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Sr Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Structural Engineer

Dubuque, IA · 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 · 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 · 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

Sr Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$66.2K

$126.4K

$183.2K

How much do sr design engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for sr design engineer in Iowa is $126,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,000.00 and $147,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Sr Design Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Sr Design Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design solutions with cost and manufacturability constraints, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams. To address these challenges, it's important to stay current with industry tools and best practices, regularly collaborate with manufacturing and quality departments, and prioritize clear documentation. Developing strong project management and interpersonal skills can also help streamline workflow and reduce project bottlenecks.

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, engineering principles, and project management that can influence salary levels.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sr Design Engineer?

To thrive as a Sr Design Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical or electrical engineering, advanced problem-solving skills, and a relevant engineering degree, often with several years of industry experience. Expertise in CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), simulation tools, and familiarity with manufacturing processes are typically required, along with certifications like PE or Six Sigma being advantageous. Leadership, collaboration, and effective communication are vital soft skills for guiding teams and managing complex projects. These competencies are crucial to ensure innovative, reliable designs that meet technical requirements and project goals.

What is a Sr Design Engineer?

Sr Design Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for leading the design and development of products, systems, or components within an engineering team. They oversee the design process, ensuring projects meet technical specifications, regulatory standards, and budget constraints. Sr Design Engineers often mentor junior engineers, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and use advanced software tools for modeling and analysis. Their expertise helps drive innovation and ensures the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Sr Design Engineer vs Design Engineer?

AspectSr Design EngineerDesign Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, 3+ years experience, possibly professional engineering licenseBachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign teams, R&D departments, manufacturing settingsDesign teams, project-based environments, product development
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, aerospace, automotive, electronicsSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Sr Design Engineer and a Design Engineer lies in experience and responsibility. A Sr Design Engineer typically has more years of experience, takes on complex projects, and may mentor junior staff. In contrast, a Design Engineer is often in an earlier career stage, focusing on executing design tasks under supervision. Both roles are essential in product development, but the Sr Design Engineer plays a leadership role in design innovation and project management.

What job categories do people searching Sr Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Sr Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Sr Design Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Sr Design Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Sr Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,404 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Cornerstone Building Brands rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

438th of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Company Description

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands' broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes more than 18,800 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a senior-level engineer that is a Licensed Professional Engineer, ideally with a background in metal or steel building systems, and technical leadership that can contribute within the engineering department. Building upon foundational engineering experience, this senior role involves greater responsibility in project coordination, design optimization, and potential to mentor junior engineers. Expected to independently manage all complexity level projects, ensuring designs meet structural code requirements, manufacturing standards, and customer expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Demonstrate proficiency in all metal building system design methodologies, including advanced and highly complex framing systems, custom configurations, and non-standard structural solutions.

Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Engineering Manager, supporting departmental operations and decision-making.

Engages directly with customers to develop optimized building solutions, offering technical expertise and ensuring alignment with project goals.

Designs and oversees projects involving high-complexity metal building systems, ensuring compliance with structural codes, customer requirements, and company standards.

Solid understanding of structural engineering principles, with the ability to apply and adapt company design standards to unique and custom-building conditions.

Provides professional oversight and responsibility for projects requiring signature and seal, ensuring engineering accountability and regulatory compliance.

Proficiency in using structural design software and a willingness to continuously expand technical knowledge, particularly in the customization of tools for non-standard applications.

Adhere to project schedules, effectively managing shifting priorities and last-minute revisions to maintain on-time delivery.

Exercise sound engineering judgment to ensure public safety, balancing efficiency with appropriate design conservatism.

Actively mentors and trains junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth and maintaining quality across the team.

Identify opportunities for design improvements and cost reduction through innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Design Engineer 

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states preferred, with the ability to provide sealed design documents where required.
  • Proven ability to design metal buildings of medium to high complexity, ensuring efficiency, safety, and adherence to customer specifications.
  • Consistently drives productivity improvements while maintaining high standards of accuracy and completeness, with a focus on reducing manufacturing and drafting costs and enhancing efficiency and overall customer value.
  • Skilled in balancing and prioritizing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

EDUCATION/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related field).
  • Professional Engineering (PE or SE) Licensure
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in metal building design or structural engineering.
  • Proficient in structural design and modeling software (e.g., RISA, STAAD, AutoCAD, or equivalent).
Additional Information

Cornerstone Building Brands Canada is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants' needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. 

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000-$150,000 + bonus + medical, dental, vision benefits starting day 1 + 401k and PTO. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. (Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week.)

Why work for Cornerstone Building Brands? 

Our teams are at the heart of our purpose to positively contribute to the communities where we live, work and play. Full-time* team members receive** medical, dental and vision benefits starting day 1. Other benefits include PTO, paid holidays, FSA, life insurance, LTD, STD, 401k, EAP, discount programs, tuition reimbursement, training, and professional development. 

*Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. **Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.

Cornerstone Building Brands is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. You can find the Equal Employment Opportunity Poster here. You can also view Your Right to Work Poster here along with This Organizations Participation in E-Verify Poster here. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan for protected veterans or individuals with disabilities or policy statement, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [email protected]. If you have a disability and you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or [email protected]. This email is used exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only emails received for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018

Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Note to External Recruiters

Cornerstone Building Brands does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay fees for any candidate submissions that were not expressly authorized.

Notice of Recruitment Fraud

We have been made aware of multiple scams whereby unauthorized individuals are using Cornerstone Building Brand's name and logo to solicit potential job-seekers for employment. In some cases, job-seekers are being contacted directly, both by phone and e-mail. In other instances, these unauthorized individuals are placing advertisements for fake positions with both legitimate websites and fabricated ones. These individuals are typically promising high-paying jobs with the requirement that the job-seeker send money to pay for things such as visa applications or processing fees. Please be advised that Cornerstone Building Brands will never ask potential job-seekers for any sort of advance payment or bank account information as part of the recruiting or hiring process.


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About Cornerstone Building Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Our comprehensive portfolio spans the breadth of the residential and commercial markets, while our expansive footprint enables us to serve customers and communities across North America. Our relentless focus on excellence combined with our ongoing commitment to innovation and R&D has driven us to become the #1 manufacturer of windows, vinyl siding, insulated metal panels, metal roofing and wall systems, and metal accessories. We believe every building we create, and every part of that building, positively contributes to communities where people live, work and play.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1984