Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Design Engineer jobs in Iowa concentrate in advanced manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and industrial machinery, with steady demand from entry-level positions through senior and principal roles. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities metro are the largest hiring hubs, where established employers such as John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Rockwell Collins maintain significant engineering operations. Product design, mechanical systems, and CAD-driven manufacturing engineering are the most in-demand specialties across the state. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 42+ Design Engineer jobs
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson's Facilities Engineering and Design Team is at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing comprehensive services for large commercial developments, healthcare facilities, laboratories, educational institutions, data centers, and military installations. Our expertise includes engineering analysis, design services, and professional consulting, ensuring top-tier quality and world class installations. We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a tangible difference in communities and industries.
As a Senior Structural Engineer on our North Central Facilities Engineering and Design team, you will manage the design production of projects by leading staff to complete projects in accordance with the project schedule as well as providing high level technical support for other engineers on the project team. You will lead project quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities. You will act as an advisor on complex projects and apply advanced experience to make recommendations and decisions regarding project design work.
Primary responsibilities:
- Lead structural design for varied and complex projects, integrating innovative engineering solutions across multiple materials (steel, concrete, wood, masonry).
- Supervise and mentor junior engineers, fostering skill development and professional growth.
- Perform advanced structural analyses and present findings in clear, comprehensive reports.
- Contribute to the production of a project when needed.
- Perform QA/QC and ensure delivery of completed designs meets quality standards and project objectives.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project integration and promote efficiencies.
- Contribute to the development of standards and/or guidelines for engineering activities within the team.
- Engage with clients to understand technical needs, provide strategic insights, and support business development by showcasing Olsson's technical capabilities and expertise.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You bring to the team:
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering.
- Masters degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering (structural emphasis) is preferred, but not required.
- Must be a registered professional engineer.
- 12 – 20+ years of relevant experience.
- Experience utilizing structural design and drafting software packages.
- Proficient in Autodesk Revit.
#LI-RS1 #LI-Hybrid
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Olsson's Facilities Engineering and Design Team is at the forefront of engineering innovation, providing comprehensive services for large commercial developments, healthcare facilities, laboratories, educational institutions, data centers, and military installations. Our expertise includes engineering analysis, design services, and professional consulting, ensuring top-tier quality and world class installations. We also provide building inspection and forensic investigation services. As a member of this team, you will contribute to diverse, high-impact projects, delivering engineering solutions that make a tangible difference in communities and industries.
As a Senior Structural Engineer on our North Central Facilities Engineering and Design team, you will manage the design production of projects by leading staff to complete projects in accordance with the project schedule as well as providing high level technical support for other engineers on the project team. You will lead project quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) activities. You will act as an advisor on complex projects and apply advanced experience to make recommendations and decisions regarding project design work.
Primary responsibilities:
- Lead structural design for varied and complex projects, integrating innovative engineering solutions across multiple materials (steel, concrete, wood, masonry).
- Supervise and mentor junior engineers, fostering skill development and professional growth.
- Perform advanced structural analyses and present findings in clear, comprehensive reports.
- Contribute to the production of a project when needed.
- Perform QA/QC and ensure delivery of completed designs meets quality standards and project objectives.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless project integration and promote efficiencies.
- Contribute to the development of standards and/or guidelines for engineering activities within the team.
- Engage with clients to understand technical needs, provide strategic insights, and support business development by showcasing Olsson's technical capabilities and expertise.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
- Working collaboratively with others.
- Having ownership in the work you do.
- Using your talents to positively affect communities.
You bring to the team:
- Strong communication skills.
- Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
- Bachelor's degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering.
- Masters degree in Civil or Architectural Engineering (structural emphasis) is preferred, but not required.
- Must be a registered professional engineer.
- 12 – 20+ years of relevant experience.
- Experience utilizing structural design and drafting software packages.
- Proficient in Autodesk Revit.
#LI-RS1 #LI-Hybrid
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
- Receive a competitive 401(k) match
- Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
- Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
- Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
- Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles
In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.
See All 42 Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Engineer JobsDesign Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Design Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in design engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or a related engineering discipline required
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo required
- Experience with product development lifecycle from concept through production
- Familiarity with GD&T, engineering drawings, and manufacturing tolerances
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including manufacturing and quality
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills applied to component or system design
Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a design engineer in Iowa?
Most design engineer roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or a closely related engineering field. For roles with public-safety responsibility, Iowa engineers may pursue licensure through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam and later the Professional Engineering exam. Many private-sector design roles in manufacturing and product development do not require a PE license, but earning it strengthens advancement prospects.
Which companies hire design engineers in Iowa?
Iowa design engineer roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, Olsson, and BAE Systems USA and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's deep base of agricultural equipment manufacturers, aerospace suppliers, and industrial systems companies makes it one of the more consistent Midwest states for design engineering openings throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most design engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, and Dubuque have the most design engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors demand through corporate headquarters and diversified manufacturing, Cedar Rapids draws heavily from aerospace and defense suppliers including Collins Aerospace, and the Quad Cities benefit from John Deere's long-established product engineering operations just across the Illinois border, pulling candidates from both sides of the metro.
Are there remote design engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Design engineering typically requires hands-on collaboration with prototypes, manufacturing floors, and lab equipment, which limits remote options compared to purely analytical fields. About 36% of design engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to cluster in software-integrated design work, such as simulation, CAD modeling review, or systems documentation rather than physical build and test roles.
How can I get hired as a design engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a co-op or internship with one of Iowa's large manufacturing employers before graduation, since John Deere, Pella Corporation, and Collins Aerospace all run structured early-career engineering programs that convert to full-time offers. Candidates without prior engineering experience often transition from drafting or CAD technician roles, which are widely available at Iowa contract manufacturers and give direct exposure to production design workflows. Building a portfolio of SolidWorks or Creo projects and obtaining the Fundamentals of Engineering credential while in school give a measurable edge in competitive new-grad pools.
Where can I find and apply to design engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to design engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across manufacturing, aerospace, agricultural equipment, and related industries. Search the listings, identify the roles that match your background and target location, and apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 42 Design Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Design Engineer Jobs