Product Engineer I (Mechanical Design)
Location: Des Moines, IA | 100% Onsite
Salary: $71,000–$94,000, based on experience
Please note: This is a full-time, 100% onsite position located in Des Moines, Iowa. Remote, hybrid, and relocation assistance are not available for this role.
Ready to build the next step in your engineering career designing real products that make a difference?
Due to continued company growth and expanding engineering initiatives, SwapLoader is looking for a Product Engineer I to join our engineering team in Des Moines.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who wants to work close to the product, the shop floor, and the real-world applications our customers depend on. You'll help improve industry-leading hook-lift hoist systems, support new product concepts, create and refine manufacturing drawings, assist with testing, and work directly with engineering and manufacturing teams to bring ideas from concept to production.
This role is an excellent opportunity for an early-career mechanical engineer who enjoys practical problem-solving, continuous improvement, and seeing their work come to life in the field. You'll gain exposure to the complete product development lifecycle—from concept and design through manufacturing, testing, implementation, and continuous product improvement—while working alongside an experienced engineering team committed to developing the next generation of SwapLoader products.
What You'll Do
As a Product Engineer I, you'll collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, and cross-functional teams to improve existing products while supporting the development of new solutions.
Responsibilities include:
- Implement engineering changes that improve product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
- Create and update manufacturing drawings and technical documentation.
- Support new product development concepts and planning.
- Assist with product testing and document results.
- Partner with manufacturing to troubleshoot issues and support root-cause analysis.
- Contribute to design-for-manufacturability and continuous improvement efforts.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who is curious, collaborative, and eager to learn in a hands-on manufacturing environment.
Qualifications include:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering; Mechanical Engineering preferred.
- 0–5 years of engineering experience.
- CAD experience required; Autodesk Inventor experience is a strong plus.
- Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
- Comfortable working in both office and manufacturing environments.
- Willingness to travel occasionally.
Why SwapLoader?
At SwapLoader, we design, manufacture, and support industry-leading hook-lift hoist systems used throughout North and South America. Our engineers work on practical, high-impact products where improvements are visible, measurable, and meaningful.
As part of our engineering team, you'll have the opportunity to:
- Work alongside experienced engineers who are invested in mentoring and developing early-career talent.
- Gain exposure to every stage of the product lifecycle, from concept through production and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate directly with manufacturing and see your designs become real products.
- Solve practical engineering challenges that have a direct impact on our customers and our business.
- Build a strong technical foundation while growing your engineering career in a collaborative environment.
Benefits
We offer:
- Competitive salary of $71,000–$94,000, based on experience.
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- HSA and FSA options.
- 401(k) retirement plan.
- Paid time off and 10 paid holidays.
- Tuition reimbursement.
- Life and AD&D insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program.
Our Culture
Our culture is built around four core values:
- Quality
- Integrity
- Innovation
- Super Service
We value accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and safety in everything we do.
If you're looking for an opportunity where you'll work on real products, learn from experienced engineers, and make a meaningful impact from day one, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of SwapLoader.
SwapLoader is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
