Senior Design Engineer – Heavy Industrial Produ...
Job Description:
Senior Design Engineer – Heavy Industrial Product Development
Location: Waterloo, Iowa
Job Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time
Work Model: 100% Onsite
Compensation: $80,000 – $100,000 base + 10% bonus
Benefits: Full Benefits Package
Relocation: Not Offered
Openings: 3
Overview
HireNow Staffing is partnering with a well-established industrial manufacturer in Waterloo, Iowa, to hire multiple Senior Design Engineers to join a highly technical and collaborative engineering team.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced mechanical design engineer who enjoys developing complex products from concept through production in a heavy manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate brings deep hands-on design expertise, strong engineering judgment, and a proven ability to deliver durable, cost-effective products that meet demanding customer specifications.
Candidates must meet the required qualifications to be considered for interview.
Key Responsibilities
As a Senior Design Engineer, you will play a central role in mechanical product development, including:
-
Lead and execute engineering design projects based on customer needs, market trends, and competitive insights
-
Design, evaluate, and improve mechanical systems using principles of mechanics, hydraulics, structural performance, and material science
-
Develop feasibility studies, engineering test plans, and validation processes for new and existing products
-
Research manufacturing methods, assembly approaches, and material selections to support scalable production
-
Drive cost-effective design improvements through automation opportunities and process optimization
-
Design or modify equipment and tools used in fabrication, assembly, or installation processes
-
Ensure product integrity through prototype testing, design verification, and performance validation
-
Prepare technical reports, engineering documentation, and product analysis based on detailed data collection
-
Provide technical guidance to cross-functional teams including manufacturing, quality, and operations
-
Maintain compliance with applicable engineering regulations, safety standards, and industry best practices
-
Support engineering documentation and product data management systems
-
Stay current on evolving design technologies, lean manufacturing principles, and industry advancements
Required Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
To qualify for consideration, candidates must have:
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering (required)
-
5+ years of progressive design engineering experience
-
Heavy industrial manufacturing background (mandatory)
-
Proven ability to deliver mechanical designs from concept through production
-
Strong proficiency with design and engineering software tools
-
Advanced Excel skills and comfort working with technical data
-
Solid understanding of manufacturing economics, cost drivers, and design-to-cost principles
-
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across teams
-
Ability to work fully onsite in Waterloo, IA
Preferred Qualifications (Highly Valued)
Standout candidates may also bring:
-
Heavy haul trailer or trailer manufacturing design experience
-
Heavy equipment engineering background
-
Exposure to hydraulics-based systems and rugged mechanical applications
-
Experience identifying lean or automation-driven improvements within manufacturing workflows
-
Demonstrated innovative mindset and continuous improvement orientation
Compensation & Benefits
This role offers:
-
Competitive base salary: $80,000 – $100,000
-
Annual bonus target: 10%
-
Full benefits package
-
Stable long-term opportunity within an established engineering organization
-
Collaborative team environment with strong technical leadership