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Senior Mechanical Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103.70K - $137K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Reports to: Manager, Design Engineering Department ... Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103.70K - $137K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer Reports to: Manager, Design Engineering Department ... Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm ...

SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER

Rock Rapids, IA · On-site

$97.30K - $128.50K/yr

DGR Engineering is a growing engineering firm with offices in Rock Rapids, Sioux City and Sioux ... Senior Mechanical Engineer. In this position, you will work as a design engineer on a variety of ...

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Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Modern is currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to work within our design-build project ... Essential Duties and Responsibilities: · Interpret, organize, and coordinate design engineering ...

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Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Modern is currently seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to work within our design-build project ... Essential Duties and Responsibilities: · Interpret, organize, and coordinate design engineering ...

Sr. Mechanical Engineer - Industrial

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$97.90K - $129.30K/yr

Senior Mechanical Engineer-Industrial The Senior Mechanical Engineer-Industrial will develop ... Degree in Construction Science, Construction Management, or Civil/Mechanical Engineering OR Five ...

Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer

Forest City, IA · On-site

$82.60K - $113.90K/yr

My name is Vyshu, and I'm reaching out from Intellectt Inc. regarding an exciting contract opportunity for a Sr. Mechanical Design Engineer based in Forest City, IA with one of our prestigious ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$102K - $134.70K/yr

Olsson's Facilities Engineering and Design Team is at the forefront of engineering innovation ... As a Senior Mechanical Engineer on our Facilities Engineering and Design Team, you will provide ...

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Muscatine, IA

$98.10K - $129.50K/yr

Job Category Engineering & Science Position Summary The Mechanical Engineering position researches ... A Senior Professional position applies advanced knowledge of a job area typically obtained through ...

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Senior Mechanical Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$70K

$115.1K

$160.6K

How much do senior mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior mechanical engineering in Iowa is $115,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $129,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of mechanical design, engineering principles, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering and professional licensure (PE). Expertise in CAD software, FEA tools, and industry-standard project management systems is essential. Strong leadership, effective communication, and project management skills help you guide teams and collaborate across disciplines. These skills ensure innovative, efficient, and reliable engineering solutions while driving project success and team performance.

How does a Senior Mechanical Engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a project?

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will regularly work alongside teams from electrical engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, and project management. This collaboration often involves participating in design reviews, coordinating timelines, and resolving integration challenges to ensure all components fit and function together seamlessly. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as you'll be expected to provide technical guidance and ensure that design decisions align with broader project goals. This cross-functional interaction not only ensures the success of the project but also provides opportunities to broaden your expertise and leadership skills.

What does a Senior Mechanical Engineer do?

A Senior Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and overseeing the production of mechanical systems and components. They lead engineering projects, provide technical guidance to junior engineers, and ensure that designs meet safety, efficiency, and quality standards. These professionals often collaborate with other engineering disciplines, manage project timelines, and troubleshoot complex technical issues. Their work may span industries such as automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, or energy, depending on the employer.

What is the difference between Senior Mechanical Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectSenior Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, 5+ years experience, professional engineering license often preferredBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, entry-level to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, project management, leadership roles in manufacturing, automotive, aerospaceDesign, analysis, testing, manufacturing in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, manufacturing companies, R&D departmentsWide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, energy, consumer products

Senior Mechanical Engineers typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced certifications compared to Mechanical Engineers. They focus on project oversight, complex design, and mentoring junior staff, whereas Mechanical Engineers often handle core design and analysis tasks. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but senior roles require more expertise and industry experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Mechanical Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Mechanical Engineering job openings:
Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial.

Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial.

KCL Engineering

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$105K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

KCL Engineering - Your Best Career Move

Shape the Future with KCL as our next Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial.

At KCL Engineering, we don’t just design systems—we create an environment where our employees thrive. Flexibility, empowerment, and innovation define our workplace. Our award-winning culture fosters growth, celebrates success, and ensures work is fun. From holiday parties, summer boat days, and family outings to impactful community projects, we make every day count.

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer / Energy and Industrial, you will lead mechanical design project teams to create top quality designs for new projects including power, process, healthcare, institutional, and industrial facilities. The Senior Mechanical Engineer will lead the project team throughout the design and construction process, adapting mechanical plans according to project requirements.

Here’s what you’ll love about working at KCL:

Generous PTO and flexible schedules.

100% paid medical insurance premiums.

Premium dental, vision, and health savings account contributions.

401(k) with company contributions.

Company-paid disability and life insurance.

Parental leave and paid holiday shutdown in December.

What We Value at KCL - Do you share KCL’s values and thrive in a supportive, innovative environment?

Growth-minded Innovators who solve problems creatively, and want to grow themselves and the business.

Natural Team Players ready to collaborate and grow.

Motivated Experts dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes for teammates and clients

Essential Duties

Oversee the mechanical design of projects from the initial concept to final design, ensuring alignment with the requirements set by project managers.

Create specifications and data sheets for mechanical equipment, including packaged equipment, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), technical bid summaries, and purchasing recommendations.

Review vendor drawings for mechanical equipment and coordinate data exchanges with suppliers, clients, and other engineering teams, including detailers and designers.

Contribute to the development of project schedules, scopes, budgets, staffing plans, and construction strategies, while effectively managing change orders.

Utilize expert knowledge of widely used mechanical concepts, practices, codes, and procedures in the mechanical engineering field.

Apply knowledge and experience to tackle complex projects and develop innovative design solutions.

Conduct quality reviews of production drawings and project-related data as requested by project managers, ensuring corrections are made using various CAD software.

Review construction administration processes, collaborating with field personnel to address design-related installation challenges, calculations, and mechanical system testing.

Lead field inspections, installations, measurements, or calculations for both public and private clients.

Prepare and deliver technical reports for clients and industry publications.

Cultivate strong relationships with existing clients, customers, and contractors, while seeking new business opportunities and ensuring customer satisfaction.

Engage in sales and marketing initiatives and identify key opportunities for growth.

Lead the creation of cost proposals and qualification statements to meet financial performance targets.

Develop and present project budgets and cost estimates, while monitoring project performance.

Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the mechanical engineering team, especially for less experienced engineers.

Ensure adherence to QA/QC processes.

Maintain effective communication with other engineering disciplines.

Comply with company and site safety policies.

Perform additional duties as assigned and adhere to all relevant policies and standards.

Required Knowledge/Abilities

Proficient in standard engineering design methods and practices, with a solid understanding of mechanical design standards (ASME, ANSI, API, PIP, NACE).

Familiar with software for pipe stress and fluid flow analysis.

Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.

Experienced in overseeing the mechanical design for large-scale projects and assigning tasks to team members. Capable of leading project execution and addressing challenges within a team setting.

Proven critical thinking abilities, with a methodical and analytical approach to quantitative problem-solving.

Skilled in conducting quality reviews of detailed engineering documents and specifications.

Willingness to travel as needed.

Education/Experience

Bachelor Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program. and 7 years mechanical engineering experience. EPC project experience preferred.

Professional Engineer (PE) License Preferred.

Special Conditions of Employment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sitting an average of 5-6 hours per workday

Stand an average of 2-3 hours per workday

Walk an average of 1-2 hours per workday • Bend/Stoop – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Squat – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Reach Above Shoulder – Rarely (1-2 times/day)

Up to 50 lbs of weight carried – Rarely (0-1 times/day)

Up to 50 lbs of weight lifted – Rarely (0-1 times/day) Job requires being on construction sites.

Personal protective equipment as required will be provided (hard hats, safety glasses, steel toed boots, and hearing protection). Job also requires operating a vehicle to and from meetings and job sites (personal or rental). Valid drivers’ license is required. Exposure to job site hazards.

If you're still reading and are more excited about Energy and Industrial design work than ever, congratulations, you're already our kind of person. So what are you waiting for? Send in that application!