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New Grad Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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New Grad Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$68.2K

$117.9K

How much do new grad engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad engineer in Iowa is $68,182.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $78,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a new grad engineer?

A New Grad Engineer is an individual who has recently graduated from a university or college with an engineering degree and is starting their professional career. These engineers are typically in entry-level positions, where they apply the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies to real-world engineering problems. New Grad Engineers often participate in training programs, work under the guidance of more experienced engineers, and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain experience. Their roles can vary widely depending on the industry and the specific company they join.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a new grad engineer?

To thrive as a New Grad Engineer, you generally need a solid foundation in engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with industry-standard software, such as CAD tools or programming languages, and internships or relevant project experience are highly valued. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help new engineers adapt quickly and collaborate effectively. These skills enable new engineers to contribute meaningfully to projects, integrate into teams, and grow within fast-paced technical environments.

What types of projects are new grad engineers typically assigned during their first year?

As a new grad engineer, you can expect to start with smaller, well-defined tasks that allow you to become familiar with the company's tools, processes, and codebase (if applicable). These projects are often part of a larger team effort and are designed to help you build confidence while contributing meaningfully. Over time, you'll likely be given more complex assignments and may have the opportunity to take ownership of specific features or problem areas. Regular collaboration with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is common, providing valuable learning and mentorship opportunities as you develop your skills.

What is the difference between New Grad Engineer vs Entry Level Engineer?

AspectNew Grad EngineerEntry Level Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or first full-time role, often in training programsFull-time position, performing basic engineering tasks
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly used for recent graduates entering engineering rolesUsed for professionals with minimal work experience in engineering

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in engineering. A New Grad Engineer often refers to someone just starting their career, possibly in a structured training program, while an Entry Level Engineer is a full-time employee performing foundational engineering tasks. The terms are frequently used interchangeably, but 'New Grad Engineer' emphasizes recent graduation, whereas 'Entry Level Engineer' highlights minimal experience.

Are new graduate engineers struggling to find jobs?

New graduate engineers often face competitive job markets, but opportunities are available for those with strong technical skills, relevant internships, and certifications. Success depends on networking, interview preparation, and staying updated with industry tools and trends.

How to get a job as a new graduate engineer?

To secure a job as a new graduate engineer, candidates should focus on building a strong technical foundation through relevant coursework and internships, develop proficiency in engineering tools and software, and prepare a professional resume highlighting project experience. Networking with industry professionals and applying to entry-level positions through company career portals or job boards are also essential steps.

What jobs do new graduate engineers go into?

New graduate engineers typically start in entry-level roles such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, or systems engineer. These positions often require knowledge of engineering principles, technical skills, and sometimes certifications or internships to qualify for the roles.
New Grad Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various New Grad Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,182 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

New Grad Engineer I - Winter/Summer 2027

Hntb

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

HNTB rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

What We're Looking For

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.
This opportunity entails being responsible for assisting in the production and modification of design calculations, technical reports, engineering plans and specifications for assigned projects. This position performs research, development, calculations, design and delivery in partnership with the project team. Applies engineering techniques, procedures and design criteria for projects ranging in size and complexity. Leverages technical knowledge to assist in the execution and evaluation of project designs. Develops conceptual and detailed designs and calculations to support the project execution using current drawing and technical tools, programs and software. As a member of the team, you will contribute to the successful project delivery for a diverse range of projects for HNTB's clients.
Our Central States office seeks New Grad Engineer I's in the following areas: Bridge, Mechanical Movable Bridges, ITS/DIS, Water Resources, and Municipal Transportation.

What You'll Do:

  • Completes assigned work within the schedule and number of hours provided.
  • Supports the preparation and modification of project reports, plans, designs, and calculations.
  • Assists in the preparation of project quantity and cost estimates.
  • Assists engineering teams with organization and administrative support of design files.
  • Supports engineering teams with various tasks and duties including but not limited to research, data collection, field investigations, development, and design of projects.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

What You'll Need:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering

What You'll Bring:

  • Exhibits an understanding of engineering principles relevant to the discipline.
  • Attains knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite, and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCad or other software.

What We Prefer:

  • Master's degree in Engineering
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification
  • Knowledgeable in MicroStation and/or AutoCAD

Additional Information

Click here for benefits information: HNTB Total Rewards

Click here to learn more about Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.#MZ#Bridges, #DigitalInfrastructureSolutions, #TransportationPlanning, #Water

.

Locations:

Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Oklahoma City, OK, Overland Park, KS (129th Street), Overland Park, KS (Sprint Parkway), St. Louis, MO

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NOTICE TO THIRD-PARTY AGENCIES:

HNTB does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or agencies. Any staffing/employment agency, person or entity that submits an unsolicited resume to this site does so with the understanding that the applicant's resume will become the property of HNTB. HNTB will have the right to hire that applicant at its discretion and without any fee owed to the submitting staffing/employment agency, person or entity. Staffing/employment agencies who have fee agreements with HNTB must submit applicants to the designated HNTB recruiter to be eligible for placement fees.

What HNTB employees say

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Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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Get the full story on Breakroom

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About HNTB

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HNTB, you can create a career that is meaningful to you while building communities that matter to all of us. For more than a century, we have been delivering solutions for some of the largest, most complex infrastructure projects across the country. With our historic growth, it is an exciting time to join our team of employee-owners.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1914

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