Job Description

Design Engineer (Entry-Level)

Location: Onsite – Waterloo, Iowa

Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Work Model: 100% Onsite

Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 base salary

Benefits: Full benefits package

Relocation Assistance: Not available

Openings: 3 positions

The Opportunity

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for an established industrial manufacturing organization seeking early-career Design Engineers to join its growing engineering team in Waterloo, Iowa.

This role is an excellent fit for a hands-on mechanical engineering graduate or emerging engineer who wants real exposure to product development inside a heavy industrial environment. You will work closely with senior engineers and manufacturing teams to support the design, documentation, and continuous improvement of mechanical systems used in large-scale equipment production.

This is not a purely desk-based design role—successful candidates will be curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn how engineered products move from concept to shop floor execution .

Role Overview

As an entry-level Design Engineer, you will contribute to the mechanical design and refinement of critical components and systems while building foundational engineering experience in a structured, high-accountability manufacturing setting.

You will support product development efforts, assist with engineering documentation, and collaborate cross-functionally to ensure designs meet quality, safety, and production standards.

Key Responsibilities

Candidates will be considered for interview based on demonstrated ability to:

• Support the design and development of mechanical components and industrial systems

• Assist senior engineers with design reviews, testing support, and product documentation

• Create, update, and maintain engineering drawings, layouts, and technical specifications

• Partner with manufacturing teams to clarify designs, implement revisions, and resolve build issues

• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives focused on design efficiency and cost reduction

• Support engineering change requests (ECR/ECO) and revision control processes

• Ensure designs comply with internal quality, safety, and manufacturability standards

• Contribute to a collaborative engineering culture focused on learning and execution

Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)

These qualifications are mandatory. Candidates who do not meet them will not be considered.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related discipline

• At least 1 year of engineering experience , including internships or co-op experience

• Basic proficiency with CAD tools and mechanical design software

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow technical processes accurately

• Solid written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work fully onsite in Waterloo, Iowa (local or commutable candidates only)

Preferred Qualifications (Standout Differentiators)

Top candidates will bring:

• Exposure to heavy industrial or high-volume manufacturing environments

• Experience or interest in trailer, heavy equipment, or large mechanical product design

• Familiarity with engineering documentation, drawing control, or revision workflows

• A proactive mindset and eagerness to learn through hands-on collaboration

Why This Role

This is a strong entry point into industrial product design for engineers who want:

• Direct mentorship from experienced engineering leaders

• Real-world manufacturing exposure beyond theoretical design work

• A stable, full-time direct hire opportunity with growth potential

• The chance to contribute to tangible mechanical products built at scale

HireNow Staffing Disclaimer

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this role. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements. This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and business growth. Only candidates meeting the core qualifications will be considered for interview.

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