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Lead Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Lead Engineer - Generation

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

In thisroleyou act as a finalcheckpointbetween the engineering and the construction of the projects. This is a hybrid position withoccasionaltravel to project sites includingas neededto support early ...

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 ...

AI Solutions Engineering Delivery Lead

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$100K - $131K/yr

The AI Solutions Engineering Delivery Lead will oversee multiple multidisciplinary teams consisting of data scientists, software engineers, front-end developers, and other specialists in the design ...

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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 Aug 6, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,266 per year, or $55.9 per hour.

Lead Engineer - Generation

Alliantenergy

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Bring YOUR energy to Alliant Energy!

At Alliant Energy, our purpose is to serve customers and build stronger communities. We are passionate about powering beyond the market challenges of today, while powering what's next in energy. When our employees say "I am energy", it means they take pride in the work we do when disaster strikes, as well as all the days in between. We want you to be safe, happy and healthy. That's why we prioritize safety, offer volunteer opportunities and provide competitive pay, comprehensive health and retirement benefits, tuition reimbursement and paid time off.

Job Summary

Come join our Strategic Project team and take the next step in your career! AsLeadEngineer- Generation, you will work with project teams to manage the engineering and construction phases of projects. You willbe responsible forfacilitatingthe Alliant Energy internal review of all engineering drawings, technical specifications, and any other technical documents produced by the project Owner's Engineer (OE), Engineer of Record (EOR), Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), builder, or otherentities. In thisroleyou act as a finalcheckpointbetween the engineering and the construction of the projects.

This is ahybrid position withoccasionaltravel to project sitesincludingas neededto support early site development, construction,start-upandcommissioningwhile reporting from Madison, WI, or Cedar Rapids, IA. Other areas within the Alliant Energy service territory may be considered.


What you will do

  • Identifies problems and solutions and makes safety suggestions to maintain a safe work environment, using tools and standards to design safety into operating and maintaining equipment.

  • Proactively identifies and solves highly technical or complex problems using technical experience, extensive knowledge of principles, theories, and concepts and knowledge of business trends to generate innovative and/or original solutions.

  • Develops recommendations which provide technically sound and the most cost-effective solutions demonstrating critical thinking skills.

  • Anticipates customer needs and demonstrates the ability and confidence to present alternatives and constructively influence the customer's decision making.

  • Makes higher risk decisions that involve direct application of technical knowledge and may have an impact on multiple areas of the business with proper sign off from customer.

  • Coordinates and leads cross-functional teams to address complex technical or operational problems.

  • Provides leadership, coaching, direction, guidance, and advice to others with a wide range of influence on many levels of decision making.

  • Has established effective working relationships and credibility with employees, contractors, customers, functional groups, and internal and external peers.

  • Proactively identify and develop operational guidelines, standards, training, and strategic plans that help the customer sustain identified improvements.

  • Manages project budgets, including processes accruals and communicates anticipated changes in the budget.

  • Understands various corporate financial statements and can differentiate how project implementation will impact the rate payer versus the shareholder.

  • Understands income statement and balance sheet pro forma analyses and the implications of technical inputs to the pro forma, understanding of shareholder and customer impacts.

  • Supports generation facility outages.

  • Engages in other duties as needed that support Alliant Energy's Values and helps deliver on our Purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities.

Education Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree Engineering program that is accredited through the Engineering Accreditation Commission Required


Required Experience

  • 9 years of related experience.

  • Project management leadership experience preferred, along with ability to deal with subcontractors and cross-functional teams; recognized as having expertise in a particular area of the discipline.


Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels within the organization and external stakeholders.

  • Demonstrated ability to use computer software programs (e.g., e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, and project management).

  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative and inclusive work environment.


Key Skills

  • Condition Monitoring Continual Improvement Process Cost Optimization Design Specifications Inspection Management Power Engineering Predictive Maintenance Project and Program Management Records Management Root Cause Analysis


Our people are passionate about what they do, the product they sell, and the customers they serve. If you're looking for an opportunity to be a part of a work family that values collaboration, innovation and dedication, we're the right company for you.

Alliant Energy offers a comprehensive total rewards package including competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information on these benefit programs is available on our Careers site.

Pay Range:

$117,000 - $161,000

This position is eligible to participate in the annual incentive program. The final salary offered will generally fall within this range and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to the responsibilities of the position, experience, skill set, internal pay equity and other relevant qualifications of the applicant.

It's not just what we do; it's how we do it.

Live Safety. Everyone. Always | Make Things Better | Care For Others | Do The Right Thing | Act For Tomorrow | Think Beyond. Be Bold

Alliant Energy and its subsidiaries are committed to creating a culture of belonging and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by law.


All candidates selected for employment with Alliant Energy will be required to successfully complete a background check, and a drug screen where applicable.


Visa sponsorship not supported.


Disclaimer:
The above information on this description has been crafted to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not crafted to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Applicants in need of a reasonable accommodation for any part of the hiring process, please email talent@alliantenergy.com.