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Graduate Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Ogden, IA

$96K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Dayton, IA

$97K - $116K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Cambridge, IA

$95K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Nevada, IA

$92K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Gilbert, IA

$93K - $111K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

US Navy

Nuclear Engineer

Roland, IA

$95K - $114K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... graduate study in technical fields. Entry through the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate program for qualified college students and recent graduates, or selection via Officer Candidate School for ...

Varsity Tutors

Structural Engineering Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Adapts instruction using structural analysis software, code reference materials, and design problem sets to support advanced undergraduate and graduate civil engineering students preparing for ...

RFA Engineering

Data Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Summary Project Engineer 2 is an intermediate level working in a developing capacity with increased responsibilities performing a range of duties with core members of the engineering team and a key ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGraduate Engineer JobsGraduate Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Graduate Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$10.8K

$71K

$122.8K

How much do graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate engineer in Ames, IA is $71,008.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $81,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a graduate engineer?

Graduate Engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers in the engineering field. They typically work under the supervision of experienced engineers to gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and apply their academic knowledge to real-world projects. Graduate Engineers may work in various domains, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering, depending on their specialization. Their roles often include assisting with project design, analysis, testing, and documentation while learning industry standards and best practices.

What does a graduate engineer do?

A graduate engineer may find employment in a variety of industries depending on their background, engineering specialty, and training. As a graduate engineer in the field of civil engineering, for instance, you work on scientific projects as part of a team, design civil grading, and prepare reports. In a graduate mechanical engineering role, you are involved in preparing building models, coordinating technical project components, and participating in team meetings. Regardless of your specialty, as a graduate engineer, you get to build work experience in lower level roles while working with veterans in your chosen field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Engineer, you need a relevant engineering degree, strong analytical skills, and a solid understanding of engineering principles. Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools, and, in some fields, foundational certifications like EIT or FE are typically expected. Standout soft skills include teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. These competencies are crucial for contributing to technical projects, collaborating across multidisciplinary teams, and progressing in a dynamic engineering environment.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a graduate engineer expect during their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level projects that help you build practical skills and industry knowledge. Responsibilities often include assisting senior engineers with design work, preparing documentation, conducting research, and participating in site visits or quality checks. You'll likely rotate through different departments or project teams to gain a broad understanding of the company's operations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, providing valuable exposure to project management and communication within engineering contexts. These experiences are designed to support your professional development and prepare you for more specialized roles as you progress.

What is the difference between Graduate Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectGraduate EngineerJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some internships or co-op experienceBachelor's degree; typically less work experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, training-focused, often in design, testing, or project supportEntry-level to early career, performing basic engineering tasks under supervision
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in engineering firms, construction, manufacturing, and consultingUsed interchangeably with Graduate Engineer in many companies, often indicating similar roles

Both roles are entry-level engineering positions requiring a bachelor's degree. The term 'Graduate Engineer' often emphasizes recent graduation and training, while 'Junior Engineer' may imply a slightly broader range of early career roles. In many organizations, these titles are used interchangeably, focusing on entry-level responsibilities in engineering environments.

What do graduate engineers get paid?

Graduate engineers typically earn an annual salary ranging from $55,000 to $70,000, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions often include benefits such as training, mentorship, and opportunities to develop technical skills with tools like CAD or MATLAB.

What jobs do graduate engineers get?

Graduate engineers typically find entry-level positions such as design engineer, project engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality engineer. These roles often involve applying technical skills, using engineering software, and working under supervision to gain practical experience in their field.
More about Graduate Engineer jobs
Graduate Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,008 per year, or $34.1 per hour.

Staff Engineer - Water/Wastewater

HR Green

Johnston, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

HR Green rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Join our team! Our mission is BUILDING COMMUNITIES. IMPROVING LIVES. With a history spanning over 110 years, HR Green has consistently delivered on this mission, establishing ourselves as a trusted partner for our colleagues, clients, and communities alike. Each day, we work to find solutions that inspire our employees and fit our clients' needs to build trust to exceed their expectations. As a leading player in the industry, we're proud to be ranked No. 173 on Engineering News Record's Top 500 Design Firms list in 2024. Our unwavering dedication to cultivating an exceptional workplace environment has earned us the distinguished honor of being recognized as a Best Place to Work.

Summary

This is a great opportunity for an entry-level Civil or Environmental Engineer who is interested in working with a dynamic team on a wide range of projects from water and wastewater treatment plant updates, pump station designs, sewer collection system and water distribution system monitoring and rehabilitation and industrial pre-treatment. This position is to support HR Green's Water Business Unit and the Municipal Water/Wastewater teams in Des Moines, Iowa. You will be working side-by-side with a team of knowledgeable engineers and professionals in an environment that fosters collaboration and career development. If you are looking to work with a company that will provide mentorship, technical guidance and camaraderie, keep reading to learn more about this exciting opportunity!

What will you be doing?

  • Working as part of a team as well as independently in learning, evaluating, and applying engineering principles, standards, and criteria.
  • Assists the team in the design of water and wastewater pipelines, pumping stations and treatment facilities
  • Conducts field visits as necessary for various projects
  • Communicate effectively and coordinate with project team members including but not limited to CAD designers and other engineers.

What are we looking for?

  • A candidate with a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree from an accredited four-year or graduate engineering university in relevant discipline.
  • A candidate with up to 5 years of relevant engineering experience.
  • A candidate with proficient knowledge of office software (Word, Excel, etc.).
  • A candidate with knowledge and familiarity in Revit and/or Civil3D is preferred.
  • EIT certification or ability to obtain within 6 months

Why join HR Green?

  • It's your chance to join one of the country's longest operating engineering firms and a leader in local markets in design engineering and construction with over 700 employees in 22 offices around the nation.
  • Not only does HR Green provide you with a place to grow, thrive, and enjoy your work, but we are also dedicated to delivering a comprehensive and multi-faceted benefits package. Visit our website for detailed total rewards information - https://www.hrgreen.com/careers/total-rewards/

HR Green is proud to be an affirmative action/ equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

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