Associate Project Engineer Jobs in Des Moines, IA

We’re seeking a motivated Project Specialist – Electric Distribution to join our growing Electric Programs team. This role is ideal for a technically strong project professional who enjoys hands-on design work and is interested in developing project management skills with the goal of growing into a Project Manager role over time.

This position offers the opportunity to support and lead the technical execution of electric distribution projects, while gaining exposure to project planning, client coordination, cost awareness, and team leadership. You’ll work closely with experienced Project Managers who will mentor and support your growth as the team and program continue to expand.

This is a high-impact growth role on an expanding team, offering visibility, increasing responsibility, and a clear development path.

What You’ll Do

Technical Delivery

• Coordinate and/or perform electric distribution design work, including overhead and underground distribution, system upgrades, and modernization projects
• Lead quality control (QC) reviews for pre- and post-construction design packages
• Prepare and review technical analyses, design documents, and deliverables to ensure accuracy, constructability, and compliance with standards
• Review vendor drawings and participate in reviews for projects
• Support permitting and coordination with municipalities, utilities, and third-party stakeholders as needed
• Assist with construction support and help resolve design-related issues during build

Project Coordination & PM Skill Development

• Partner closely with the Project Manager to support scope, schedule, budget, and quality tracking
• Communicate risks, constraints, and schedule impacts clearly to PMs and stakeholders
• Participate in client meetings, technical discussions, and coordination calls
• Assist with proposal development, technical estimates, and understanding fee structures
• Support forecasting, workload planning, and tracking progress across multiple projects
• Learn and apply best practices related to project controls, change management, and risk management

Team & Program Growth

• Contribute ideas for process improvements, standardization, and efficiency gains
• Support a collaborative, growth-oriented team culture
• Take advantage of structured mentorship and opportunities to build toward a future Project Manager role

Required Qualifications

• Experience supporting electric distribution systems, including overhead and/or underground design, or related technical projects
• Strong technical foundations and attention to detail

Ideal Background & Growth Indicators

• Experience working in a consulting, utility, or infrastructure-focused environment
• Ability to communicate effectively with engineers, designers, and project stakeholders
• Interest in project management, leadership, and client interaction
• Comfort working on multiple tasks or projects in a deadline-driven environment
• Desire to grow beyond pure design into a broader delivery or leadership role over time

Nice to Have

• Exposure to utility clients or investor-owned utilities (IOUs)
• Familiarity with distribution design workflows, permitting, and construction support
• Experience assisting with schedules, estimates, or project tracking tools
• Bachelor's or Associate's degree in engineering, design or other technical areas

Why This Role Is Different

• Built-in PM exposure while staying hands-on technically
• Potential pathway to Project Manager growth, supported by mentorship
• Opportunity to be part of a fast-growing team with increasing responsibility and visibility
• Program-based work offering stability, variety, and long-term client impact
• Culture that values continuous improvement, learning, and initiative

#LI-KM2 #LI-Hybrid#LI-Remote

This role gives you the flexibility to primarily work from home while staying actively connected to your team and projects. We value collaboration and responsiveness, so we ask our remote team members to be available when in-office presence is needed—such as for client meetings, team events, or training sessions. Our approach blends freedom with shared accountability, making ENTRUST an exciting and supportive environment for professionals who thrive in remote work settings with clear, respectful expectations.

Why Join Us?

At ENTRUST Solutions Group, a Leidos company, we are a community of over 3,000 dedicated professionals committed to our clients and each other. As an ENR Top 100 company, we provide comprehensive engineering, consulting, and automation services to various industries, including gas and electric utilities, telecommunication service providers, pipeline operators, and industrial companies. We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive success. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

We believe in fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect, where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. If you are passionate about innovation, sustainability and community impact and looking for a place to grow your career, we would love to hear from you!

Explore More Opportunities: Not quite the right fit? Check out all our openings at ENTRUST Solutions Group Careers.

To learn more about ENTRUST Benefits and Culture, please visit our company LinkedIn page and follow us at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/entrustsolutionsgroup

ENTRUST Solutions Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.

Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. ENTRUST does not accept unsolicited headhunter or agency resumes and will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with ENTRUST Solutions Group.