Entry Level Engineering Consulting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Civil Design Engineer

Job Description

The Civil Design Engineer supports the successful delivery of construction and infrastructure projects by developing complete civil designs, coordinating technical tasks, and producing high-quality documentation. This role participates in project meetings, communicates technical information to diverse stakeholders, and applies foundational civil engineering principles to solve complex design and construction challenges. The position offers strong growth potential, with opportunities to advance into upper observer, construction manager, and local leadership roles through hands-on project experience and professional development.

Responsibilities

• Participate in project meetings and clearly communicate technical information related to assigned work.
• Develop full project, system, or component designs to support construction and engineering efforts.
• Coordinate and manage detailed tasks required to deliver engineering services on time and within scope.
• Prepare scopes of work, cost estimates, and schedules for a variety of civil engineering assignments.
• Produce comprehensive project documentation and deliverables that meet quality and regulatory standards.
• Engage with clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Conduct technical evaluations or testing activities and interpret data to support sound engineering decisions.
• Identify issues, evaluate design and construction alternatives, and implement effective solutions to engineering challenges.
• Assist with preparing proposals and supporting materials to pursue new work or project funding.
• Work under broad direction while seeking guidance for unique, complex, or conflicting design and technical issues.
• Apply foundational civil engineering principles, standards, and methodologies to support construction projects.
• Provide services, feedback, and technical input that contribute to continuous improvement and local project leadership.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• Minimum of three years of relevant civil engineering or civil design experience.
• Active Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification.
• Proficiency with civil design tools such as Civil 3D.
• Experience with transportation-related design projects.
• Strong motivation and problem-solving abilities with a proactive, energetic approach.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to produce high-quality technical and analytical writing.
• Ability to work independently with a strong sense of responsibility and urgency to meet client expectations.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and awareness of current industry practices.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with OpenRoads and MicroStation for civil and transportation design.
• Familiarity in coordinating with contractors, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Experience preparing scopes of work, cost estimates, and project schedules.
• Experience supporting proposal development and project funding pursuits.
• observer or construction manager roles.
• Desire to grow into a local project leader and take on increasing responsibility over time.

Work Environment

This position is primarily office-based, with work performed onsite in Urbandale or Cedar Rapids. The role includes occasional field visits to active project sites to observe conditions, support design decisions, and coordinate with project stakeholders. You will work with modern civil engineering and design software, including Civil 3D and potentially OpenRoads and MicroStation, in a collaborative professional environment that supports training and development. The work setting emphasizes timely delivery of engineering services, clear communication, and opportunities to take on greater responsibility as your skills and experience grow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Des Moines, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $80000.00 - $95000.00/yr.

This can lead to senior level manager role throughout the duration of the project. Entry level can be trained up and earn specific certifications that will translate into senior observer and construction manager. Actalent will provide services and feedback to grow their skills into a local leader of this project

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Des Moines,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on May 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.