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Wire Harness Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Electrical Design Engineer The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and developing the layout and design of electrical wire harness systems used in off-highway equipment. They ...

Full Benefits Electrical Engineer responsible for wiring harness routing, electrical system design, CAD modeling, design reviews, manufacturing support, and troubleshooting for heavy equipment model ...

Bachelors or higher in Electrical Engineering * 5+ years professional experience * Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills * An entrepreneurial attitude with a keen eye for detail

Bachelors or higher in Electrical Engineering * 5+ years professional experience * Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills * An entrepreneurial attitude with a keen eye for detail

New

Bachelors or higher in Electrical Engineering * 5+ years professional experience * Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills * An entrepreneurial attitude with a keen eye for detail

Controls Technician

Eldridge, IA

$24.25 - $32/hr

... engineering data. Applying a working knowledge of electrical/pneumatic principles as well as the ... and wire/tube harness assemblies. * Demonstrate the ability to interpret 2d drawings of both ...

Controls Technician

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$24.25 - $32/hr

... engineering data. Applying a working knowledge of electrical/pneumatic principles as well as the ... and wire/tube harness assemblies. * Demonstrate the ability to interpret 2d drawings of both ...

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Wire Harness Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$46

$73

How much do wire harness engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for wire harness 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a wire harness engineer?

To thrive as a Wire Harness Engineer, you need strong knowledge of electrical engineering principles, circuit design, and familiarity with industry standards, often backed by a relevant engineering degree. Proficiency in CAD software (such as AutoCAD or CATIA), harness design tools, and understanding of wiring schematics is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and ensuring design accuracy. These skills are vital for delivering reliable, safe, and cost-effective wire harness solutions in automotive, aerospace, or industrial applications.

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

AspectWire Harness EngineerElectrical Design Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical engineering or related field, certifications like IPC/WHMA-A-620 are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering, certifications in circuit design or CAD tools are beneficial
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, assembly, and testing environments focused on wiring and harness assemblyWorks in design offices, labs, or R&D settings focusing on circuit and system design
Industry UsageCommon in automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment manufacturingUsed across electronics, consumer devices, and industrial automation sectors

While both roles involve electrical systems, a Wire Harness Engineer specializes in designing and assembling wiring harnesses for various products, ensuring proper connectivity and safety. An Electrical Design Engineer focuses on creating electrical circuits and systems at a broader level, often overseeing the entire electrical architecture. Both roles require electrical engineering knowledge but differ in scope and application.

What are some common challenges wire harness engineers face when collaborating with cross-functional teams?

Wire Harness Engineers often work closely with design, manufacturing, and quality teams, which can present challenges in aligning different requirements and timelines. Miscommunication about design changes, component specifications, or installation constraints can lead to rework or delays. To overcome these challenges, effective documentation, regular cross-team meetings, and proactive issue tracking are essential. Developing strong relationships with team members across departments also helps ensure smoother collaboration and project success.

What is a wire harness engineer?

Wire Harness Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and oversee the installation of wire harnesses—bundles of wires and cables that transmit electrical power and signals—in vehicles, machinery, and electronic systems. They create detailed schematics, select appropriate materials, and ensure that harnesses meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Their work is crucial in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing, where reliable electrical connections are essential for system functionality and safety.
What are popular job titles related to Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Wire Harness Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Wire Harness Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,622 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Electrical Design Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 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 Entry-Level to 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.
Electrical Design Engineer
The Electrical Design Engineer is a responsible for creating and developing the layout and design of electrical wire harness systems used in off-highway equipment. They work on the configuration, routing, and integration of wires, connectors, and other electrical components, ensuring efficient and organized assembly.
Job Description
  • Route and develop wiring harnesses while coordinating with cross-functional teams to meet design standards and integration guidelines.
  • Create designs and modify existing designs using Creo, ProCable and Capital Harness
  • Participate in print reviews and formal design reviews to support new product development.
  • Support manufacturing and assembly teams during the build and launch of new model designs.
  • Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve electrical system issues on prototype and production machines.
  • Work with manufacturing and quality engineers to identify improvements to designs
  • Interact with other design teams and the electrical team to coordinate co-effective changes
  • Work with supplier(s) to determine best design practices and components
  • Review and approve two-dimensional harness drawings
  • Participate on a cross functional team and perform design reviews

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Electrical, Mechanical Engineering or related degree
  • Strong mechanical aptitude demonstrated through work experience or hobbies
  • Excellent communication both written and verbal
  • Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and commitments
  • Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills
  • Ability to thrive in a team environment

Desired Attributes
  • Experience in 3-D Modeling Software; experience (Preferred)
  • Previous experience with Windchill or PDMLink
  • Design experience or exposure to off-road mobile equipment
  • Experience with ProCable
  • Wire harness or cable design for vehicles
  • Experience with Capital Harness Systems (CHS)
  • Read electrical schematics to relate to wire harness designs

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $65,000-$85,000 - 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.