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Associate Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Our associates grow to become valuable Company leaders. Relocation assistance is available. Summary ... Uses engineering principles to assist in pit development, plant design, and improving production ...

Baker Group

Industrial Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control ... Associate degree in Electronic, Technology, or Automation related field or equivalent on the job ...

JLL

Automation Engineering Apprentice

Bondurant, IA · On-site

Enrollment in or completion of a technical or associate degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, or a related field. * Basic understanding of control systems, sensors ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsAssociate Engineer JobsAssociate Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Associate Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$40.6K

$80.9K

$129.2K

How much do associate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for associate engineer in Ames, IA is $80,875.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64,100.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate engineer?

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 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
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Associate Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? For Associate Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Associate Engineer jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Associate Engineer job openings:
Associate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,875 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Engineer I, Engineer II, Engineer III Grid Operations

Alliantenergy

Ames, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Engineer I - Grid Operations, Engineer II - Grid Operations, Engineer III - Grid Operations:

From early-career engineers to seasoned grid operations leaders, we're building our Grid Operations team-join us at the level that fits your experience and help design the grid of tomorrow.


***This position can be hired as either an Engineer I Grid Operations, Engineer II Grid Operations or an Engineer III Grid Operations depending on experience***

What You Will Do (Developmental Progression)

Safety, Risk & Compliance

  • Foundational: Follows safety rules, identifies basic risks, and supports safe design practices.

  • Intermediate: Identifies and mitigates risks, applies safety standards, and improves safe operations.

  • Advanced: Leads safety practices, addresses complex risks, and recommends standard improvements.

Customer Focus & Problem Solving

  • Foundational: Learns customer needs and supports basic issue identification and solutions.

  • Intermediate: Identifies and resolves moderately complex problems aligned to customer needs.

  • Advanced: Anticipates needs and leads resolution of complex system and operational issues.

Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Foundational: Builds relationships and develops technical communication skills.

  • Intermediate: Communicates technical concepts clearly and prepares detailed documentation.

  • Advanced: Leads discussions, influences decisions, and drives cross-functional alignment.

Technical Application & Standards

  • Foundational: Applies engineering standards and solves routine problems with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Applies standards independently and recommends process improvements.

  • Advanced: Shapes standards, leads technical direction, and drives continuous improvement.

Planning, Financial & Work Management

  • Foundational: Learns planning, cost estimates, and capital vs. O&M fundamentals.

  • Intermediate: Supports budgeting and develops moderately complex scopes with cost and sequencing.

  • Advanced: Leads planning efforts, manages complex scopes, and guides investment decisions.

System Operations & Decision Making

  • Foundational: Develops system knowledge and makes low-risk decisions with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Applies system knowledge and makes low- to medium-risk decisions independently.

  • Advanced: Demonstrates advanced system expertise and makes informed technical decisions.

System Analysis & Protection Engineering

  • Foundational: Supports system studies, relay design, and SCADA work with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Performs system studies, relay coordination, and SCADA programming.

  • Advanced: Leads complex studies, protection design, and technical analysis decisions.

Reliability & Troubleshooting

  • Foundational: Supports outage response and basic troubleshooting with guidance.

  • Intermediate: Performs root cause analysis and supports corrective actions.

  • Advanced: Leads root cause analysis and drives reliability improvements.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required


Required Experience

    Engineer III Grid Operations:

    • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

    • 5 years of related experience


    Engineer II Grid Operations:

    • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required

    • 2 years of related experience

    Engineer I Grid Operations:

    • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required


    Preferred Experience

    • Project management experience, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; may have expertise in a particular area of the discipline.

    • Previous technical and/or professional experience

    • An internship or co-op in engineering


    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

    • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

    • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).

    • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


    Key Skills

    • Asset Life Cycle Management Continual Improvement Process Data Analysis Data Quality Management Electrical Engineering Outage Management Power Engineering Standards Compliance


    Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

    Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

    Pay Range:

    This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

    It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

    Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

    Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.


    All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.


    Visa sponsorship not supported.


    Disclaimer:
    The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

    Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.

    Apply