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Mechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ethos

Mechanical Application Engineer

Tennant, IA · On-site

Requirements Associate Degree in Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, or Engineering Technology, plus 3-5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination Proficiency in AutoCAD (2018 or newer ...

Ethos

Mechanical Application Engineer

IA · On-site

Requirements • Associate Degree in Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, or Engineering Technology, plus 3-5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination • Proficiency in AutoCAD (2018 ...

Ethos

Mechanical Application Engineer

Harlan, IA · On-site

Requirements · Associate Degree in Mechanical Design, Electrical Design, or Engineering Technology, plus 3-5 years of related experience, or equivalent combination · Proficiency in AutoCAD (2018 or ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Designer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... Associate degree, technical diploma, or equivalent practical experience in CAD, drafting, design ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Martin Marietta Management Associate Program is an investment in you. It is our way of ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Martin Marietta

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

The Martin Marietta Management Associate Program is an investment in you. It is our way of ... Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mining, Civil, or Mechanical Engineering or Construction Management ...

Fusion Inc

Technical Sales Engineer Intern

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $20/hr

... Sales Associate role after graduation. What You'll Learn and Do * Get hands-on exposure to our ... Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Distribution, or strong familiarity or ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsMechanical Engineering Associate JobsMechanical Engineering Associate Jobs in Iowa

Mechanical Engineering Associate information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$96.6K

$156.4K

How much do mechanical engineering associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical engineering associate in Iowa is $96,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical engineering associate?

Mechanical Engineering Associates are early-career professionals who support engineering teams in designing, testing, and improving mechanical systems and products. They typically assist with creating technical drawings, conducting experiments, analyzing data, and solving engineering problems under the supervision of senior engineers. This role is often a starting point for recent graduates in mechanical engineering, offering hands-on experience and opportunities to learn industry practices. Mechanical Engineering Associates may work in various sectors, such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, or energy.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical engineering associate?

To thrive as a Mechanical Engineering Associate, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, CAD design, and problem-solving, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and simulation tools, as well as exposure to industry standards like ASME, is often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and convey technical concepts clearly. These capabilities ensure high-quality project outcomes and efficient integration within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

What is the difference between Mechanical Engineering Associate vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectMechanical Engineering AssociateMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsAssociate's degree or equivalentBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting roles in design, testing, and manufacturingDesign, analysis, and project management responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, product development, and technical supportDesign firms, industrial companies, and R&D departments

The Mechanical Engineering Associate typically holds an associate's degree and performs support tasks in engineering projects, while the Mechanical Engineer has a bachelor's degree and takes on more complex design and analysis responsibilities. Both roles are essential in engineering teams, but the associate role is more entry-level and supportive in nature.

What are the most common challenges faced by mechanical engineering associates when transitioning from academic projects to real-world engineering tasks?

One of the most common challenges Mechanical Engineering Associates encounter is adapting to the pace and complexity of real-world engineering projects compared to academic assignments. In industry, projects often involve tight deadlines, multidisciplinary teams, and the need to balance technical accuracy with practical constraints like budget and manufacturability. Associates must also become proficient in using industry-standard software and tools, and learn to interpret and apply company-specific standards. Effective communication with senior engineers and other departments is essential for success in this collaborative environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings:

Mechanical Engineering Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Engineering Associate job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,630 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Associate Mechanical Engineer - Data Centers

Olsson

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Company Description
We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results - for our people, our clients, and our company.
We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.
Job Description
Join Olsson's Data Center Design team as an Associate Mechanical Engineer, where you'll support on complex, mission-critical projects, including hyperscale data centers and secure facilities. This role works within a multidisciplinary team known for delivering innovative, high-performance building systems.
You'll help provide technical knowledge on strategies that safeguard infrastructure, protect assets, and meet the most rigorous code and client requirements. You'll collaborate with architects, MEP engineers, and security professionals across sectors such as data centers, healthcare, higher education, commercial, industrial and federal facilities.
Qualifications
You are passionate about:
  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:
  • Strong communication skills.
  • Ability to contribute and work well on a team.
  • Bachelor's degree in ABET accredited engineering or engineering technology degree recognized by NCEES.
  • A minimum of one year of engineering experience.
  • Must possess Engineer Intern certificate (EI) via the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering Exam.
  • Interested in pursuing NCEES Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Experience with REVIT Autodesk software

#LI-DD1
Additional Information
Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.
As an Olsson employee, you will:
  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.
Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.
Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.
For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.

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