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Wire Harness Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Our customers rely on us to design and build various types of steel and aluminum molds for ... [1] Engineering students will begin color coding wire frame models, gain exposure to the ...

Our customers rely on us to design and build various types of steel and aluminum molds for ... [1] Engineering students will begin color coding wire frame models, gain exposure to the ...

Traffic Engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

As a Traffic Engineer at Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI), you'll face new challenges and ... Focus on the design of traffic signal systems, lighting systems, fiber optics, traffic control ...

Eng Sr - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

Test solutions for Design Engineering and Operations for functional and environmental testing (thermal, vibration) to ensure product performance and resilience. Design: * Detailed schematics, Printed ...

Entry Level Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

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 ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Urbandale, IA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of embedded software that controls machine operations, functionality, or display information to operators.

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท Hybrid

$81K - $105K/yr

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most ... Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents * Work at customer ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Waterloo, IA ยท On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

Design, develop, test, and maintain embedded software for steering and braking control systems. * Collaborate with software engineers, test engineers, and system stakeholders throughout the software ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 6, 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 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 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 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 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,622 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Design Internship

MSI Mold Builders

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Discover how an internship with MSI could challenge you to explore new possibilities.

Company Overview:

Since 1971, industries around the world have turned to MSI to design and build molds of exceptional accuracy and durability. Our dedication to the highest quality mold design and building standards is part of our mission to lead the industry in the design and production of value added plastic molds.

Our customers rely on us to design and build various types of steel and aluminum molds for injection, structural foam, rim, blow, gas assist and structural web processes. We also design and build aluminum injection molds for limited production runs.

Today MSI serves customers in the computer, business machine, medical diagnostics, material handling, sporting goods, lawn and garden, appliance, consumer electronics, heavy equipment and transportation industries.

Student Qualifications

  • High School: Students entering their senior year in high school and older are eligible to apply for an internship. Interns under age 18 must have a parent co-sign the internship agreement.
  • College: Students accepted into an approved Advanced Manufacturing related program

Program Overview

MSI believes that one of the strongest components to our future success lies in the development of new talent. The goal of our internship program is to provide students with an opportunity to explore careers in the field of Advanced Manufacturing; and, to help them determine their interest and capabilities in the various careers in this field. The internship will provide hands-on learning experiences for students at the company facilities as well as help them develop interpersonal and technical skill sets that are necessary to be successful in today's workforce.

Internships are paid and the hours are flexible based on school work load and extra- curricular school programs. Participation in MSI's internship program does not guarantee regular employment will be offered at the completion of the internship. An internship can be terminated at any time, for example, if an intern does not show advancement in skills, demonstrates poor interpersonal skills, has poor attendance and/or punctuality, or if business conditions change.,.

  • High School interns
    • Exposed to all areas of MSI's production and engineering areas. The intern will be assigned tasks that are not directly related to operating machinery but will be of value to the organization. Examples may include electrode mounting, helping with set ups, maintenance work, print scanning, etc.
    • The goal of this first year is to evaluate the intern's work ethic and basic abilities as they relate to the skills needed in Advanced Manufacturing.
  • College interns
  • First year students will begin training in the components and manual machining areas, such as lathes and mills. Duties may also include saw cutting, benching, and maintenance work.[1] Engineering students will begin color coding wire frame models, gain exposure to the manufacturing process and machining.
  • Second year students will have the opportunity to begin training on 2D machines. Detailing work will be added to the duties of engineering students. It will also be critical at this level for the intern to develop an understanding of mold making and the manufacturing process that MSI follows.
  • The goal of this year is to expand the intern's knowledge of Advanced Manufacturing opportunities, the mold making industry, and develop their base machine operator skills.

The level of tasks that are initially assigned to an intern will be based on schooling and background. Further advancement to more difficult tasks will be based on growth of skill set and the attitude that is demonstrated. MSI places equal importance on technical abilities and attitude. A positive "can do" attitude, punctuality, ability to stay on task, ability to communicate effectively and a willingness to learn and ask questions are critical attributes of a successful employee.

Accountability

Intern:

  1. Adhere to company work hours, policies, procedures and safety rules.
  2. Adhere to company policies governing confidentiality.
  3. Assume personal responsibility for his/her actions and activities.
  4. Maintain professional relationships with company employees, customers, etc.
  5. Utilize a courteous, enthusiastic, open-minded approach to the policies, procedures and work.
  6. Develop a self-awareness in regard to attitudes, values, behaviors, etc. that influence your work and relationships.
  7. Demonstrate a team player attitude and a willingness to assist with all tasks assigned.

Employer:

  1. Orient the student intern to the company's operations.
  2. Orient the student to the company's work and safety policies and procedures.
  3. Assign and supervise the completion of tasks.
  4. Provide regular feedback. During the 1st year, an intern will receive monthly reviews to inform them of their progression and any gaps that may exist. In subsequent years, the reviews will occur every 90 days.
  5. Provide exposure and opportunity for learning in various departments and positions in the organization.

Educational Assistance

MSI believes that a formal education is important to a successful career in Advanced Manufacturing. To reinforce this belief, interns have the opportunity to receive assistance for their college education.

Students who are accepted into an MSI approved Advanced Manufacturing related program may be eligible for:

  1. Educational benefits including payments for tuition, fees and books. Students should obtain eligibility verification before enrolling in any classes for which they will seek reimbursement.
  2. Reimbursement will be issued at the completion of a class for which eligibility was verified IF the student achieved a grade of a "B" or above and attended at least 90% of classroom instruction.
  3. Valid receipts and transcripts will be required for reimbursement. A student will be eligible for reimbursement of expenses actually incurred any grants , scholarships or other financial assistance will be deducted prior to calculation of the reimbursement amount.
  4. The annual reimbursement is limited to $5,250 for undergraduate degrees. Any reimbursement above this must be classified as wages. This is subject to change in accordance with IRS guidelines.

[1] Such responsibilities will be assigned only to interns who are age 18 and over.