ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Professional Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Nova Talent Solutions

Engineering Manager

Ames, IA

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

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 ...

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 ...

Baker Group

Mechanical Engineer - Industrial

Ankeny, IA · On-site

Professional Engineer license MENTAL AND PHYSICAL COMPETENCIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS * Excellent team-working, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills * Strong innovative/creative ...

Olsson

Project Civil Engineer - Site Design

Ankeny, IA · On-site +1

$79K - $106K/yr

The project engineer is a registered professional engineer, whose supervision and guidance relate largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. The project ...

JEO Consulting Group

Electrical Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

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

next page

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 Aug 31, 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:

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

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.

Project Engineer Transportation

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$79K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

MSA Professional Services rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
MSA Professional Services is seeking a Project Engineer - Transportation to support the planning, design, and delivery of roadiway infrastructure projects throughout Iowa.
This role is ideal for a motivated civil engineer who enjoys balancing technical design work with client interaction and project coordination. You will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams on building design projects while contributing to project management, public engagement, and mentoring efforts.
MSA Professional Services is 100% employee-owned, meaning every employee has a direct stake in the success of the company. This ownership mindset drives our collaborative culture, long-term thinking, and commitment to delivering high-quality work for the communities we serve.
Come join the ownership team at MSA!
Employee Testimonial:
"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners."
-Project Engineer Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office
Responsibilities
Project Management & Client Coordination
  • Support project management activities including project planning, scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and QA/QC
  • Participate in virtual and in-person meetings with existing and prospective clients
  • Assist with client relationship management and project coordination efforts
  • Review and respond to project proposals with support from MSA team members

Transportation Design
  • Design roadway infrastructure projects
  • Prepare engineering details, specifications, bidding documents, and technical reports
  • Assist with preparation of regulatory permits and supporting documentation
  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary project teams to deliver high-quality solutions

Public Engagement & Communication
  • Assist with public meeting presentations, display preparation, and stakeholder engagement activities
  • Communicate effectively with clients, agencies, contractors, and internal teams
  • Support project communication and documentation throughout project phases

Construction Support & Mentorship
  • Provide construction-phase support and coordination as needed
  • Construction management and inspection experience is considered a plus
  • Assist with mentoring and supporting junior engineering staff
  • Contribute to team collaboration and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required

Experience
  • Minimum of 4 years of mobility/transportation engineering experience required
  • Iowa DOT project experience preferred
  • Experience using Bentley OpenRoads Designer

Licensure
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required

Skills
  • Experience with transportation infrastructure design and project delivery
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Previous client liaison and project management experience, or a desire to grow into that role
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within a consulting environment
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
  • Experience preparing technical reports, specifications, and bidding documents
  • Desire to work in a fast-paced consulting environment supporting public infrastructure projects
Why MSA
  • 100% employee-owned firm with 100+ years of community impact
  • Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
  • Flexible work-life integration
  • Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
  • Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Additional Benefits
Eligible employees also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Compensation Range: $79,000 -$126,500 (commensurate with experience)
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - As a 100% employee-owned company, eligible employees receive company shares at no cost
  • Flex Time: Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Generous employer match that is immediately 100% vested
  • Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for employees and eligible dependents
  • Paid Time Off - Minimum of 17 days in the first year
  • Paid Holidays - 8 holidays annually
  • Paid Parental Leave - regardless of birth parent
  • Employer-Paid Insurance - Life, short-term disability, and long-term disability coverage
  • Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) - Annual performance-based bonus opportunity
Equal Opportunity Employer
MSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
MSA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
Reasonable Accommodation Statement
If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact hr@msa-ps.com so we can assist you.

What MSA Professional Services employees say

Pay

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply