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Associate Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Associate Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact As an Engineer I, you'll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate together-working continuously alongside operators ...

Andersen Corporation

Associate Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$62K - $94K/yr

The Associate Electrical Engineer supports manufacturing operations by applying electrical engineering principles to improve equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency. This role contributes to ...

Andersen

Associate Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$62K - $94K/yr

The Associate Electrical Engineer supports manufacturing operations by applying electrical engineering principles to improve equipment reliability, safety, and efficiency. This role contributes to ...

Cargill

Associate Engineer

Sioux City, IA

Job Purpose and Impact As an Engineer I, youll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate togetherworking continuously alongside operators ...

Cargill

Associate Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Job Purpose and Impact As an Engineer I, you'll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate together-working continuously alongside operators ...

Baker Group

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

The Senior Electrical Engineer also provides mentorship to associate engineers and designers, contributes to the development of design standards, and supports the expansion of design-build ...

Pwc

Data Engineer - Senior Associate

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$77K - $202K/yr

Industry/Sector Not Applicable Specialism Data, Analytics & AI Management Level Senior Associate & Summary At PwC, our people in data and analytics engineering focus on leveraging advanced ...

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All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Associate Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$39K

$77.6K

$124K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Iowa is $77,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $89,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Associate Engineers?

Associate Engineers are entry-level engineering professionals who support more experienced engineers in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining various projects in their field. They typically work under supervision and assist with tasks such as drafting technical documents, conducting research, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Associate Engineers often gain practical experience and training to advance to higher-level engineering roles as they develop their skills.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, petroleum, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding advanced certifications, or managing large projects and teams.

What can you do with an Associate in engineering?

An associate degree in engineering prepares individuals for technical roles such as engineering technician, CAD drafter, or quality control inspector. These positions often involve supporting engineering projects, using tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB, and may require certification or on-the-job training to develop specialized skills.

What Is an Associate Engineer?

An associate engineer is a lower level engineer in many fields of engineering, including environmental, civil, and mechanical. The title denotes rank and experience level. As an associate engineer, your typical job duties involve analyzing project plans, designing products, maintaining equipment, closely following specifications and procedures, and writing reports. The specific duties vary widely depending upon your field and employer. This career usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering and obtaining a license in your state. Additional qualifications include relevant work experience, strong technical skills, and a familiarity with your specific industry.

What is the work of an Associate engineer?

An Associate Engineer is an entry-level engineering professional responsible for assisting in the design, development, testing, and implementation of engineering projects. They often work under the supervision of senior engineers, utilize tools like CAD software, and may need relevant certifications or technical skills to perform tasks effectively.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most associate engineers do not earn this level of salary, senior engineers in specialized fields such as software, petroleum, or aerospace engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, or in high-demand industries. Achieving this income typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and often leadership roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

What is the difference between Associate Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAssociate EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; entry-level certificationsBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; professional licensure (optional)
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and support roles in engineering teams; often in office or lab settingsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing in industrial or construction settings
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level position across various industries like manufacturing, construction, and techDesign and development roles primarily in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors

The main difference between an Associate Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Engineers are typically entry-level, focusing on supporting engineering tasks, while Mechanical Engineers have more experience and handle complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles require a bachelor's degree, but Mechanical Engineers often pursue licensure for advanced roles. The choice depends on your experience level and career goals within engineering fields.

What are some typical challenges Associate Engineers face when transitioning from academic projects to industry roles?

Associate Engineers often find the transition from academic projects to industry roles challenging due to differences in project scope, teamwork dynamics, and pace. In industry, you’ll likely work on larger, multi-disciplinary teams where effective communication and collaboration are crucial. Additionally, projects often have stricter deadlines and require adherence to established processes and standards, which may be less emphasized in academic settings. Embracing continuous learning and seeking mentorship from senior engineers can help ease this transition and set you up for success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Associate Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and basic project management systems is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering accurate technical solutions and contributing effectively to engineering projects.
More about Associate Engineer jobs
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What job categories do people searching Associate Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Associate Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in IA? For Associate Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,617 per year, or $37.3 per hour.

Associate Engineer

Cargill

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 14 days ago

Cargill rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 219 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 49 rated food wholesalers

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.

This position is in our Ag & Trading enterprise, where we connect producers and users of grains and oilseeds around the globe through origination, trading, processing, and distribution. We also offer a range of farmer services and risk management solutions. 

Job Purpose and Impact

As an Engineer I, you'll play an active, day-to-day role in improving how all aspects of a soybean processing plant operate together-working continuously alongside operators, maintenance teams, and supervisors to optimize how soybeans are crushed into meal and oil. This role is rooted in ongoing, hands-on collaboration, where you'll help identify opportunities, troubleshoot real-world challenges, and implement practical improvements that make the operation safer, smoother, and more efficient.

You'll build a strong foundation by applying engineering standards in a live production environment, learning directly from front-line teams and experienced engineers. Your work will include supporting process improvements, reliability efforts, and small-to-medium capital projects-helping plan, design, and evaluate timelines and costs-while contributing to the upkeep and performance of the systems and equipment that keep the plant running every day.

Key Accountabilities
  • Follow prescribed guidelines or policies to analyze and resolve problems.
  • Continue to build knowledge of the organization, processes and customers.
  • Contribute to designing and improving manufacturing processes, instruments and equipment, testing manufactured products to maintain quality.
  • Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Prefered Qualifications 

  • Degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering
  • Previous industrial co-op or internship experience in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering
  • Experience of continuous processes
  • Manufacturing industry work experience
Position Information
  • Location: Sioux City, Iowa
  • Relocation assistance may be available for this role
  • Work Schedule: Day shift

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.

What Cargill employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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