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Contract Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Army National Guard Units

CONTRACT SPECIALIST (Title 5)

IA · On-site +1

$62K - $117K/yr

... engineering services or environmental related construction. Reviews procurement requests to ... Executes post-award contract performance management actions on assigned contracts. Appoints ...

Loenbro

Contract manger - Midwest Region

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years' experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, energy, or industrial services industries; * Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar ...

Loenbro

Contract manger - Midwest Region

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$87K - $116K/yr

Preferred Qualifications * 3+ years' experience in construction, manufacturing, engineering, energy, or industrial services industries; * Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) or similar ...

Larson Engineering

Engineer III - Structural

Clive, IA · On-site

... engineering assignments that will build professional knowledge and skills, applying standard ... and contract documentation for typical projectsMaintains direct communication with clients on ...

Larson Engineering

Engineer III - Structural

Clive, IA · On-site

Applies standard engineering practices and techniques, evaluates data, identifies discrepancies ... Supports project management activities, including estimating, proposal preparation, and contract ...

Bayer

Engineering Intern

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$24 - $45.50/hr

... and contract administration; * Assist with conducting engineering cost, feasibility, and planning studies by analyzing customer needs and data, including researching, investigating actions ...

Bayer

Engineering Intern

Muscatine, IA

$24 - $45.50/hr

... and contract administration; Assist with conducting engineering cost, feasibility, and planning studies by analyzing customer needs and data, including researching, investigating actions ...

Bayer Inc.

Engineering Intern

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$24 - $45.50/hr

... and contract administration; * Assist with conducting engineering cost, feasibility, and planning studies by analyzing customer needs and data, including researching, investigating actions ...

Kyyba Inc

Industrial Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Industrial Engineer Location : Waterloo, IA Duration : 24+ Months Contract (Possible extension depending on performance & client needs) Note - Bachelor Degree required from from an accredited U.S ...

Kyyba Inc

Industrial Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$32 - $40/hr

Industrial Engineer Location : Waterloo, IA Duration : 24+ Months Contract (Possible extension depending on performance & client needs) Note - Bachelor Degree required from from an accredited U.S ...

City of Ames, IA

Electrical Engineering Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

$112K - $162K/yr

Directs construction inspection and contract administration; analyzes results of electrical ... Completion of a Bachelors of Science in electrical engineering, and five years of related ...

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All JobsContract Engineering JobsContract Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Contract Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$28

$45

$93

How much do contract engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineering in Iowa is $45.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.61 and $47.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract engineering?

Contract engineering refers to the practice of hiring engineers on a temporary or project-specific basis, rather than as permanent employees. Contract engineers work for a set period or until a particular project is completed, often through staffing agencies or as independent contractors. This arrangement allows companies to access specialized skills and expertise as needed while providing engineers with flexibility and exposure to diverse projects. Contract engineers typically handle tasks such as design, development, testing, and project management across various industries.

How does a contract engineer typically balance multiple projects and ensure timely delivery of each contract?

Contract Engineers often manage several projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills. They regularly coordinate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to track progress, address issues early, and adjust timelines as needed. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining clear documentation helps them prioritize tasks and deliverables effectively. Open communication and proactive problem-solving are key strategies to meet contract milestones and client expectations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, contract management, and project coordination, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in contract administration. Familiarity with contract management software, project management tools (such as MS Project or Primavera), and industry regulations is essential. Strong negotiation, communication, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for effectively managing client and vendor relationships. These skills ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and technical requirements.

Do contract engineers make more money?

Contract engineers often earn higher hourly rates than full-time employees due to the temporary nature of their work and the need for specialized skills. However, they may have less job security and benefits, and total annual income can vary based on project availability and experience. Factors such as industry, location, and certifications also influence earning potential for contract engineers.

What does a contract engineer do?

A contract engineer is responsible for managing engineering projects on a temporary basis, often focusing on specific tasks such as design, testing, or implementation. They typically work with project teams, adhere to deadlines, and may require knowledge of engineering software and industry standards. Their role involves ensuring project requirements are met efficiently within the contract terms.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineering jobs in Iowa?

For Contract Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Engineering jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Engineering jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Engineering job openings:

Contract Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,599 per year, or $46 per hour.

CONTRACT SPECIALIST (Title 5)

IA • On-site, Remote

Army National Guard Units
National Security and International Affairs • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Army National Guard Unitsexternal

$62K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Army National Guard rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Summary
IOWA ARMY NATIONAL GUARD - TITLE 5 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION
Open to the public. Military membership is not required.
Applicants who meet one of the DoD Priority Placement Program (PPP) categories are eligible to apply with this preference. (See Required Documents section)
LOCATION: USPFO, Johnston, IA
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a CONTRACT SPECIALIST (Title 5), GS-1102-9/11/12, you will perform the following duties.
  1. Plans the overall approach to meet contracting program objectives for a variety of requirements with multiple complexities. Analyzes difficult/controversial contracting issues, determines, recommends and/or implements course of action which may depart from previous approaches for long-term contract performance or short-term contracts with extremely stringent time frames. Provides business advice and assistance to technical personnel involved in the development of the performance work statement/statement of work/statement of objectives or data requirements. Reviews a diverse variety of requisition packages for adequacy and compliance with administrative, regulatory, and procedural requirements and consistency with current market practices and conditions. Serves as a contracting authority and advisor to management, customers, and contractors in assignment area relative to the market, the industry, specifications, socioeconomic concerns, and similar matters. Performs acquisition planning, along with the program manager/customer, technical, legal, and finance personnel to develop market research, acquisition strategy, milestones, evaluation/source selection criteria, and/or incentive or award fee provisions, as applicable. Exercises experienced judgment, initiative, and resourcefulness to identify regulations and laws which do or do not apply to the particular procurement, to consider financial arrangements and incentives, and to develop justifications for adopting a contractual posture. Prepares required documents to support solicitation issuance and reviews and advises less experienced specialists in the preparation of documents. Determines appropriate method of procurement, contract type, and financing arrangements to fit special circumstances. Reviews and evaluates requisitions for which previous experience and historical data are not usually directly available or applicable such as complex services, architect and engineering services or environmental related construction. Reviews procurement requests to determine whether, based on market analysis, the requirement can be performed by and should be set aside for small businesses; actively solicits Small Business, Small Disadvantaged Business, Women-Owned Small Business, HUB Zone Small Business, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business participation. (30%)
  2. Oversees the procurement of a wide variety of services, supplies, construction and architect and engineering. Researches, interprets, analyzes, and applies all regulations, business and industry practices, market trends, Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Comptroller General decisions, public law, case law, and precedents. Devises special terms, provisions, clauses, and conditions applicable to the solicitation and contract as required. (30%)
  3. Executes post-award contract performance management actions on assigned contracts. Appoints Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs) within delegated authority and manages the COR program as required. Evaluates contractor performance for compliance with terms and conditions of contracts and ensures timely submission of contract deliverables and performance metrics. Makes field site visits, if necessary, detecting and correcting labor standards violations, taking appropriate action to expedite delivery or performance when required by mission changes, monitoring the contractor's use of government-furnished property inventories, and issuing change orders as necessary. Obtains additional funds or de-obligates funds as necessary. Analyzes a variety of unusual conditions, questions, or issues including complex contract administration problems, e.g., disputes, labor violations, and claims, and identifies alternative courses of action which may depart from previous approaches. Determines the reasonableness of claims. Researches and recommends appropriate action for resolution of difficult problems or claims through interpretation of contract requirements. (20%)
  4. Serves as business advisor to a wide range of customers. Represents the interest of the organization in a professional manner in meetings and various contacts outside the agency on a variety of issues that often are not well defined. Provides business advice, guidance, training, and assistance to team members, technical or program personnel, functional commanders, and/or contractors on contractual language, legal responsibilities, acquisition and business-related issues. Assists in providing interpretation/clarification to contractors and customers on contractual language, contractual and federal/state/local regulatory requirements, and business opportunities. Prepares correspondence, reports, memoranda or other documents and briefings (scheduled or ad hoc) that support contractual actions or recommendations.
  5. Performs other duties as assigned. T0047000

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period.
  • Participation in direct deposit is mandatory.
  • Perform irregular/overtime hours in support of operational requirements and contingencies
  • Failure to complete prescribed courses may be cause for reassignment or termination of FTS.
  • May be required to travel by military or commercial aircraft in the performance of TDY assignments.
  • The incumbent must meet the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) requirements applicable to the duties of the position
  • The incumbent must meet the continuing acquisition education, training and experience requirements IAW DoDI 5000.66
  • In accordance with the Ethics in Government Act, 1978, incumbent is required to file an OGE Form 450, Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, upon appointment and will be required to file annually
  • The incumbent must obtain and maintain secret security clearance
  • This position is designated as Essential Personnel and may be subject to duty in preparation for, or in response to, a state emergency or disaster declaration.
  • May be required to pass the Contracting Officer Review Board (CORB) and hold a warrant.

Qualifications
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumptions regarding your experience. Applicants who do not fully address the minimum/specialized experience needed for the position in their resume will not be referred for consideration. Your resume must contain your own words. Resumes that are verbatim, from this announcement, any PD's, or any other applicants will not be considered.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE: Must have experience in positions supporting competencies in business, finance, risk management, project management, or supply chain management. Experience must include competencies such as skill in collecting and analyzing data and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively and other professional competencies in procurement administration or purchase card management.
Minimum education requirement: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:GS11029/11/12- Applicant must have the following experience:
GS-09:
  • Must have one year of experience in contracting at the GS-07 grade level that provided exposure to the full scope of contracting and acquisition and a working knowledge in one or more of the following areas: (1) A knowledge of contracting authority and responsibility, (2) Contract principles and knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, (3) Contractor responsibility standards, (4) Regulatory compliance, (5) Knowledge of Federal supply schedule contracting, and (6) Knowledge of acquisition definitions and applicability. In addition to participating in education and training courses, individuals are expected to develop their required competencies through relevant on-the-job experience, which may include rotational assignments.

GS-11:
  • Must have one year of contracting experience at the GS-09 level performing work in the following areas as applicable to the position being filled: (1) Pre-award of contracts related to development of a solicitation. Acquisition planning, requesting offers, and developing offers by evaluation of solicitation and finalizing offers, (2) Award of contracts that includes forming a contract, and (3) Post-Award actions to administer the contract. Competencies at the practitioner category emphasize functional specialization in contracting. Specialized experience may have been gained while providing business advice to customers and performing all pre-award/post-award functions, using a wide range of contracting methods and types to procure complex and/or diversified commodities, services and/or construction. Individuals at this category are expected to have and apply journeyman level acquisition-related skills.

GS-12:
  • Must have one year of contracting experience at the GS-11 level. Specialized experience must demonstrate the following: (1) Performing acquisition planning including market research and knowledge of a wide variety of contracting methods that satisfy mission needs and meet customer requirements, (2) Advising Contracting Officer Representatives and advising customers on procurement preparation and development of contractually acceptable specifications, work statements, and quality assurance criteria, (3) Reviewing procurement requests to assure clarity, adequacy, and completeness, and (4) Reviewing contract terms and technical specifications to identify any special requirements.

Education
Minimum education requirement: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
You must provide transcripts or other documentation to support your educational claims. To receive credit for education, you must provide documentation of proof that you meet the education requirements for this position.
Additional information
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT: Employment is subject to attaining and maintaining a clearance as required by this position. If the selectee does not possess the applicable security clearance when hired, application must be made within 30 days of the start date. Failure to make application for the required security clearance will result in termination of employment.
TRIAL PERIOD REQUIREMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 2-year trial period or 1-year (Veterans Preference Eligibles Only) during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
  • Your performance and conduct.
  • The needs and interests of the agency.
  • Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.
If you are a male applicant who was born after 12/31/1959 and are required to register under the Military Selective Service Act, the Defense Authorization Act of 1986 requires that you be registered or you are not eligible for appointment in this agency (https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).
APPLICATION MATERIALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 10/07/2026. FAILURE TO PROVIDE COMPLETE INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN YOU NOT RECEIVING CONSIDERATION FOR THIS POSITION. Please refer to the Qualifications and Evaluations Section of this Announcement to understand the qualification requirements, and the How to Apply Section for detailed instruction on applying.
Annuitants other than DSR annuitants hired on or after November 25, 2003, shall not have their salary offset by the amount of the annuity received for the period of reemployment in accordance with section 9902(h) of Reference (b). These individuals shall receive full salary and annuity during the period of reemployment; they shall not be considered employees for the purposes of subchapter III of chapter 83 or chapter 84 of Reference (b) (e.g., ineligible for retirement deductions, ineligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan); and their period of reemployment shall not be creditable for a supplemental or redetermined annuity.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What Army National Guard employees say

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About Army National Guard

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The Army National Guard, headquartered in Arlington, VA, is a key constituent of the United States military, falling under the sector of Defense and Public Safety. Since its founding in 1636, it has served dual roles as both a state and federal military force that is activated in response to domestic emergencies and overseas combat missions. The Army National Guard embodies core values, including loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, intending to uphold peace and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.

Industry

National security and international affairs

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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