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Senior Automotive Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Gestamp

IA

$83K - $113K/yr

SR. ADVANCED QUALITY ENGINEER Are you passionate about driving world-class quality and launching cutting-edge automotive programs? Gestamp is seeking a Senior Advanced Quality Engineer to lead ...

Novelis

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$119K - $155K/yr

... automotive, beverage packaging and specialty markets. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Novelis ... As the Sr. Electrical Engineer you will be responsible for analyzing and diagnosing root causes of ...

FTHR

Design Engineer

Cresco, IA · On-site

Senior Design Engineer Location: Cresco, IA Job Summary: This role owns on the design, development ... automotive, heavy equipment, or similar industries • Proficiency in CAD software (e.g ...

Rivian

Sr. Field Service Technician

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

... Field Service Engineer teams. This role will require a dynamic and resourceful leader with ... Experience in automotive, process standardization, continuous improvement, and managing escalations ...

Quest Global

CNC Lathe Machinist

Carroll, IA · On-site

$28 - $32/hr

Quest Global delivers world-class end-to-end engineering solutions by leveraging our deep industry ... defense, automotive, energy, hi-tech, healthcare, medical devices, rail and semiconductor ...

Protouch Staffing

Preconstruction Estimator

Des Moines, IA

$80K - $110K/yr

Participate in design development meetings, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts ... Experience with commercial projects such as hospitality, senior living, multifamily, automotive, or ...

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All JobsAutomotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer JobsSenior Automotive Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Senior Automotive Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$55.9K

$118.9K

$172.4K

How much do senior automotive engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior automotive engineer in Iowa is $118,871.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $134,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior automotive engineer do?

A Senior Automotive Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and improving vehicles and their systems. They lead engineering teams, oversee the testing of prototypes, and ensure that automotive designs meet safety, performance, and regulatory standards. Senior Automotive Engineers also collaborate with other departments, manage project timelines and budgets, and mentor junior engineers. Their expertise helps bring innovative and efficient vehicles to market.

How does a senior automotive engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a vehicle development project?

Senior Automotive Engineers frequently work with cross-functional teams, including designers, software developers, manufacturing specialists, and quality assurance experts. They often lead technical discussions, ensure that engineering requirements are understood across departments, and facilitate problem-solving when challenges arise in the development process. This collaborative environment helps integrate various disciplines to achieve project goals, meet safety and regulatory standards, and deliver innovative solutions. Effective communication and leadership are key to successfully navigating these collaborations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior automotive engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Automotive Engineer, you need strong expertise in automotive design, engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or automotive engineering, often supplemented by several years of industry experience. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of regulatory standards are typically required, along with certifications like Professional Engineer (PE) being advantageous. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills to excel in project management and cross-functional collaboration. These skills ensure innovative solutions, adherence to safety and quality standards, and successful project delivery in the competitive automotive industry.

What is the difference between Senior Automotive Engineer vs Automotive Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Automotive EngineerAutomotive Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering, relevant certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical, Automotive, or Industrial Design Engineering
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, testing facilities, manufacturing plantsDesign studios, CAD labs, prototype workshops
Employer & Industry UsageAutomotive manufacturers, suppliers, R&D centersAutomotive OEMs, design firms, engineering consultancies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Senior Automotive Engineer and an Automotive Design Engineer lies in their focus areas. Senior Automotive Engineers typically oversee vehicle systems, testing, and integration, while Automotive Design Engineers concentrate on creating vehicle aesthetics and conceptual designs. Both roles require engineering backgrounds, but their daily tasks and specializations differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Automotive Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Automotive Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Automotive Engineer job openings:

Senior Automotive Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Automotive Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,871 per year, or $57.1 per hour.

Senior Advanced Quality Engineer

Gestamp

IA

$83K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

SR. ADVANCED QUALITY ENGINEER

Are you passionate about driving world-class quality and launching cutting-edge automotive programs? Gestamp is seeking a Senior Advanced Quality Engineer to lead quality activities from product concept through full production approval, partnering with customers, suppliers, and manufacturing plants across North America and beyond.

What You'll Do
  • Lead APQP activities including PFMEA, Control Plans, Process Flow Diagrams, and PPAP.
  • Drive successful program launches from quality planning through approved PPAP.
  • Interface directly with customers on quality strategy, GD&T reviews, fixture buyoffs, and launch readiness.
  • Collaborate with suppliers to ensure compliance with Gestamp quality standards.
  • Lead problem-solving activities, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Support audits, engineering changes, tooling validation, and plant launch activities.
  • Mentor and coach quality engineers across programs and facilities.
What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 5+ years of Quality Engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
  • Strong knowledge of APQP, PPAP, GD&T, SPC, IATF 16949, and core quality tools.
  • Proven leadership, project management, and customer-facing experience.
  • ASQ or Six Sigma certification preferred.
  • Spanish or German language skills are a plus.
Travel Requirements

This role could require significant travel to customer locations, supplier sites, and Gestamp manufacturing facilities to support program launches and quality initiatives.

Why Gestamp?

Join a global automotive leader where you'll have the opportunity to influence major vehicle programs, work with world-class customers, and play a critical role in shaping the future of mobility.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today and help drive quality excellence at Gestamp.

Apply