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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Waterloo, IA

AECOM is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer to be based in Waterloo, IA . This position is expected to begin in May 2026. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Builds analytic ...

AECOM

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

AECOM is seeking an Entry Level Civil Engineer to be based in Waterloo, IA . This position is expected to begin in May 2026. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to: * Builds analytic ...

Country Maid Inc

Industrial Engineer I

West Bend, IA · On-site

$74.10K - $87.90K/yr

This is an entry-level Engineering opportunity with room for long-term career growth. To be successful in this role, you should have completed your degree. Additional work experience through ...

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$28.2K

$65.1K

$110.8K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Iowa is $65,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,400.00 and $73,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Is the Job Description for an Entry Level Engineer?

An entry-level engineer designs, builds, and maintains the functional aspects of a product, structure, or system for their specific engineering industry. All engineers start out in an entry-level position with fewer responsibilities until they gain work experience. Many start gaining experience through an internship or apprenticeship before moving into an entry-level position. An entry-level engineer job description relates to all of the education requirements, skills, detailed tasks, responsibilities that a company or organization requires for their specific engineering job. For example, civil engineers design, construct, and maintain large infrastructure projects, such as highways, bridges, and airports. Electrical engineers design, monitor, and test electrical systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Engineer, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree in engineering. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as CAD tools, MATLAB, or project management platforms, as well as relevant internships or certifications, is often expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you collaborate effectively and learn quickly in a dynamic environment. These skills ensure you can contribute to projects, adapt to organizational needs, and grow professionally in the engineering field.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level engineers often face challenges such as adapting to new tools and technologies, understanding company-specific processes, and translating theoretical knowledge into practical solutions. It's also common to navigate working on multidisciplinary teams and learning effective communication with colleagues from different backgrounds. With guidance from mentors and proactive engagement, these challenges become valuable learning experiences that contribute to professional growth.

What is an entry level engineer?

An entry level engineer is a recent graduate or someone with minimal professional experience who works in engineering roles under supervision. They assist with basic engineering tasks, learn company procedures, and gain practical experience in their field. Entry level engineers often participate in training, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gradually take on more responsibility as they develop their skills.

What is the difference between Entry Level Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectEntry Level EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; internships helpfulBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure optional for some roles
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, manufacturing plants, construction sites, labsDesign, testing, manufacturing, research and development
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level positions across various engineering sectorsMid to senior roles, but entry-level positions are common in manufacturing and design firms

Entry Level Engineers typically have a bachelor's degree and gain hands-on experience through internships. They work in diverse environments like design firms and manufacturing plants. Mechanical Engineers, while often requiring similar credentials, may start in entry-level roles but are more specialized in mechanical systems. Both roles are common in engineering industries, but the term 'Entry Level Engineer' is broader, encompassing various engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering.

More about Entry Level Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,149 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Site Design

Olsson

Des Moines, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Olsson provides multidisciplinary design services for mixed-use, commercial, and residential land development projects, along with municipal, industrial, sports, schools, and other site development types.

As an Entry-level Civil Engineer - Site Design (Assistant Engineer), you will provide basic project design through CAD drafting, instruct drafters on how to create drawings of designs, and prepare project schedules. You may also perform research, write technical reports, and travel to job sites for observation.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Assists with project design elements for engineering projects utilizing familiarity with standard techniques and established methods.
  • Performs entry-level plan production and receives clearly defined instructions for necessary tasks.
  • Gains knowledge and experience working within design and modeling software.
  • Receives guidance from senior level staff to assist with project schedules and technical engineering calculations.
  • Contributes to limited portions of a broader project while under direct supervision.
  • Gathers and prepares research to assist with the assembly of technical reports.
  • May provide mentoring to student interns by answering questions and offering guidance with routine assignments.
  • May travel and work in all types of terrain and weather conditions at project sites in various stages of construction.
Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering
  • Must obtain Engineer Intern (EI) certificate
  • 0-2 years+ related civil engineering design experience
  • Knowledge of AutoCAD (Civil 3D is a plus)

#LI-DNP

Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.