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Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Baker Group

Project Engineer I - Automation

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Project Engineer I: * Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. * Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. * May help ...

Baker Group

Project Engineer II - Automation

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Project Engineer I: * Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. * Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. * May help ...

Baker Group

Project Engineer I - Industrial

Ankeny, IA · On-site

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Project Engineer I: * Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. * Offers information, helps with coordination ...

Baker Group

Project Engineer I - Technology

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Project Engineer I: * Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. * Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. * May help ...

Baker Group

Project Engineer II - Electrical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Project Engineer I: * Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. * Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. * May help ...

Gary W Clem, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Nevada, IA

ALMACO in Nevada, IA is seeking entry level Mechanical Engineer or Senior Designer who want to work on a small team, to support peak work load. This position is a temporary, 60 day position, with the ...

New

Baker Group

Project Engineer I - Mechanical

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$73K - $99K/yr

Project Engineer I: o Entry level role, typically supervised by a Project Manager. o Offers information, helps with coordination and preparation, assists with analyzing and compiling data. o May help ...

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All JobsEngineer JobsEntry Level Engineer JobsEntry Level Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Entry Level Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$29.3K

$67.8K

$115.4K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Ames, IA is $67,849.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $76,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I get into entry level engineering with no experience?

Entry level engineering positions often require a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Gaining practical skills through internships, co-op programs, or personal projects, and learning industry tools like CAD or MATLAB, can improve your chances. Certifications such as Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) can also demonstrate your commitment and knowledge to employers.

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.

Why is it so hard to find an entry-level engineer job?

Entry-level engineering jobs are competitive because employers often seek candidates with relevant internships, project experience, or specific technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or industry-standard tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering or related fields, and the limited availability of entry-level roles can make the job search challenging for new graduates.

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 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.

What is 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.

More about Entry Level Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ames, IA? For Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ames, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:
What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs? Cities near Ames, IA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,849 per year, or $32.6 per hour.

Entry Level Software Engineer

RFA Engineering

Johnston, IA

$65K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Entry Level Software Engineer

    This position is associated with developing and maintaining system automation tests for the next generation of embedded controllers. Candidates should be able to collaborate with development teams to deliver a full suite of automated tests to ensure consistent high code quality and features.

    Responsibilities

    • Write and maintain system-level automated tests written in Python.
    • Contribute to test strategy and architecture as required
    • Debug intermittent test failures to determine root cause, and assign software defects as needed.
    • Working to improve test yield of existing test cases. This may mean collaborating with software developers and triaging test failures.
    • Coordinate the technical execution of test scripting with additional resources.
    • Attend regular meetings and stand-ups in order to respond to changing needs.
    • Attend meetings in-person with development teams to identify automation testing needs.
    • Attend meetings with Product Test Leads to define the test strategy, and steps to execute for a given test case.

    Requirements

    • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering. Other degrees are considered if relevant experience exists.
    • Professional proficiency in Python with demonstrated experience in automation, testing, or software development.
    • Strong verbal and written communication skills

    Desired Attributes

    • General machine knowledge of agriculture or off-road equipment and machinery
    • Practical working knowledge and application of UDP, TCP/IP, CAN, or other networking communication protocols.
    • Basic experience with microcontrollers such as Arduino, RaspberryPi, or more complex embedded systems.
    • Self-motivated, quick learner, with an any-problem-can-be-solved attitude
    • Strong mathematical and analytical problem-solving skills
    • Ability to thrive in a team environment
    • Experience with Linux Ubuntu
    • Experience with Bash scripting.
    • Experience with C++ or Qt

    VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

    Pay Range: $65,000-$90,000 – Commensurate with experience

    About RFA Engineering

    RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
    Competitive Benefits

    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • TelaDoc Healthiest You
    • Supplemental Vision Insurance
    • Company Paid Life Insurance
    • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
    • Short-term Disability
    • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
    • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
    • HSA for Medical Expenses
    • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Paid Holidays
    • Bereavement Leave
    • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
    • Education Assistance

    Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

    #ZR