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

Larson Engineering

Engineer I - Civil

Clive, IA · On-site

Position OverviewThe Engineer I - Civil is an entry-level position for professional engineering work, focused on developing foundational knowledge and skills. This individual performs assignments ...

Larson Engineering

Engineer I - Civil

Clive, IA · On-site

Position Overview The Engineer I - Civil is an entry-level position for professional engineering work, focused on developing foundational knowledge and skills. This individual performs assignments ...

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

Entry Level Engineer information

See Waukee, IA salary details

$28.8K

$66.5K

$113.2K

How much do entry level engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level engineer in Waukee, IA is $66,519.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,400.00 and $75,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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 certifications in tools like AutoCAD or MATLAB can improve your chances; demonstrating problem-solving abilities and a willingness to learn are also important for employers.

What is the easiest entry level engineer job to get into?

Entry-level engineering roles such as manufacturing, technician, or quality assurance positions are often considered easier to obtain due to lower experience requirements and high demand. These jobs typically require basic technical skills, familiarity with tools or software relevant to the field, and sometimes a relevant certification or associate degree.

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 technical skills such as proficiency in CAD, programming, or specific tools. Additionally, many positions require a bachelor's degree and sometimes certifications, which can limit the pool of qualified applicants and make entry into the field more challenging.
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What job categories do people searching Entry Level Engineer jobs in Waukee, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Engineer jobs in Waukee, IA are:

What cities near Waukee, IA are hiring for Entry Level Engineer jobs?

Cities near Waukee, IA with the most Entry Level Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Engineer job openings in Waukee, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,519 per year, or $32 per hour.

Entry-Level Civil Engineer - Data Center

West Des Moines, IA

Olsson
Construction • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Olssonexternal

$76K - $88K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 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 some of the largest and most forward-thinking and desirable companies in the world to work for. The large hyperscale data center campuses we design throughout the U.S. will give you the opportunity to work on some of the largest and most complex engineering-driven projects being built today. Our clients are relationship based and truly value the work we do for them, affording us the opportunity to contribute to society's technological and connected community through the design of the critical infrastructure that is the foundation of these projects.

This position is an entry-level, engineer-in-training (EIT) developmental position that performs a variety of routine engineering assignments that strengthen knowledge and experience with engineering staff, methods, practices, and programs while under direct supervision. This position assists with generating ideas and creating designs that provide purposeful, high-quality solutions to successfully solve engineering and design needs. 

We have several current openings and will consider candidates interested in being located out of our Denver, Des Moines, Lincoln, Loveland, Omaha, Overland Park, and Phoenix office locations. 

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others
  • Having ownership in the work you do
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities
  • Understanding your role in quality management

You bring to the team:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering
  • Prior AutoCAD Civil 3D experience is preferred
  • Possession of an Engineer Intern (EI) certificate or the ability to obtain one
  • Solid interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

The posted salary range for this position correlates with our Denver, CO office locations and is commensurate with experience relative to the position.

#LI-DNP

Actual compensation will vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, geographic location, skills, education, and internal equity.

Colorado Pay Range
$76,000—$88,000 USD
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.

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