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Power Plant Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Power Plant Engineer 3

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

The Power Plant Engineer 3 diagnoses problems relating to equipment malfunctions, makes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs to power plant equipment and auxiliary systems, and operates and ...

We are looking for a Power Plant Engineer 3 (Boiler Operator) to join our Power Plant team. Opening is for a 4 day-10-hour shift position working 8pm-6am, Thursday and Friday nights and 12pm-10pm ...

Your contributions will power the manufacturing of iconic brands like Smithfield, Eckrich, Nathan ... As the leader of the maintenance and engineering department in a fast-paced plant, you'll be at the ...

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Power Plant Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$20

$33

$56

How much do power plant engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for power plant engineer in Iowa is $33.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.88 and $33.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A power plant engineer maintains day-to-day operations in a power plant. Their main duties involve conducting operational tests, providing preventative maintenance on machines, inspecting thermal systems, and working closely with other plant personnel. This job requires a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Many engineers earn a more specialized degree in chemical, electrical, or nuclear engineering depending upon their industry. Additional qualifications for a power plant engineer include experience working as part of a team, communication skills, and strong analytical abilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a power plant engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Power Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, strong problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree or certification. Familiarity with SCADA systems, plant management software, and safety compliance standards is typically required. Excellent communication, teamwork, and attention to detail help you collaborate effectively and ensure plant operations run smoothly. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient, and reliable power generation.

What is the difference between Power Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPower Plant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Power Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; PE license optional but beneficial
Work EnvironmentPower plants, energy facilities, industrial sitesManufacturing, design firms, industrial plants, energy sectors
Industry UsageSpecific to energy generation and power productionBroad engineering applications across industries
Job FocusDesign, operation, and maintenance of power generation systemsDesign, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems

Power Plant Engineers specialize in energy generation systems within power plants, focusing on operation and maintenance. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working across various industries on mechanical systems. While both roles require similar credentials, their work environments and job focuses differ significantly.

What does a power plant engineer do?

A Power Plant Engineer is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of power generation facilities. Their duties include overseeing equipment such as turbines, boilers, and generators to ensure efficient and safe production of electricity. They also perform regular inspections, troubleshoot issues, and implement safety protocols. In addition, Power Plant Engineers may work on upgrading systems to improve energy efficiency and comply with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges power plant engineers face in their daily work, and how can they prepare for them?

Power Plant Engineers frequently encounter challenges such as ensuring equipment reliability, troubleshooting unexpected failures, and maintaining compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They often need to respond quickly to operational issues, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and adapt to technological upgrades. To prepare, engineers benefit from staying updated on industry best practices, participating in ongoing training, and developing strong problem-solving and communication skills. Proactively engaging in preventive maintenance and collaborating closely with operations and maintenance teams can also help mitigate many common issues.
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Power Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Power Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Power Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Power Plant Engineer jobs in IA? For Power Plant Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Power Plant Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,091 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Power Plant Engineer 3

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$49K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Division of State-Operated Specialty Care, Bureau of Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CMHI) is seeking a Power Plant Engineer 3 to join our team. This is a full-time position with a Tuesday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

schedule. The Power Plant Engineer 3 diagnoses problems relating to equipment malfunctions, makes mechanical, electrical, and plumbing repairs to power plant equipment and auxiliary systems, and operates and maintains boilers that support the Cherokee campus. This position is also responsible for operating generators for the Institute's electrical power in the event of loss of utilities and helping with grounds maintenance including snow removal.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of HVAC and plumbing systems. Applicants will be required to complete a background check to be considered for this position. CMHI provides active inpatient treatment to adults in need of acute psychiatric care.

The facility offers several services includingindividualized treatment plans. Support for patients with special education needs to continue their education is provided, and individuals are encouraged to collaborate with staff members in formulating their own plan. Medication, group counseling, and activities therapies might be included as well.

For more CMHI info: https://hhs.iowa.gov/family-community/specialty-care-facilities/cherokee-mental-health-institute Benefits of Joining CMHI Working for the State of Iowa comes with its perks. In addition to a competitive salary, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional growth. Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage: Health and dental insurance packages to keep you and your family healthy at a low cost with outstanding coverage

Paid Time Off: Take time to recharge with paid time off, including vacation(96 hours/year to begin, increasing with years of service), sick leave (144 hours/year), and paid holidays (9 days/year). Retirement Plans: Participate in retirement plans such as IPERS (employees contribute 6.29% and the State of Iowa contributes 9.44%) as well as our Retirement Investors Club (RIC), Employer Sponsored Retirement Plan (the State of Iowa matches dollar for dollar up to $75/month). Flexible Spending Accounts: Take advantage of flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care expenses

Insurance Coverage: Benefit from life insurance and free long-term disability insurance for added peace of mind. Employee Assistance Program: Access resources and support through our Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional challenges. Employee Discount Programs: Enjoy discounts on a variety of goods and services through our employee discount programs.

For additional information on benefits click here. Click here to see how we compare with other employers or offers by using our Total Compensation Calculator. Cherokee Highlights CMHI is located in Cherokee, a city of approximately 5,000 set in the beautiful Little Sioux River Valley in Northwest Iowa.

Residents enjoy fishing and canoeing on the Little Sioux River which winds through town providing a backdrop to a well-developed parks and trails system. In addition, Cherokee has over 1,000 acres of land devoted to parks and outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and horseback riding. Cherokee is the home of the first accredited museum and planetarium in Iowa, Sandford Museum and Planetarium, established in 1951.

Cherokee may be the smallest town in the world to have its own symphony orchestra. This 60-member orchestra has been referred to as the "best kept secret in Northwest Iowa." Cherokee is home to Western Iowa Tech Community College and 1 hour or less from other educational institutions including Morningside College, Northwestern College, Buena Vista University, and Dordt College. This quintessential Iowa town is 1 hour from Sioux City and 2 hours from Omaha

Check out these 10 Reasons to Move to Iowa. The State of Iowa is an EEO/AA Employer HHS values those with "lived experience" and encourages adults who were fostered as youth, foster parents, and/or parents who were in the HHS system to apply. Minorities, women, persons with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply (Hearing and Speech Impaired - Relay Iowa 1-800-735-2942 TDD).

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Experience equal to three years of full-time work in the operation, maintenance and repair of steam generating boilers, centralized air-conditioning or electrical power generating equipment and auxiliary systems; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting 30 semester hours of accredited coursework from a military school or recognized trade or vocational school in power plant engineering principles including the operation, maintenance and repair of steam boilers for each year of the required experience to a maximum substitution of one year; OR employees with current continuous experience in the state Executive Branch that includes experience equal to one year of full-time experience as a Power Plant Engineer 2. For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description

Additional Qualification Requirements Within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority, certain employees in this class may be required to obtain a Fire Sprinkler Installer and Maintenance License in accordance with Chapter 100D, Iowa Code. Designated positions in this job class require applicants to obtain the required certification, license and endorsements within a period of time as determined by the appointing authority at the time of hire.


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State of Iowa logo

About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939