Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Mechanical engineer jobs in Iowa are concentrated in advanced manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and industrial systems, with demand across entry-level and senior positions alike. The largest hiring activity is in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities corridor, where employers like John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Pella Corporation maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are product design, manufacturing process engineering, and systems integration. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 52+ Mechanical Engineer jobs
Arconic is currently in search of an Mechanical Engineer to join our Sheet Finishing Department based in our Davenport, IA location.
At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization.
Job Summary:
This Mechanical Engineer will provide services to the Sheet Finishing department to safely meet Arconic’s business plan for engineering, production, maintenance, and quality standards. In this role, you will serve as a critical team member to optimize the safety, efficiency, output, and quality of our plant infrastructure and manufacturing processes. This position is responsible for mechanical system integration for assigned area projects to create, sustain, or improve manufacturing infrastructure, equipment, and processes. This role is driven by self-directed work and collaborative efforts with a team of Engineers, Technical staff, maintenance, and production across the department.
The Mechanical Engineer reports to the Lead Engineer in the department and will work Monday through Friday during daytime hours, while supporting off-shifts as needed for your respective projects.
In this role, you will:
Utilize project management tools for the successful implementation of both sustaining and new capital improvement projects
Coordinate all phases of assigned area mechanical engineering projects from concept, scope development, written specifications, project safety reviews, bid solicitations, design, manufacturing, equipment commissioning, and project closure
Manage external vendors and contractors who provide design, material, installation, and other support functions
Focus on tactical projects in the areas of safety, infrastructure reliability, training, and production
Lead and support the execution of problem-solving efforts related to process and machine improvements
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Ag Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills with the ability to work & interact at all levels of an organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Project programs.
- Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
- This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.
Exceptional Candidates possess:
- 3 years of Engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
- 1 year or more experience with aluminum rolling mill or related technology
- Experience interpreting design and control of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or utility systems for machine understanding and performing improvement modifications
- Experience developing and implementing mechanical engineering project work
Arconic is currently in search of an Mechanical Engineer to join our Sheet Finishing Department based in our Davenport, IA location.
At Arconic, we take pride in our work and our innovative products and technologies that advance sustainable solutions for a better world. We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and collaborative workplace with competitive benefits, development opportunities and a culture that values and rewards employees on all levels of the organization.
Job Summary:
This Mechanical Engineer will provide services to the Sheet Finishing department to safely meet Arconic’s business plan for engineering, production, maintenance, and quality standards. In this role, you will serve as a critical team member to optimize the safety, efficiency, output, and quality of our plant infrastructure and manufacturing processes. This position is responsible for mechanical system integration for assigned area projects to create, sustain, or improve manufacturing infrastructure, equipment, and processes. This role is driven by self-directed work and collaborative efforts with a team of Engineers, Technical staff, maintenance, and production across the department.
The Mechanical Engineer reports to the Lead Engineer in the department and will work Monday through Friday during daytime hours, while supporting off-shifts as needed for your respective projects.
In this role, you will:
Utilize project management tools for the successful implementation of both sustaining and new capital improvement projects
Coordinate all phases of assigned area mechanical engineering projects from concept, scope development, written specifications, project safety reviews, bid solicitations, design, manufacturing, equipment commissioning, and project closure
Manage external vendors and contractors who provide design, material, installation, and other support functions
Focus on tactical projects in the areas of safety, infrastructure reliability, training, and production
Lead and support the execution of problem-solving efforts related to process and machine improvements
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Ag Engineering from an accredited institution.
- Excellent verbal & written communication skills with the ability to work & interact at all levels of an organization.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Project programs.
- Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire Visa sponsorship is not available for this position
- This position requires access to controlled technology, as defined in the Export Administration Regulations (15 C.F.R. §730, et seq.) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Authorizations from the relevant government agency may be required to meet export control compliance requirements.
Exceptional Candidates possess:
- 3 years of Engineering experience in an industrial manufacturing environment
- 1 year or more experience with aluminum rolling mill or related technology
- Experience interpreting design and control of mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and/or utility systems for machine understanding and performing improvement modifications
- Experience developing and implementing mechanical engineering project work
See All 52 Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer JobsMechanical Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Mechanical Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Construction & Real Estate
- Automotive
- Manufacturing
- Aerospace & Defense
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in mechanical engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or closely related engineering discipline required
- Professional Engineer licensure through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board preferred for senior roles
- Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo for design and drafting work
- Experience with manufacturing processes including fabrication, machining, or assembly in an industrial setting
- Familiarity with GD&T standards and engineering drawing interpretation across product development cycles
- Strong project management skills including scheduling, cross-functional coordination, and technical documentation
Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a mechanical engineer in Iowa?
You become a mechanical engineer in Iowa by earning a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from an accredited program, then pursuing licensure through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board if your work involves public projects or independent practice. The path requires passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying experience, and passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Many Iowa employers hire engineers without a PE license for private-sector roles, but the credential opens leadership and consulting opportunities.
How much do mechanical engineers make in Iowa?
Mechanical engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $97,700 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,050 for the lowest 10% to over $137,540 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire mechanical engineers in Iowa?
Iowa mechanical engineer roles are posted by RFA Engineering, Arconic, and BAE Systems USA and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's deep roots in agricultural equipment manufacturing and aerospace components mean a broad range of established industrial employers maintain active engineering pipelines across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most mechanical engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines account for the most mechanical engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines draws volume from corporate engineering centers and industrial manufacturers, Cedar Rapids is anchored by aerospace and food processing operations, and the Quad Cities corridor reflects the long-standing presence of heavy equipment and defense manufacturing employers on both sides of the Iowa-Illinois border.
Are there remote mechanical engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Mechanical engineering is largely a hands-on discipline tied to labs, production floors, and physical prototypes, so fully remote roles are uncommon. About 37% of mechanical engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those tend to be in simulation, CAD design review, or program management functions that don't require daily on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a mechanical engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op and new graduate programs at Iowa's major manufacturing employers, where structured rotations are common for candidates from programs at Iowa State University or the University of Iowa. John Deere and Collins Aerospace both run well-known new engineer development programs in Iowa. Entry-level titles like manufacturing engineer, test engineer, or quality engineer are common first roles, and earning your Fundamentals of Engineering certification while completing your degree gives your application a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to mechanical engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers hiring right now. Find roles that match your experience and specialty, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 52 Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs