ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Test Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Trelleborg

Development Chemist

Mason City, IA · On-site

Compound Development Ownership * Lead the full lifecycle of compound development--from initial ... Analyze test results, production data, and material performance trends to guide decisionmaking.

Trelleborg

Development Chemist

Mason City, IA · On-site

Compound Development Ownership * Lead the full lifecycle of compound development-from initial ... Analyze test results, production data, and material performance trends to guide decision-making.

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTest Development JobsTest Development Jobs in Iowa

Test Development information

See Iowa salary details

$4

$46

$85

How much do test development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for test development in Iowa is $46.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $59.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is test development?

Test development is the process of designing, creating, and validating assessment tools such as exams, quizzes, or standardized tests. This process involves defining the purpose of the test, constructing test items, reviewing them for quality, and conducting statistical analyses to ensure reliability and validity. Test developers often work in educational, psychological, or professional certification contexts to measure knowledge, skills, or abilities accurately. The goal is to create fair, unbiased tests that provide meaningful information about the test takers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Test Development, and why are they important?

To excel in Test Development, strong analytical skills, a background in educational measurement or psychometrics, and a relevant degree such as education, psychology, or statistics are essential. Familiarity with test authoring platforms, statistical analysis software (like SPSS or R), and knowledge of standards such as item response theory (IRT) are typically required. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective collaboration are key soft skills for designing fair and valid assessments. These skills ensure the creation of reliable, unbiased, and meaningful tests that accurately measure intended outcomes.

What is the difference between Test Development vs Test Analysis?

AspectTest DevelopmentTest Analysis
Primary FocusDesigning and creating tests and assessmentsInterpreting test results and analyzing data
Required SkillsCurriculum design, item writing, psychometricsData analysis, statistical skills, reporting
Work EnvironmentEducational institutions, testing companiesResearch organizations, educational settings
CertificationsPsychometric certifications often preferredData analysis or psychometric certifications

Test Development focuses on creating assessments, while Test Analysis involves interpreting results and analyzing data. Both roles are essential in the testing industry, often working together to ensure valid and reliable assessments.

What are some common challenges faced in a Test Development role, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in Test Development is ensuring that assessments are both valid and reliable while meeting tight deadlines. Balancing subject matter expertise with psychometric principles can also be demanding, particularly when collaborating with content experts and statisticians. Clear communication, careful project planning, and continuous professional development help address these challenges. Additionally, staying updated on assessment standards and using feedback from pilot tests can greatly improve test quality.
What are popular job titles related to Test Development jobs in Iowa? For Test Development jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Test Development jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Test Development jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Test Development jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Test Development job openings:
Test Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Test Development job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,566 per year, or $46.4 per hour.
Mechanical Test Engineer - Engine and Cooling Systems

Mechanical Test Engineer - Engine and Cooling Systems

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$60K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Mechanical Test Engineer - Engine and Cooling Systems
This position is responsible for planning and executing tests to evaluate engine performance and thermal management systems. This role supports product development by generating high-quality data, analyzing results, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure systems meet performance, durability, and reliability requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and execute test plans for engine and cooling system validation.
  • Set up and support test equipment, including instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
  • Conduct performance, durability, and thermal testing on engines and cooling components such as radiators, heat exchangers, pumps, and fans.
  • Analyze and interpret test data to assess system performance and identify issues.
  • Troubleshoot test setups and support root cause analysis for failures.
  • Collaborate with design and simulation teams to provide feedback and improve system performance.
  • Support validation of cooling strategies across various operating conditions and duty cycles.
  • Document test procedures, results, and conclusions in clear technical reports.
  • Ensure testing is conducted in accordance with safety standards and best practices.

Requirements
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Aerospace, or Agricultural Engineering or related degree
  • Proficient in 3D Modeling software (Creo Preferred)
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Understanding of thermodynamics, heat transfer, and fluid systems.
  • Experience with test instrumentation and data collection methods.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Desired Skills
  • Experience with engines, cooling systems, or thermal management.
  • Familiarity with data analysis tools such as MATLAB, Python, or similar.
  • Hands-on experience in a lab or test environment.
  • Exposure to simulation or modeling tools is a plus.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $60,000-$75,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply