Senior Design Engineer - Heavy Industrial Product Development

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: 3Overview 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

• 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

• 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

• 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