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Graduate Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Fluid Mechanics Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... engineering students at the undergraduate and introductory graduate levels. * Effective Teaching Methods: Ability to identify concepts students commonly struggle with, explain material using multiple ...

Community Ambassador PT (3959)

Ames, IA · On-site

$12 - $16.50/hr

What You'll Do Resident Engagement & Programming * Plan and execute social and developmental ... Minimum 12 undergraduate credit hours (or 6 graduate hours) * Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA (must be ...

Showing results 41-60

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.
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.

Chemical and Biological Engineering - Assistant/Associate/Full Teaching Professor

Iowa State University

Ames, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Iowa State University rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

384th of 619 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Position Title:Chemical and Biological Engineering - Assistant/Associate/Full Teaching ProfessorAppointment Type:FacultyJob Description:Summary of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the full-time (nine-month) renewable term position of Assistant Teaching Professor. Exceptional candidates with commensurate experience and proven track record will be considered for the advanced rank of Associate or Full Teaching Professor. The appointment for this position is anticipated to begin January 1, 2027 or August 16, 2027 and the initial length of the appointment will be three years.

The candidate is expected to provide high quality instruction in core undergraduate chemical engineering courses, including lecture and laboratory courses, as well as support the teaching mission of the university through committee work, mentoring of undergraduate students, and assistance with curriculum and assessment coordination. Candidates should have strong written and oral communication skills and share our departmental mission to provide outstanding education and training in the chemical engineering discipline.

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to interact collegially and maintain the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior within department, college, and university activities.

Required Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering and doctoral degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline

  • Associate or Full Teaching Professor candidates must also meet the university standards for appointment to the rank, including experience and accomplishments in chemical engineering education

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Teaching experience in core undergraduate chemical engineering courses.

  • Development of course and assessment materials.

  • Formal pedagogical training.

  • Ability to communicate effectively in written and oral format.

  • Ability to independently coordinate multiple activities and projects.

  • Industrial experience in the field of chemical engineering.

  • Evidence of collaboration and leadership in engineering education for applicants at the rank of Associate or Full Teaching Professor.

Department/Program & College Description:

About the Chemical and Biological Engineering Department

The Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering (CBE) offers B.S, M.Eng., M.S., and Ph.D. degree programs in chemical engineering. CBE has approximately 400 undergraduate students, 90 graduate students, 20 postdoctoral and scientific staff, 10 administrative staff, and 28 faculty. CBE demonstrates a commitment to broadly supporting faculty, staff, and students to achieve University objectives in the areas of research, teaching, and service.

Department Unit/Website:

For more information about our department's engineering program, see cbe.iastate.edu.

Proposed Start Date:August 16, 2027Proposed End Date or Length of Term:May 15, 2030Number of Months Employed Per Year:09 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timeApplication Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 18, 2026. All interested, qualified persons must apply for this position online at http://jobs.iastate.edu.

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

1) Letter of application that states desired rank and briefly discusses how the candidate meets each of the preferred qualifications

2) Curriculum Vitae

3) Contact information for at least three references, including name, mailing address, email address, phone number, and other pertinent information

4) Statement of teaching interests and philosophy (not to exceed two pages)
Direct questions to Dr. Jennifer Heinen at jmheinen@iastate.edu, or call (515) 294-1891.
Why Choose ISU?
Iowa State Faculty enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:
Retirement benefits, including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program

Original Posting Date:May 13, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19189

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.


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