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Professional Engineer Jobs in Pella, IA (NOW HIRING)

Professional Engineer (PE) license required or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe. * Experience with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design. * Familiarity with bridge analysis and design programs ...

Ability to obtain a Professional Engineering License in Civil Engineering in the State of Iowa within five years of hire. * Experience designing or operating drinking water and/or wastewater systems ...

Ability to obtain a Professional Engineering License in Civil Engineering in the State of Iowa within five years of hire. * Experience designing or operating drinking water and/or wastewater systems ...

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Professional Engineer information

See Pella, IA salary details

$47.2K

$98.6K

$138.6K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Pella, IA is $98,560.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,800.00 and $111,700.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Pella, IA?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Pella, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,560 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Project Engineer - Bridge

Olsson

Altoona, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We are Olsson. We engineer and design solutions that improve the world around us. As a company, we promise to always be responsive, transparent, and focused on results – for our people, our clients, and our company.

We're a people-centric firm, so it's no surprise our greatest asset is our people. The impact this creates is an environment that encourages our people to grow and be creative with their talents. This approach builds a culture that is uniquely Olsson. It allows us to grow our people as we grow our business. This, in turn, creates a lasting impact on the world around us.

Job Description

Our Bridge group works on a wide range of projects including bridge and retaining walls, dams, storm and traffic structures, inspections, rehabilitations, load ratings, and assisting with construction engineering services. We facilitate designs on transportation projects that include grade separations, interchanges, and stream crossings for public and private clients throughout the Midwest.

As a Bridge Engineer, you will contribute to the successful delivery of transportation structure projects by applying sound engineering principles, supporting design efforts, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams. Depending on your level of experience, you may take on increasing responsibility in technical design, project coordination, and client engagement.

In this role, you will work closely with project managers and team members to develop high-quality design solutions, support project execution, and help ensure work is completed within scope, schedule, and budget. There are opportunities to provide guidance to less experienced staff, contribute to team development, and grow into technical leadership responsibilities over time.

This position plays an important role in expanding our bridge engineering presence in the Des Moines market, offering the opportunity to help build and grow a strong local team while supporting impactful infrastructure projects across Iowa.

Qualifications

You are passionate about:

  • Working collaboratively with others.
  • Having ownership in the work you do.
  • Using your talents to positively affect communities.

You bring to the team:

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Minimum of 6 or more years of relevant engineering experience (level commensurate with experience).
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required or ability to obtain within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Experience with AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design.
  • Familiarity with bridge analysis and design programs (LARSA, LEAP Bridge, Lpile, SPColumn, or similar).
  • Experience with DOT bridge projects preferred.
  • Familiarity with MicroStation or similar design software.

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Additional Information

Olsson specializes in engineering and design, client advisory services, planning, field services, and environmental. Improving the world has been our mindset from the very beginning, back when Olsson first opened for business in 1956. And it will be our mindset for years to come.

As an Olsson employee, you will:

  • Receive a competitive 401(k) match
  • Be empowered to build your career with tailored development paths
  • Have the possibility for flexible work arrangements
  • Engage in work that has a positive impact on communities
  • Participate in a wellness program promoting balanced lifestyles

In addition, full-time employees will receive our traditional benefits package (health care, vision, dental, paid time off, etc.) and the opportunity to participate in a bonus system that rewards performance.

Olsson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran, and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, military status, or other protected status.

Olsson understands the importance of privacy and is committed to protecting job applicants' personal information. Pursuant to the California Consumer Privacy Act, as amended by the California Privacy Rights Act (collectively, the "CCPA"), this notice explains Olsson's practices regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of personal information for job applicants residing in California. Please read this Notice carefully to understand our privacy practices.

For more information about the types of information we collect and how we use it in connection with your general access and use of our website, please review our general California Privacy Notice here.