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Computer Engineering Entry Level Jobs in Ames, IA

Construction Technician

Ames, IA · On-site

$49.40K - $72.61K/yr

Cherokee Resident Construction Engineer Office Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday ... of computer and software use. Special Requirements: A CDL permit upon hire. Class A and ...

Grimes Resident Construction Engineer Office, 2320 SE 17th St. Grimes, IA 50111 Shift: 7:00 AM - 3 ... Records keeping and retrieval rely heavily on computer and iPad use with various databases, Excel ...

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Computer Engineering Entry Level information

See Ames, IA salary details

$47.4K

$118.9K

$134.5K

How much do computer engineering entry level jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer engineering entry level in Ames, IA is $118,865.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,100.00 and $128,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Computer Engineering Entry Level professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Computer Engineering Entry Level professional, you need a solid understanding of computer hardware, programming languages (such as C/C++ or Python), and a relevant bachelor's degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), and basic circuit design tools is commonly expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills and qualities ensure you can contribute to technical projects, quickly learn new systems, and collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry-level computer engineer expect in their first year?

As an entry-level computer engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of tasks such as assisting in the design, testing, and troubleshooting of hardware or software components. Typical responsibilities include writing and debugging code, assembling and testing hardware prototypes, and collaborating with more experienced engineers on larger projects. You'll likely be assigned smaller modules within a project to help you build technical skills while becoming familiar with company tools and processes. Teamwork is common, and you'll often work closely with cross-functional teams like software developers, hardware designers, and quality assurance specialists.

What are entry-level computer engineering jobs?

Entry-level computer engineering jobs are positions for recent graduates or individuals with limited work experience in the field. These roles typically involve assisting in the design, development, testing, and maintenance of computer hardware and software systems. Common job titles include Junior Computer Engineer, Hardware Engineer, Software Engineer, and Systems Analyst. Entry-level engineers often work under the supervision of senior staff, gaining practical experience while contributing to various technology projects.

What is the difference between Computer Engineering Entry Level vs Software Developer Entry Level?

AspectComputer Engineering Entry LevelSoftware Developer Entry Level
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related fieldBachelor's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field
Work EnvironmentHardware labs, embedded systems, software developmentApplication development, coding, testing in office or remote
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, manufacturing, embedded systems firmsSoftware firms, tech startups, IT departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in hardware/software integrationComparing entry-level software development roles

Computer Engineering Entry Level roles focus on both hardware and software aspects, often involving embedded systems and hardware design. In contrast, Software Developer Entry Level positions primarily involve coding, application development, and software testing. Both roles require a bachelor's degree in a related field and are common in tech industries, but they differ in work environment and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Engineering jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Computer Engineering jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Computer Engineering Entry Level jobs in Ames, IA? For Computer Engineering Entry Level jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Computer Engineering Entry Level jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Computer Engineering Entry Level jobs in Ames, IA are:
Construction Technician

Construction Technician

State of Iowa

Ames, IA • On-site

$49.40K - $72.61K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 80 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Transportation is seeking individuals who are passionate about ensuring we build our roadways safely. Our Construction Technicians contribute their knowledge and skills toward our mission of Making Lives Better Through Transportation and our five CORE values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception through sampling, testing, and inspecting construction projects. Your efforts will help keep the Iowa public safe through year-round work in all types of weather conditions.

Location: Cherokee Resident Construction Engineer Office Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours may vary. Occasional overnight travel.

Flex hours and some telework is allowed Some of your day-to-day tasks will include: maintaining detailed records of all project activities such as vouchers, as-builts, and progress reports acting as the liaison with Iowa DOT staff, government officials, contractors, and the public performing mathematical calculations to ensure compliance with project plans, percent complete, quantity used, and areas measured ensuring that work is completed according to the plans, specifications, and contract documents utilizing computers and applies related software applications completing routine maintenance and service of DOT equipment and vehicles review completed projects to ensure all needed paperwork to close out a project is available and correct To be successful in this position, you will need high proficiency with typing and digital data entry due to a high volume of computer and software use. Special Requirements: A CDL permit upon hire. Class A and endorsements/restrictions on your CDL within 5 months following your hire date.

Entry-level driver Training is available upon hire through the Iowa DOT. The multifaceted training will help meet all state and federal regulations. A successful U.S

DOT Clearinghouse query. A pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Click the video link for a demonstration: OPC Webinar Chapter 4 PCP Demo Test (youtube.com) A pre-employment drug screen and will be required ongoing participation in random drug and alcohol testing programs

May be required to obtain testing material certification, specialized equipment training, or other certifications as needed for construction inspection As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits: Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment, and costs can be reviewed here. Opportunities for professional growth and development. Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.

Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match Optional 401A plan with employer contributions. Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial). We encourage you to learn more about the State of Iowa Employee Benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website.

If you like ensuring roadways are built specifications - Apply today!You have the freedom to flourish to fly In Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us

Reasonable accommodation, such as an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs. The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees.

Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from high school, or G.E.D., and experience equal to three years of full-time work in engineering survey, construction inspection, materials inspection, materials testing, or the building construction trades; OR qualifying experience may be substituted on a year for year basis for the required education; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state executive branch that includes experience equal to eighteen months of full-time work as a Construction Technician Assistant. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements All of the following apply to Department of Transportation positions only: Designated positions in this class require possession of a valid Commercial Learner's Permit upon hire

Within a timeframe determined by the appointing authority, a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License with the required endorsements and applicable restrictions must be obtained and subsequently maintained in order to continue employment. If a CDL is not designated, all positions are required to have and maintain a minimum of a valid Class C Non-Commercial Operators License. In conjunction with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (parts 40 and 382), designated positions in this job class require a pre-employment drug screen and will require ongoing participation in the employer's random drug and alcohol testing program and will be subject to the regulations regarding the Federal drug and alcohol testing program.

Prior to starting employment, all persons are required to have a post offer pre-employment physical verifying the physical ability to perform the duties described. Positions require certifications for testing materials and operating specialized equipment as required by the Iowa Department of Transportation's Technical Training and Certification Program for Highway Materials and Construction; and/or other certifications as required. Employees must be able to travel and may be required to stay away from home overnight during assignments.

Employees in designated positions must be able to work up to 16 consecutive hours. Travel may be required for designated positions in this class. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939