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Wire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

CAD Drawer

New Hampton, IA · On-site

$60K - $80K/yr

They would work w/ the CNC Programmers and Machinists very closely. This is not a normal CAD role ... Wire Cutting. If you are looking for a career where you get to be involved in many layers of the ...

You will own the design, validation, and production release of the vehicle wiring harnesses that ... Bachelors or higher in Electrical Engineering * 5+ years professional experience * Strong ...

You will own the design, validation, and production release of the vehicle wiring harnesses that ... Bachelors or higher in Electrical Engineering * 5+ years professional experience * Strong ...

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... May be in a safety harness * When in fabrication shop, may involve utilizing hands in and around ...

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... May be in a safety harness * When in fabrication shop, may involve utilizing hands in and around ...

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · Hybrid

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... May be in a safety harness * When in fabrication shop, may involve utilizing hands in and around ...

CAD Designer

Ames, IA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.50/hr

Utilizes engineering handbook, design manuals, other sources such as part catalogs to find ... May be in a safety harness * When in fabrication shop, may involve utilizing hands in and around ...

Design AC and DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay panels, and control enclosures for electrical power applications in generation, transmission, and distribution projects. * Develop detailed ...

Showing results 21-40

Wire Harness Design Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$46

$73

How much do wire harness design engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire harness design engineer in Iowa is $46.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.37 and $53.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a wire harness design engineer?

A wire harness design engineer works to design harnesses to protect electrical wiring and cable in airplanes, cars, and other devices that rely on electrical power. In this career, your duties focus on designing harnesses that allow the electrical distribution system to bring energy safely to the outlet where the mechanisms, product, airplane, or vehicle needs it. Your responsibilities involve using your electrical engineering skills to analyze the electrical needs for the project, calculate current requirements, and incorporate this data into your harness design.

What does a wire harness design engineer do?

A Wire Harness Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing wire harnesses used to connect electrical and electronic components in vehicles, machinery, or equipment. Their work involves creating detailed wiring diagrams, selecting appropriate materials, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to optimize production. They also perform testing and troubleshooting to ensure the harnesses meet safety and functional requirements. This role is crucial in industries like automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment where reliable electrical connections are essential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wire harness design engineer?

To thrive as a Wire Harness Design Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, knowledge of wiring standards, and experience with harness design principles, often backed by a relevant degree. Proficiency with CAD software (such as AutoCAD Electrical or CATIA), harness design tools, and familiarity with industry regulations (like IPC/WHMA-A-620) are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design accuracy. These competencies are crucial for delivering safe, reliable, and cost-effective wiring solutions in industries like automotive and aerospace.

What are some common challenges a wire harness design engineer faces when coordinating with manufacturing teams?

Wire Harness Design Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring that their designs are manufacturable and meet production timelines. Translating complex electrical schematics into practical, assembly-ready harnesses requires close collaboration with manufacturing teams to address issues such as routing constraints, component availability, and assembly ergonomics. Open communication is key to resolving discrepancies between design intent and production feasibility, and engineers frequently participate in design reviews or on-site walkthroughs to ensure smooth implementation. Being proactive in soliciting feedback and making iterative improvements helps minimize costly rework and keeps projects on schedule.

What is the difference between Wire Harness Design Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectWire Harness Design EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, certifications like IPC/WHMA-A-620 are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; professional licensure (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing wiring harnesses in manufacturing or automotive settingsDesigning electrical systems, circuit analysis, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, industrial equipmentElectronics, power systems, telecommunications

While both roles involve electrical knowledge, the Wire Harness Design Engineer specializes in creating wiring assemblies for specific products, whereas the Electrical Engineer focuses on broader electrical system design and analysis. The roles often overlap in skills and certifications but differ in scope and application.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Wire Harness Design Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Wire Harness Design Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,622 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Program Specialist - Aerospace & Defense

Timberline Manufacturing

Marion, IA

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

BECOME AN OWNER, MAKE A DIFFERENCE, AND BUILD FRIENDSHIPS

Who We Are

Founded in 1993, Timberline Manufacturing provides electrical contract manufacturing with a specialization in wire harness assembly, control panels, and electronic assembly. Timberline is 100% employee-owned since 2012. Along with employee ownership, we provide opportunities for advancement, professional growth and financial rewards. From the moment you enter the building, we greet you as a person, not a number.

What We Value

We're not the first to say it, but we certainly mean it - our employees are what makes Timberline so great. That's why we're an employee-owned company.

Job Summary

The Program Specialist is a key member of the Program Management team. The Program Specialist combines the Inside Sales (quoting) and Customer Service (order administration) responsibilities into one role supporting the entire lifecycle of the customer's programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • Customer contact for quote requests
  • Manage and track the quoting process
  • Accurately interpret customer specifications such as drawings, bills of material, and standards
  • Outline quotes based on process analysis and materials pricing - establish lead times
  • Develop and maintain good customer relations by ensuring transparent and honest communication regarding order status and any roadblocks to our customer's success.
  • Process customer purchase orders and confirm order timelines with internal and external customers
  • Monitor order status throughout the production process and communicate issues to customers as necessary
  • Collaborate with production & scheduling for expedites and prioritizations, as needed, based on customers' input and expectations
  • Work with internal departments to coordinate expediting products to meet customer expectations
  • Process returns when incorrect or damaged items occur
  • Track customer communication and ensure responses are accurate and timely.
  • Perform data entry and creation of electronic part record in ERP
  • Additional responsibilities as assigned

Skills we are looking for

  • Strong office computing skills
  • Ability to analyze technical drawings
  • Strong communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Customer Focused
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to prioritize competing demands
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and collaboratively with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality and Production to develop quotes

Qualifications

  • 3 plus years of experience in a sales quoting, customer service or program specialist related role
  • Experience working for a Build to Print Contract Manufacture would be ideal
  • Experience working for a defense contractor would be a plus
  • Experience working in the Electronics or Electrical Wire Harness industry would be a plus
  • Experience using an ERP system for quoting is a plus

Education

  • High School diploma required
  • An associate or bachelor's degree in business or related field preferred

Timberline Manufacturing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.