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Professional Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Melloy Search Group

Civil Engineer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; designated as an Engineer Intern (EI) with interest in obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; working ...

XTGlobal, Inc.

OKTA Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

OKTA Engineer Required Skills : Okta SME 100% REMOTE Responsibilities * Identify opportunities for using Web Access Management to leverage single sign on security with an emphasis on cost containment ...

Larson Engineering

Engineer I - Civil

Clive, IA · On-site

Position Overview The Engineer I - Civil is an entry-level position for professional engineering work, focused on developing foundational knowledge and skills. This individual performs assignments ...

Larson Engineering

Engineer I - Civil

Clive, IA · On-site

Position Overview The Engineer I - Civil is an entry-level position for professional engineering work, focused on developing foundational knowledge and skills. This individual performs assignments ...

Jobtailor

Senior Traffic Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Iowa Professional Engineer (PE) license * Familiarity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), Iowa DOT and local agency traffic engineering standards * Proficiency with traffic ...

Larson Engineering, Inc.

Engineer I - Civil

Clive, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Position Overview The Engineer I - Civil is an entry-level position for professional engineering work, focused on developing foundational knowledge and skills. This individual performs assignments ...

Jobtailor

Civil Engineering Team Leader

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Iowa (or ability to obtain) * Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, including 5+ years in project management and/or ...

TERRACON

Geotechnical Staff Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Mentorship from experienced Professional Engineers. * Exposure to a wide variety of projects and market sectors. * A collaborative environment that emphasizes safety, quality, and professional ...

City of Des Moines

Civil Engineer II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Possession of Professional Engineer License valid in the state of Iowa and if not issued by the State of Iowa, ability to obtain within six months of appointment. Required Special Qualifications ...

City of Des Moines, IA

Civil Engineer II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$108K - $137K/yr

Possession of Professional Engineer License valid in the state of Iowa and if not issued by the State of Iowa, ability to obtain within six months of appointment. Required Special Qualifications

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All JobsProfessional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Professional Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$43.7K

$91.2K

$128.2K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Iowa is $91,168.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $103,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a professional engineer?

Professional Engineers (PEs) are licensed engineers who have met the education, experience, and exam requirements established by their state or country. They are legally authorized to sign off on engineering projects, offer their services to the public, and take responsibility for the safety and integrity of engineering work. Becoming a PE typically involves earning an accredited engineering degree, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining relevant work experience, and passing the Professional Engineering (PE) exam. The PE license signifies a high standard of competence and ethics in the engineering profession.

What does a professional engineer do?

A professional engineer uses mathematics and science to create safe and efficient buildings, machines, and applications. Engineers typically specialize in a particular field, such as aerospace, mechanical, or structural engineering. Your job duties vary depending on your area of expertise and employer but may include creating plans, designing machinery, or building skyscrapers. This career often involves a combination of office and field work. Frequent travel is an additional job requirement for many professional engineering jobs. Long hours and overtime work are also expected to meet deadlines.

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

To thrive as a Professional Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and a degree in engineering, typically complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or project management tools, along with ongoing continuing education, is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and project management abilities help engineers deliver effective solutions and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills and qualifications ensure engineers can design safe, efficient systems and maintain high professional standards in complex technical environments.

What are some common challenges professional engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Professional Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can present challenges in prioritizing tasks, coordinating with diverse teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Effective time management and clear communication are essential to handle shifting deadlines and resource allocation. Collaborating closely with project managers, clients, and other engineers helps maintain project momentum and quality, while regular progress reviews ensure that no critical detail is overlooked.

What is the difference between Professional Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectProfessional EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsRequires PE license, degree, work experience, examRequires degree, possibly fundamentals exam, but not license
Work EnvironmentDesign, review, sign off on projects, often in consulting or engineering firmsDesign, analysis, manufacturing, and testing in various industries
Industry UsageLicensed in engineering projects, legal responsibilityCommonly employed in manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and more

The main difference between a Professional Engineer and a Mechanical Engineer is that the PE is licensed and authorized to sign off on engineering projects, ensuring legal and safety standards are met. Mechanical Engineers typically hold the necessary education and experience but do not have licensing requirements unless they pursue PE licensure. Both roles work closely in engineering fields, but the PE designation signifies a higher level of responsibility and legal accountability.

What can professional engineers do?

Professional engineers design, develop, and evaluate systems, structures, and products across various engineering disciplines. They apply technical knowledge, use tools like CAD software, and often require licensure to approve projects and ensure safety standards are met.
More about Professional Engineer jobs

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

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Professional Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Professional Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in IA?

For Professional Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Professional Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,168 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Civil Engineer

Melloy Search Group

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Our client is an established engineering firm founded in 1976 with offices across Iowa. Their areas of focus include civil engineering, structural engineering, land surveying, and 3D scanning. They deliver unique technical solutions and outstanding service — and are seeking a Civil Engineer I to join their Coralville or Cedar Rapids office.


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•      Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university

•      Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; designated as an Engineer Intern (EI) with interest in obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license

•      Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; working knowledge of Autodesk Civil 3D and Bluebeam Revu

•      Understanding of the practical application of civil engineering principles, techniques, and procedures in project design

•      Knowledge of civil design tools and principles involved in the production of technical plans, reports, drawings, and models


RESPONSIBILITIES

•      Work independently or under the direct supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer

•      Receive hands-on training and mentorship from experienced civil design engineers


TASKS & ABILITIES

•      Apply knowledge of materials, hydraulic analysis, utility design, and roadway geometry to project design tasks

•      Work effectively as a team member and independently

•      Research unfamiliar knowledge and techniques using reference manuals and technical resources

•      Perform calculations, coordinate between design elements, and document designs and specifications

•      Calculate stormwater runoff, slopes, item quantities, and related parameters

•      Communicate clearly and concisely with co-workers, clients, and the public — both orally and in writing

•      Travel to client work sites and offices for design reviews, site visits, field verifications, and construction observation

•      Ability to pass screening and background checks for admittance to client sites


REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•      Bachelor's degree in civil engineering from an accredited college or university

•      Passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam; designated as an Engineer Intern (EI) with interest in obtaining a Professional Engineer (PE) license

•      Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; working knowledge of Autodesk Civil 3D and Bluebeam Revu

•      Understanding of the practical application of civil engineering principles, techniques, and procedures in project design

•      Knowledge of civil design tools and principles involved in the production of technical plans, reports, drawings, and models


COMPENSATION

Competitive compensation commensurate with education and experience. Details are shared during the interview process.


BENEFITS

•      Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

•      401(k) Retirement Plan — Traditional and ROTH with Profit Sharing

•      ESOP — Employee Stock Ownership Plan

•      Paid Time Off — Vacation, Sick, and Holidays

•      Professional organization membership support

•      Continuing education support

•      Strong company culture: company lunches, recreational activities, and group gym training sessions