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Senior Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

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.

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER

DGR Engineering

Rock Rapids, IA

$97K - $128K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 hours ago


Job description

DGR Engineering is a growing engineering firm with offices in Rock Rapids, Sioux City and Sioux Center, Iowa as well as Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Belle Fourche, South Dakota.  

DGR has been recognized with the Circle of Excellence award as one of the top 20% of firms for the last 12 years by PSMJ Resource, so you can work with one of the best!  DGR has also been named by the Des Moines Register as a Top Workplace since 2018.

DGR Engineering offers a competitive salary and benefits package with the opportunity for advancement and ownership in a challenging and professional work environment. Our competitive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan w/Company Match
  • Employee Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays

The DGR Engineering Electrical Power Department in Rock Rapids, Iowa is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer. In this position, you will work as a design engineer on a variety of projects including infrastructure improvements for utilities and industry in the upper Midwest. Typical projects include electrical generation facilities, wastewater collection and treatment facilities and water supply and treatment facilities.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Have a thorough understanding of engineering drawings and specifications.
  • Be able to perform and verify engineering calculations for plumbing and HVAC systems.
  • Select, size and specify equipment, working with the manufacturer's representative or vendor to accomplish this.
  • Ability to establish and meet project deadlines. This may require work outside of the normal business day.
  • Ability to travel, with typical time out of the office at 10% or less.
  • Have a general understanding of the public bidding and construction processes.
  • Be able to gain familiarity with engineering and design software as needed. Desirable experience in: Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), Adobe or Bluebeam, AutoCAD, Trane TRACE, Trane TRACE 3D Plus, COMCheck.
  • Possess skills to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • Possess good communication skills and the ability to work with a wide variety of clients.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME/MSME) from an ABET accredited College or University.
  • Licensed PE in good standing.
  • Minimum of four years of relevant experience. Electrical power systems knowledge is not a prerequisite.

DGR Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). DGR Engineering complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.