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Engineering Intern Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

Olsson

Civil Engineer - Site Design

Des Moines, IA

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering * Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience * Must obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate * Knowledge of Civil 3D #LI-DD1 Additional Information Olsson ...

Olsson

Civil Engineer - Site Design

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering * Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience * Must obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate * Knowledge of Civil 3D #LI-DD1 Additional Information Olsson ...

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How much do engineering intern jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for engineering intern in Des Moines, IA is $18.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Engineering Intern Do?

An engineering intern is a student or recent graduate of an engineering program who is gaining hands-on experience in their field through an internship program. Interns in most fields, including engineering, are paid very little and sometimes work only for academic credit. The value is in the experience gained working alongside experienced professionals. In engineering, interns will find that they have an opportunity begin to specialize their skills in an otherwise broad field. They will conduct basic engineering tasks, under supervision, as well as various administrative duties.

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

To thrive as an Engineering Intern, you typically need a background in engineering fundamentals, strong problem-solving abilities, and enrollment in or completion of an engineering degree program. Familiarity with technical tools such as CAD software, MATLAB, or project management systems is often required. Strong communication, willingness to learn, and teamwork skills help interns adapt quickly and contribute effectively. These skills ensure that interns can support engineering teams, learn from real-world projects, and build a solid foundation for future roles in the field.

How do Engineering Interns typically collaborate with full-time engineers during their internship?

Engineering Interns often work closely with full-time engineers by assisting on ongoing projects, attending team meetings, and participating in code reviews or design discussions. They may be paired with a mentor or supervisor who provides regular guidance and feedback. This collaborative environment helps interns develop technical skills, understand workplace expectations, and build professional relationships that can be valuable for future career growth.

What are Engineering Interns?

Engineering Interns are students or recent graduates who work temporarily at a company to gain practical experience in the engineering field. They assist with various engineering tasks, such as conducting research, drafting technical documents, supporting design and development projects, and collaborating with experienced engineers. These internships help students apply their classroom knowledge to real-world situations and prepare them for full-time engineering roles after graduation.

What is the difference between Engineering Intern vs Engineering Technician?

AspectEngineering InternEngineering Technician
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's degree in engineeringAssociate degree or technical certification in engineering technology
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in office settings, labs, or on-site project locationsHands-on technical work in labs, manufacturing, or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by engineering firms, companies, and government agenciesFull-time roles in manufacturing, construction, and engineering services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level engineering experienceCompared for technical support roles in engineering projects

The main difference between an Engineering Intern and an Engineering Technician lies in their education, work focus, and employment status. Interns are usually students gaining initial experience, while Technicians are trained professionals performing technical tasks. Both roles support engineering projects but serve different stages of career development and technical responsibilities.

More about Engineering Intern jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Des Moines, IA? The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Engineering Intern jobs in Des Moines, IA? For Engineering Intern jobs in Des Moines, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Engineering Intern jobs in Des Moines, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Engineering Intern jobs in Des Moines, IA are:
What cities near Des Moines, IA are hiring for Engineering Intern jobs? Cities near Des Moines, IA with the most Engineering Intern job openings:
Engineering Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineering Intern job openings in Des Moines, IA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,207 per year, or $18.8 per hour.
Water Resources Management Intern (Summer 2026)

Water Resources Management Intern (Summer 2026)

HDR

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$14.75 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 349 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of a Water Resources Management Intern, we'll count on you to:
  • Gain real world experience on exciting projects by applying standard engineering techniques and procedures to assist in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, data collection, and data processing using geographic information systems.
  • Work under the guidance and direct supervision of a more senior-level Engineer to learn various engineering design and modeling techniques in the development of water resource and stormwater projects for federal, state and local clients.
  • Exposure to typical projects ranging from flood control, floodplain analysis, dam and levee design and rehabilitation, stream channel stabilization/restoration/rehabilitation, wetland and lake restoration, to watershed analysis.
  • Connect with recent college graduates and our company leaders through mentoring and young professionals' programs
  • Perform other duties as needed, including site/field visits, design calculations, GIS data production, assisting in production of technical reports and production water resources studies

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prefer 2+ years completed toward degree with 3.0+ GPA
  • Demonstrated knowledge of software packages related to field of study/industry
  • Preference given to local candidates

Qualifications
Required Qualifications
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate Engineering program
  • Attention to detail
  • Possess strong problem-solving and communication skills
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

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