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Professional Engineer Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Senior Traffic Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$117K - $155K/yr

AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced professional for immediate placement in our Waterloo, or Des Moines, IA office to lead our traffic engineering services in Iowa. This position will work ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$117K - $155K/yr

AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced professional for immediate placement in our Waterloo, or Des Moines, IA office to lead our traffic engineering services in Iowa. This position will work ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$117K - $155K/yr

AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced professional for immediate placement in our Waterloo, or Des Moines, IA office to lead our traffic engineering services in Iowa. This position will work ...

Senior Traffic Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$117K - $155K/yr

AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced professional for immediate placement in our Waterloo, or Des Moines, IA office to lead our traffic engineering services in Iowa. This position will work ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

We are looking for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, improving ... Career growth and professional development opportunities Location: Waverly, Iowa As a federal ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

RFA Engineering ( www.rfamec.com ) supports industry-leading clients through the full software ... professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own ...

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our ... professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own ...

This is a full-time position that is indefinite in duration with the opportunity of professional ... Provide engineering design for the infrastructure for the facility, grounds and production ...

Projects complexity may integrate several areas of engineering and require limited management of outside design professionals and contractors. Provides troubleshooting of the facility infrastructure ...

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Professional Engineer information

See Waterloo, IA salary details

$43.1K

$90K

$126.6K

How much do professional engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional engineer in Waterloo, IA is $90,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $102,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Professional Engineers?

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 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.

Can you make $250,000 as an engineer?

Professional engineers can earn $250,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in high-demand industries such as aerospace, petroleum, or software engineering. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and employer, with senior-level positions and specialized skills commanding higher compensation.

What Do Professional Engineers 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 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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and engineering managers can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities. These positions often involve working in specialized industries, managing large projects, or overseeing teams in high-demand sectors like oil and gas, aerospace, or technology companies.

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 can you do as a professional engineer?

A professional engineer designs, develops, and evaluates systems, structures, or processes within their engineering discipline. They often hold a license that allows them to approve projects, sign off on plans, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Professional engineers work in various industries such as construction, manufacturing, and technology, using technical skills and tools like CAD software and engineering principles.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in fields such as petroleum, aerospace, software, and electrical engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles. High-paying engineering positions typically require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-demand industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Waterloo, IA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Waterloo, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Professional Engineer jobs in Waterloo, IA? For Professional Engineer jobs in Waterloo, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Waterloo, IA are hiring for Professional Engineer jobs? Cities near Waterloo, IA with the most Professional Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Professional Engineer job openings in Waterloo, IA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,025 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Senior Traffic Engineer

Senior Traffic Engineer

AECOM

Waterloo, IA

$117K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


AECOM rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

AECOM is seeking a motivated and experienced professional for immediate placement in our Waterloo, or Des Moines, IA office to lead our traffic engineering services in Iowa. This position will work closely with local leadership to grow a traffic engineering team to service a variety of clients based in Iowa such as Iowa DOT, City of Waterloo, and City of Cedar Falls. Responsibilities include development of a traffic engineering business, management of projects, recruiting, staff development, client relationships, and coordination with peers in AECOM's surface transportation business line. Our team works with local and national clients to provide solutions to their transportation needs. Typical projects will vary but may include ITS planning, traffic planning and analysis, signal/lighting design, and MOT. The successful candidate will be able to lead both planning/analysis and plan sheets, specifications and estimates (PS&E) development for projects across the state and around the region.

Position Responsibilities and duties include:

Lead, build, and support a team of professionals to deliver:

  • Traffic analysis, forecasting, safety studies, traffic simulation, and conceptual planning/design
  • Plan sheets, specifications & estimates, technical memoranda, reports, presentations and other project documentation
  • ITS or emerging technology projects following the systems engineering process
  • Serve in various roles on traffic/ITS projects, or tasks as project manager, technical leader, expert advisor, or quality control
  • Actively participate in the team's production of technical deliverables ranging from plans, specifications, estimates, reports, memorandums, etc.
  • Provide technical leadership and supervision of small-to-large tasks, working with junior staff and reviewing technical work and project documentation
  • Deliver assigned tasks on schedule and budget, while adhering to AECOM quality standards
  • Coordinate directly with other discipline groups within AECOM, as well as with external clients and sub-consultants
  • Perform work in accordance with agreed upon budget and schedule with little supervision.
  • Independently performs all the tasks necessary to complete primary design elements for engineering works.
  • Coordinate with Business Development leaders to capture project opportunities
Qualifications

Minimum Requirements

  • Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or related field and minimum of 8 years of related experience, or demonstrated equivalency of education and experience

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent
  • 12 + years of relevant experience
  • Professional Traffic Operations Engineer (PTOE)
  • Experience with Traffic Engineering projects and clients in Iowa
  • Experience with ITS or Emerging Technology projects and clients in Iowa
  • Experience in business development activities including preparing project proposals and firm marketing
  • Professional Engineer license in Iowa, or the ability to obtain license within 6 months
  • Experience and familiarity with traffic operational analysis including traffic projections, analysis, and simulation; traffic safety analysis, traffic signal warrants, traffic signal and pedestrian crossing control system analysis, and design
  • Experience and familiarity with ITS and technology projects following the systems engineering process and local client requirements
  • The right balance of management, technical skills, and experience serving internal and external clients
  • Familiarity with or knowledge of: MicroStation, AutoCAD, Synchro, VISSIM or other similar applications
Additional Information

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients' complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle - from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community-where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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