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Professional Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

JEO Consulting Group

Electrical Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Professional Engineer (PE) License. * Electrical distribution system modeling software experience. * PLS CADD experience. * Desire to engage in client development and marketing activities. Benefits ...

Bolton & Menk, Inc.

Senior Bridge Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

$98K - $133K/yr

As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and ... We are looking for a Structural Bridge Engineer who will help foster our mission that All People ...

Nova Talent Solutions

Engineering Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

Professional Engineer (PE) license is required. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: * Oversee all engineering and design work produced by the team * Manage full-cycle design and layout of engineering projects

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers. Summary Project Engineer 2 is an ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

Our continuing success creates attractive opportunities for purpose-driven professionals to develop new skills, support vital industries, and grow their careers. Summary Project Engineer 2 is an ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsProfessional Engineer JobsProfessional Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Professional Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$45.5K

$94.9K

$133.5K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Ames, IA is $94,947.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,700.00 and $107,600.00 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 Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:

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

What job categories do people searching Professional Engineer jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Professional Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Professional Engineer job openings:

Professional Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,947 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Civil Engineer (P.E.) -- Part-Time Consultant

Precision Federal

Ames, IA • On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Precision Federal is hiring a licensed Professional Engineer to serve as Roadway and Civil Engineering Lead on a funded, multi-year transportation research engagement. The work is remote, part-time, and scheduled around project milestones rather than fixed weekly hours.

What you would do

  • Confirm the suitability of selected evaluation sites and the design criteria used to assess them
  • Review findings from field data collection, including horizontal curve inventory, superelevation, and design-supported safe speed
  • Provide professional engineering concurrence where analysis indicates a posted speed exceeds the design-supported safe speed
  • Review design-compliance findings and final reports before delivery
  • Participate in project kick-off and technical review meetings

Requirements

  • Active Professional Engineer license in civil or transportation engineering, in any U.S. jurisdiction
  • Experience with roadway geometric design and applicable AASHTO and MUTCD standards
  • Experience on federally funded transportation projects, or with a state department of transportation
  • Comfortable serving as Engineer of Record or providing engineering concurrence on published findings
  • U.S. person as defined at 22 CFR 120.62

Preferred

  • Prior work with a state DOT on roadway design or transportation engineering
  • Familiarity with LiDAR or mobile data collection for roadway assets

How this works

This is a part-time consulting engagement performed remotely on your own schedule, with roughly 60 to 100 hours across a 24-month period of performance. Compensation is $50.00 per hour.

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