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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site +1

$94K - $128K/yr

Origin Design is continually seeking highly qualified individuals to enhance and expand our staff to better serve our clients. We are currently hiring a full-time Senior Structural Engineer that will ...

This position is responsible for assisting the assigned Senior Project Manager with project workload. Design Engineer(s): This position is responsible for design and development tasks on assigned ...

This position is responsible for assisting the assigned Senior Project Manager with project workload. Design Engineer(s): This position is responsible for design and development tasks on assigned ...

Senior Structural Engineer

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

Origin Design is continually seeking highly qualified individuals to enhance and expand our staff to better serve our clients. We are currently hiring a full-time Senior Structural Engineer that will ...

Senior Structural Engineer

IA ยท On-site

$94K - $128K/yr

Origin Design is continually seeking highly qualified individuals to enhance and expand our staff to better serve our clients. We are currently hiring a full-time Senior Structural Engineer that will ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$59.2K

$114.1K

$179.9K

How much do senior design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior design engineer in Iowa is $114,088.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,200.00 and $130,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do senior design engineers earn?

Senior design engineers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often have specialized skills in CAD software and engineering principles, which can influence salary levels.

How does a senior design engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

Senior Design Engineers frequently work alongside professionals from manufacturing, quality assurance, project management, and marketing to ensure the successful development and launch of products. They lead design reviews, gather input from other departments, and address technical challenges collaboratively. This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to balance design intent with practical constraints such as cost, manufacturability, and regulatory requirements. Regular meetings and iterative feedback loops are a standard part of the process, making teamwork and adaptability essential for success.

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

To thrive as a Senior Design Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, advanced problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in engineering. Proficiency with CAD software, simulation tools, and familiarity with industry standards or certifications such as PE (Professional Engineer) are typically required. Leadership, effective communication, and project management skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure the delivery of innovative, reliable designs while leading teams and projects to successful outcomes.

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

AspectSenior Design EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience in design, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, design experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, project management, cross-disciplinary collaborationDesign and development of mechanical components, CAD work, prototype testing
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing, aerospace, automotiveManufacturing, product design, machinery development

The main difference is that a Senior Design Engineer typically has more experience, leadership responsibilities, and may oversee projects, while a Mechanical Design Engineer focuses on creating and testing mechanical components. Both roles require similar technical skills and work in related environments, but the senior position involves more oversight and strategic input.

What does a senior design engineer do?

A Senior Design Engineer is responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components, often within engineering or manufacturing industries. They create detailed technical drawings and specifications, oversee project timelines, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure designs meet safety, quality, and efficiency standards. Additionally, they mentor junior engineers, troubleshoot design challenges, and may interact with clients or stakeholders to clarify requirements and present solutions. Their role combines technical expertise, project management, and leadership skills.
What are the most commonly searched types of Design Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,088 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Substation Design Engineer, Intermediate or Senior

ITC Holdings

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

As a Substation Design Engineer (Intermediate/Senior), you will lead and contribute to the design and development of high-voltage substations within the transmission system. You will prepare detailed design packages, perform technical analyses, and ensure compliance with utility standards, industry codes, and regulatory requirements. At the Senior level, you will oversee more complex design efforts, guide engineering standards and best practices, and provide advanced technical leadership, mentoring, and project coordination.

At ITC, our people bring the power-building a reliable, resilient grid that makes a real impact. If you're ready to grow your career and do meaningful work in a futurefocused industry, this could be your power move.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

BOTH LEVELS

  • Develops, reviews, and/or leads the development of physical and electrical substation design packages (e.g., layouts, one-line diagrams, grounding plans, equipment specifications).
  • Performs and reviews engineering calculations (e.g., bus and cable sizing, fault current and grounding analysis, conduit/cable routing, lightning protection).
  • Provides technical support to field personnel and contractors during installation, commissioning, troubleshooting, and turnover activities; coordinates field visits as needed.
  • Prepares and/or oversees cost estimates, material requisitions, and construction specifications for capital and maintenance projects.
  • Coordinates protection and control interface elements (e.g., protection schemes, relay settings coordination, SCADA integration) with system protection and related engineering teams.
  • Collaborates with internal departments and external stakeholders to manage schedules, resources, and deliverables; participates in design reviews and client/stakeholder meetings.
  • Mentors and guides junior engineers and interns; provides technical oversight, quality assurance, and support for professional development.
  • Applies applicable standards and requirements (e.g., IEEE, NESC, NEC) and utility practices to ensure designs meet regulatory, environmental, and safety expectations.

SENIOR LEVEL ONLY

  • Leads design reviews and contributes to the development, refinement, and governance of engineering standards, tools, and best practices.
  • Manages or significantly influences project scope, budget, and delivery for complex substation design initiatives, coordinating with internal teams, external consultants, and stakeholders.ย 
  • Stays current with emerging technologies and regulatory changes; applies insights to improve design efficiency, reliability, and lifecycle performance.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Electrical Engineering preferred) or an equivalent combination of ย education and experience.ย 
  • Minimum Experience Required:
    • ย  ย  ย Intermediate: Minimum of two (2) years of related engineering experience in a relevant area.ย 
    • ย ย ย ย ย Senior: Minimum of six (6) years of related engineering experience in a relevant area.ย 
  • Power systems coursework preferred for electrical engineering majors.ย 
  • Utility and/or transmission/substation experience preferred.ย 
  • Sound analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.ย 
  • Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with individuals inside and outside the Company.ย 
  • Ability to multi-task and work under minimal supervision in a team environment.ย 
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to learn and utilize job-specific engineering/design software.
  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer. ITC does not sponsor employment visas, such as H-1B or TN visas.ย 
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Make a Power Move - For the Greater Grid: Reliable. Resilient. Ready.

As AI innovation, automation and economic growth reshape the way we live and work, the demand on our power infrastructure is growing fast. At ITC, we're building the greater grid that's ready for today's technology and tomorrow's possibilities.

Our people bring the power - fueling innovation and strengthening the grid every day. We're looking for individuals who are ready to make a power move and help us build a greater grid for a more reliable and affordable energy future.

ITC offers industry-leading compensation, benefits and opportunities to channel your energy into solutions. We foster a culture of belonging - where every voice is valued, differences are celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Make a power move today.