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Lead Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lead Water Resources Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$130K - $160K/yr

Lead technical engineering project designs and reports focused on storm water management, watershed planning, modeling analysis, green infrastructure, and best management practices * Conduct ...

Lead technical engineering project designs and reports focused on storm water management, watershed planning, modeling analysis, green infrastructure, and best management practices * Conduct ...

Lead technical engineering project designs and reports focused on storm water management, watershed planning, modeling analysis, green infrastructure, and best management practices * Conduct ...

Lead CIAM Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Summary The Lead CIAM Engineer will be responsible for consulting with various groups to plan, architect and implement standards-based solutions in the areas of general identity management, directory ...

Lead CIAM Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$100K - $132K/yr

Summary The Lead CIAM Engineer will be responsible for consulting with various groups to plan, architect and implement standards-based solutions in the areas of general identity management, directory ...

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Showing results 1-20

Lead Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$39.9K

$116.3K

$169.5K

How much do lead engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead engineer in Iowa is $116,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,300.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, and aerospace engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, particularly in technology and aerospace industries.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in fields such as software, electrical, or aerospace engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, specialized skills, leadership roles, or stock options. High compensation is often associated with executive-level positions, working in competitive industries, or at large technology companies.

What is the role of a lead engineer?

A lead engineer is responsible for overseeing technical projects, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring the successful development and implementation of engineering solutions. They often coordinate between management and technical staff, possess strong problem-solving skills, and may be involved in design, code review, and mentoring. Leadership, technical expertise, and effective communication are key components of the role.

What does a Lead Engineer do?

A Lead Engineer is responsible for overseeing technical projects, guiding engineering teams, and ensuring that design and development processes meet organizational goals. They serve as both a technical expert and a team leader, providing mentorship, setting project timelines, and coordinating with other departments. Lead Engineers often participate in decision-making, problem-solving, and quality assurance to deliver successful engineering outcomes.

What is lead engineer salary?

The salary for a lead engineer typically ranges from $100,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Lead engineers often have advanced technical skills, project management responsibilities, and may earn bonuses or stock options as part of their compensation package.

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

To thrive as a Lead Engineer, you need deep technical expertise in engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with industry-standard design tools, version control systems, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure effective project delivery, team coordination, and technical excellence in complex engineering environments.

What Is a Lead Engineer?

A lead engineer oversees a team of engineers who work on maintaining and streamlining corporate projects. In this job, your primary duties and focus is on the equipment, technology, and infrastructure that make up the company’s operating system. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in engineering and specialization in the company’s industry. You hone your skills as a junior engineer before gaining enough experience to advance your career to a lead engineer position.

What are some common challenges Lead Engineers face when managing cross-functional teams?

Lead Engineers often face the challenge of aligning technical teams with stakeholders from other departments, such as product management or quality assurance. Balancing project deadlines with technical excellence can require strong communication and negotiation skills. It's also common to encounter differences in priorities or technical understanding, so building consensus and fostering collaboration are key. Adapting to shifting project requirements while maintaining team morale is another important aspect of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Lead Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Lead Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Lead Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Lead Engineer jobs in IA? For Lead Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Lead Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,266 per year, or $55.9 per hour.
Lead Energy Efficiency Engineer

Lead Energy Efficiency Engineer

Resource Innovations

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Resource Innovations is seeking a Lead Engineer to join our growing team in Iowa. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Engineer with a strong background in custom and energy management engineering to join our dynamic team. As a Lead Engineer you will be responsible for providing customers the support and tools necessary to identify, quantify, and deliver cost-effective energy-efficiency projects.
Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Deliver excellent customer service to customers (commercial and industrial customers, utility clients, and program staff)
  • Perform energy audits and retro commissioning studies at customer facilities to identify, measure, and verify energy efficiency measures.
  • Develop and maintain technical analysis/calculators for energy efficiency measures
  • Provide timely technical and program feedback, listen to customer needs, set expectations appropriately, and deliver what you promise
  • Be a champion for energy efficiency (projects and the approach): identify barriers and propose solutions
  • Support RI's utility programs under the direction of the Office Head or Program Manager to achieve program energy savings goals
  • Produce high-quality deliverables (reports and spreadsheets) with limited QC review
  • Forge and maintain excellent relationship with client
  • Solicit feedback, advocate change, and implement solutions
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's or master's degree in mechanical engineering, or similar
  • A strong understanding of mechanical and electrical systems and principals including: HVAC and refrigeration, thermal and fluid systems, motors, lighting and/or other commercial and industrial systems
  • 5+ years of experience within the energy efficiency or building efficiency industry highly preferred.
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects while meeting deliverable deadlines and budgets
  • Excellent writing, interpersonal, presentation, and analytical skills
  • Ability to effectively distill and convey complex ideas into concise conversation/emails
  • Comfortable managing projects and workflows with variable levels of ambiguity
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office programs including Word and Excel
  • Located in or near Des Moines, IA, or open to relocation
  • Must be able to travel locally up to approximately 20% of the time
  • Interest in sustainability and passionate about making a meaningful impact on the environment.

Preferred skills, education and experience
  • P.E. in mechanical engineering and CEM certification
  • Design and specification of HVAC, electrical, building automation/controls
  • Commissioning and/or retro-commissioning test procedures, schematic diagrams, and system specifications
  • Building and energy modeling/simulation tools (e.g. DOE-2, eQuest, EnergyPlus, Trane Trace, ECAM)

Benefits
About Resource Innovations
Resource Innovations (RI) is a women-led energy transformation firm focused on impact. Building on our expertise in energy efficiency, we're constantly expanding our portfolio of clean energy solutions to guide utilities through increasingly complex, connected challenges. Load flexibility. Electrification. Carbon reduction. With every step, we're leading the charge to power change.
Resource Innovations is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. In addition to federal law requirements, Resource Innovations complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company does work.
Compensation & Benefits
Resource Innovations offers competitive salaries based on a candidate's skills, experience and qualifications for the position. The compensation range for the base salary for this position is $80,000 - 90,000. In addition to base pay, employees may be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus. The stated salary represents the expected compensation for this position. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as the candidate's experience, education and location.
At Resource Innovations, we believe supporting our people is essential to delivering impact. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to promote health, financial security, and work-life balance. This includes three weeks of paid vacation annually, paid holidays, a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, medical, dental and vision coverage, parental leave, an employee assistance program, commuter benefits, and additional supplemental offerings.
Employment with Resource Innovations is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check and reference check. If applicable to the position, a pre-employment drug screen may also be required.
The above job description and job requirements are not intended to be all inclusive. Resource Innovations retains the right to make changes or adjustments to job descriptions and/or job requirements at any time without notice.

Resource Innovations logo

About Resource Innovations

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Resource Innovations is a women-led organization offering software-enabled clean energy solutions for utilities as well as commercial, industrial, and residential energy customers. Our experts design and implement a suite of leading-edge services to support the rapidly changing industry through the clean energy transition. We leverage diversity across our team to accelerate energy innovation and make clean and sustainable energy more available, accessible, and affordable.

Industry

Environmental consulting services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Half Moon Bay, CA, US

Year founded

2016

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