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New Grad Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Farm Progress Show - September 1-3, 2026

Urbandale, IA ยท On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Engineering - Chemical, Electrical, Mechanical, Mine/Geological, Environmental, Process throughout our Nitrogen and Phosphate Business Units. If you are interested in a student or new grad role with ...

Conduct safety and ergonomic risk assessments on new or relocated equipment to identify ergonomics ... Engineering or technical schooling will also be considered. Open to recent grad candidates Notes:

Showing results 41-56

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.
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.

Drafter/Engineering Designer

Rasmussen Mechanical Services

Council Bluffs, IA โ€ข On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

EXPLORE CAREERS AT RASMUSSEN MECHANICAL SERVICES

Rasmussen Mechanical Services 1.27K subscribers

Join a family-owned company that values its employees above all else. With over 50 years of experience in commercial and industrial equipment, we've grown from a two-person team to 10 locations, 10 departments, and over 200 technicians across the Midwestโ€”built for the long haul.

Since 1970, Rasmussen Mechanical Services has been a family-owned mechanical contractor working across the Midwest and Rocky Mountains. We've grown to over 200 people across seven locations, but we've kept the small-shop feeling that's made people stay with us for 20, 30, even 37 years.

We're looking for an Engineering Designer to join the family โ€” whether you're an experienced designer ready for more interesting work, a field or fab-shop veteran who's moved to the design side, or a new grad looking for a place that will actually invest in you.

The Work

You'll bring mechanical projects to life on the screen before they're built in the field: 3D modeling, P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings for everything from commercial HVAC systems to complex industrial piping, boilers, and process equipment.

A typical week might include:

  • Building 3D models in AutoCAD Plant 3D from FARO laser scans of customer facilities
  • Drafting P&IDs, general arrangements, and fabrication drawings the shop and field crews can actually build from
  • Walking job sites with project managers and sales engineers to scope new work
  • Producing proposal drawings and renderings that help customers say yes
  • Sitting down with our welders, fitters, and field techs to make sure what you're drawing makes sense to build
If You've Ever Built What Someone Else Drew

Some of the best designers we know came up through the trades โ€” fitters, welders, fab shop detailers โ€” people who spent years building from other people's drawings and thought, I could draw this better.

If that's you, we want to talk. Knowing how a spool actually gets fabricated, rigged, and fitted in a tight mechanical room is knowledge you can't teach in a CAD class, and it shows up in every drawing you produce. We'll get you the rest.

And if you love the satisfaction of seeing your drawings turn into real, working systems โ€” this is your kind of team.

Why People Stay at RMS
  • Family-owned, and it shows. The Rasmussens are still here. Leadership is accessible, decisions get made quickly, and people get treated like people.
  • Variety you won't get elsewhere. Ten specialized departments โ€” HVAC, boilers, mechanical construction, controls, reliability, and more โ€” so no two projects look alike.
  • Modern tools, and training to match. FARO 3D scanning and AutoCAD Plant 3D, with company-provided training and continuing investment in your skills. If you're strong in AutoCAD but new to Plant 3D, we'll teach you.
  • Your drawings get built. Not shelved, not value-engineered into oblivion by someone three states away. Built โ€” by our own crews, usually within a few miles of your desk.
  • Industry-leading pay and benefits, plus a culture that takes work-life balance seriously.
  • A genuinely good place to work. Modern offices, 24/7 gym, golf simulator, team lunches โ€” and yes, "fun" really is one of our core values.
What You Bring

Experienced designers (3+ years)

  • Drafting and 3D modeling experience with piping or mechanical systems
  • AutoCAD Plant 3D experience strongly preferred โ€” if you're coming from CADWorx, AutoCAD MEP, SolidWorks, Inventor, or another 3D platform, we'll train you up
  • A track record of producing drawings that field crews can build from
  • Strong attention to detail and good time management
  • Comfortable working with engineers, project managers, field crews, and customers

Field and fab-shop backgrounds welcome

  • Pipefitting, welding, sheet metal, or fabrication experience paired with CAD skills โ€” formal or self-taught
  • You don't need a degree. You need to know how things get built, and be able to draw it.

New grads

  • A degree or certificate in mechanical design, drafting & design technology, or a related field
  • Solid CAD fundamentals (AutoCAD, Inventor, SolidWorks, Revit โ€” we're not picky about which)
  • Curiosity, attention to detail, and a real interest in how mechanical systems go together
  • We'll teach you Plant 3D, FARO scanning, and how our shop and field crews work. We mean it when we say we invest in people.

Everyone

  • Valid driver's license; able to pass a pre-employment drug screen
  • Willing to occasionally travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning
Working Conditions

Primarily office-based, with occasional travel to customer sites for walkdowns and scanning โ€” typically day trips, with occasional overnight stays. You'll need to be able to lift 25โ€“30 lbs occasionally and sit at a workstation for extended periods.

Rasmussen Mechanical Services is an equal opportunity employer.

I started here as a Service Coordinator and have grown into the Project Manager role. One of the things I appreciate most about Rasmussen Mechanical Services is the trust and autonomy they give employees. Youโ€™re empowered to make decisions and take ownership of your work without being micromanaged. Leadership is approachable, and the open-door policy isnโ€™t just talkโ€”itโ€™s real. Whether you need advice or want to bounce ideas off someone, thereโ€™s always support. Itโ€™s a place where hard work is recognized, and you truly feel valued as part of the team.

ALLY - EVENT COORDINATOR

This is a great place to work. Though the company has grown, it still has the โ€œsmall family ownedโ€ feeling. The owners are present, management is positive and helpful and everyone is willing to help each other out. โ€œFunโ€ is a core value of RMS and it shows. Theyโ€™ve got games and a golf simulator in their recreation room and are consistently hosting employee pizza parties, lunches, golf outings, etc.

The building is brand new and has a very modern vibe with private offices and open community gathering space.Fully outfitted gym open 24/7 is a HUGE plus, too.

RYAN - PROJECT MANAGER

Iโ€™ve been with Rasmussen Mechanical Services for 9 years, and and what stands out the most is the companyโ€™s commitment to a good work-life balance. In my role I have the flexibility to manage my responsibilities while still making time for what matters outside of work. The leadership here understands that people need both support and freedom to succeed. RMS has given me the freedom to learn, grow and succeed with support and direction when I needed it. Itโ€™s a place where integrity isnโ€™t just a wordโ€”itโ€™s how we do business every day.

GAIL - MECHANICAL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

Iโ€™ve worked here for almost 37 years and helped Rasmussen grow from a handful of employees to over 200 at 7 locations. From the beginning, quality service to the customer was how we strengthened those relationships. Keeping that mindset is how weโ€™ll continue to grow. When I started Erv Rasmussen and I ran several service calls every hour of the day and holidays. He would be very proud to see what Rasmussen has become.

TIM - DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE PROJECTS

I started at Rasmussen Mechanical Services as a technician and, over time, transitioned into project management before stepping into my current role as Director of Corporate Projects. Hard work is noticed, and if youโ€™re willing to put in the effort, thereโ€™s no limit to where you can go. The Rasmussenโ€™s truly supports career development, giving employees the tools, training, and trust to take on bigger roles. Itโ€™s a place where you can build a long-term career, not just a job.

NICOLE - LOCATION MANAGER

Iโ€™ve worked at Rasmussen Mechanical Services for over 20 years, and what I enjoy most is its family-owned culture that treats you like family. Rasmussen provides growth opportunities, which Iโ€™ve experienced firsthand throughout my career. Iโ€™ve worked in accounting, recruiting and now as a location manager. Itโ€™s a company that values its employees and customers while fostering a fun atmosphere. The support and camaraderie make it a place you enjoy coming to every day.

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