collaborate with product managers, engineers, and designers to transform ideas into workable prototypes for testing and feedback. Projects can range from early-stage conceptual designs to refined models that closely mimic the final product, requiring adaptability and creative problem-solving. You’ll typically work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team, encouraging open communication and quick iteration. The work environment is usually dynamic, with shifting priorities based on project needs and development cycles. This role provides a great opportunity to influence final product designs and work closely with a diverse group of professionals.

What are popular job titles related to Prototype Designer jobs in Iowa? For Prototype Designer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Prototype Designer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $79,507 per year, or $38.2 per hour.
UX Designer

$75K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
UX Designer
As a UX Designer, you will support projects of moderate complexity through the development of user interaction task flows, wireframes, prototypes, and final production-ready designs for new and existing products.
Responsibilities
  • Develop user interaction task flows, wireframes, mockups, and interactive prototypes for new and existing products.
  • Apply user-centered design principles, usability standards, and human factors methodologies to create intuitive and effective user experiences.
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute UX design and validation activities across multiple projects of moderate complexity.
  • Conduct and support usability testing activities before and after product development to validate design decisions and improve user satisfaction.
  • Create, maintain, and update UX design artifacts, documentation, and system-level design standards.
  • Translate customer needs, business objectives, and technical requirements into user-centered design solutions.
  • Make strategic design recommendations related to product features, workflows, navigation structures, and user interactions.
  • Collaborate closely with software developers, engineers, product managers, and stakeholders throughout the product development lifecycle.
  • Ensure implemented features align with established UX requirements, design specifications, and usability goals.
  • Develop process improvements and contribute to UX best practices, standards, and methodologies across project teams.
  • Support accessibility, visual hierarchy, branding, and consistency across user interfaces.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Factors, Graphic Design, Interaction Design, Visual Design, User Experience Design, or a related field; equivalent experience will also be considered.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience applying User-Centered Design (UCD) principles to moderately complex interface challenges.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience designing user interfaces for web, mobile, or in-vehicle display applications.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including engineering, software development, marketing, and business stakeholders.
  • Experience translating customer needs and user requirements into effective design solutions and communicating those solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Understanding of product development processes and technology-driven development environments.
  • High proficiency with at least two UX design and rapid prototyping tools such as Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD, Adobe Illustrator, or InVision.
  • Strong communication, presentation, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong portfolio demonstrating visual design, interaction design, task flows, prototyping, and user-centered problem solving.
  • Experience using Figma and Sketch in professional product development environments.
  • Experience utilizing UX metrics, usability data, and user research to influence product design decisions.
  • Knowledge of accessibility standards, visual hierarchy, information architecture, and brand-driven design systems.
  • Experience creating storyboards, user journeys, workflows, and prototypes to validate concepts before high-fidelity design.
  • Experience designing user interfaces for construction, agriculture, off-highway, or industrial equipment applications.
  • Familiarity with in-vehicle displays, machine controls, or embedded user interface systems.

Portfolio Requirement
A portfolio demonstrating the ability to design intuitive user experiences, create task flows, develop wireframes and prototypes, and deliver polished user interface solutions is required as part of the application process. Portfolio submissions may be provided as a website URL or attachment.
Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $75,000-$110,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.