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Tools Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Software Test Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

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 ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

... • CAD tools (Creo, AutoCAD) • Controls engineering / safety systems • Robotics programming (FANUC) Technical / Functional Exposure • Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint - 2+ years • ...

FPGA Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$126K - $163K/yr

Use simulation tools and verification frameworks to ensure mathematically-correct logic before hardware deployment. Hardware/Software Design: Work closely with other engineers to integrate FPGA ...

Quality Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Supports quality planning, control & improvement across product development, manufacturing & suppliers using EPDP, EOFP & CSP tools. Duties: • Support engineering solutions & feasibility testing ...

Mechanical Engineer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Operate engineering tools, software, and office equipment efficiently. Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Engineering preferred, but not required. Minimum of 4-10 years of experience Minimum of ...

Electrical Engineer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Operate engineering tools, software, and office equipment efficiently. Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Engineering preferred, but not required. Minimum of seven years of progressively ...

Quality Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

... tools for new product quality plans • Apply quality tools to minimize risk and prevent defects ... in Engineering or related field (or equivalent experience) • Experience in manufacturing ...

FPGA Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$126K - $163K/yr

Use simulation tools and verification frameworks to ensure mathematically-correct logic before hardware deployment. Hardware/Software Design: Work closely with other engineers to integrate FPGA ...

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Showing results 1-20

Tools Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$50.7K

$103.3K

$153.6K

How much do tools engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for tools engineer in Iowa is $103,307.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,000.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical responsibilities of a Tools Engineer on a development team?

As a Tools Engineer, you'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining internal tools used by other developers and teams to automate tasks, improve workflow efficiency, and support the software development lifecycle. Your day-to-day tasks may include writing scripts, optimizing build pipelines, providing technical support for tool users, and integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure. You’ll also collaborate closely with developers, QA engineers, and project managers to identify pain points and deliver solutions that address real-world challenges. This collaborative, problem-solving focus makes the role both dynamic and critical to the overall productivity of the team.

What does a Tools Engineer do?

A Tools Engineer designs, develops, and maintains software tools that improve workflow efficiency for engineers, designers, and developers. They create automation scripts, internal utilities, and custom applications to streamline development processes. Their role often involves working with game engines, build systems, CI/CD pipelines, or proprietary tools tailored to a company's needs. Strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration with other teams are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tools Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tools Engineer, you need strong programming abilities, problem-solving skills, and a background in computer science or related technical fields. Experience with scripting languages (such as Python or Bash), source control systems, and build automation tools is often required, and certifications in relevant technologies can be beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability help tools engineers collaborate efficiently and respond to evolving project needs. These skills are essential for designing and maintaining robust tools that streamline workflows and improve productivity for development teams.

What are popular job titles related to Tools Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Tools Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Tools Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Tools Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Tools Engineer jobs in IA? For Tools Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Software Engineer

Entry Level Software Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 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.
Entry Level Software Engineer
This position is associated with the design and development of embedded software that controls machine operations and functions. Various development roles are available that require use of C, C++, Python or Simulink MBSD programming languages. Testing methods include bench testing with controllers, extensive vehicle simulation testing, and physical full machine testing.
Responsibilities
  • Development of embedded software applications that control vehicle operation using C, C++, or Simulink MBSD.
  • Integration of software in a multi-developer Agile team using Continuous Integration process.
  • Functional and integration testing prior to hand-off to software test and evaluation group
  • Development and release status tracking using the Agile development process.
  • Troubleshooting and debugging using unit tests, vehicle simulators and bench testing of controllers with hardware in the loop.
  • Creation of software design documentation.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or Master's of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related degree.
  • Experience with C or C++ programming languages
  • Strong mathematical and analytical problem solving skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment
  • Self-motivated, quick learner, with an any-problem-can-be-solved attitude
  • Must have a valid driver's license

Desired Attributes
  • Experience with CAN J1939 communication protocol
  • Previous experience in a structured software development process
  • Ability to interpret hardware schematics for wiring and electronic controllers
  • Ability to interpret software requirements and state diagrams
  • Knowledge of common software development tools such as VisualBasic,
  • Experience with Simulink Model Based Software Design
  • General machine knowledge of industrial equipment or machinery

Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 - 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
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
#ZR
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.