1

Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Graduate Engineer - Civil

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$50K - $95K/yr

Graduate Engineer - Civil Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Des Moines, IA ... Here are a few recent projects: * Cherapa, Sioux Falls * City of Des Moines Market District * Brio ...

Graduate Engineer - Civil

Storm Lake, IA ยท On-site

$50K - $95K/yr

Graduate Engineer - Civil Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Storm Lake, IA ... Here are a few recent projects: * Cherapa, Sioux Falls * City of Des Moines Market District * Brio ...

This role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about energy efficiency and eager to build technical and client-facing consulting skills. Technical ...

Energy Efficiency Engineer

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

This role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about energy efficiency and eager to build technical and client-facing consulting skills. Technical ...

Energy Efficiency Engineer

Hiawatha, IA ยท On-site +1

$80K - $100K/yr

This role is ideal for a recent engineering graduate or early-career engineer who is passionate about energy efficiency and eager to build technical and client-facing consulting skills. Technical ...

Field Application Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site +1

$54K - $81K/yr

Whether you're a recent graduate or early in your career, this is your opportunity to grow with a global leader in automation and technology. What You'll Do As a Field Application Engineer , you'll ...

This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career engineer or recent graduate to gain hands-on experience in geotechnical engineering while working under the mentorship of experienced Professional ...

This is an excellent opportunity for an earlycareer engineer or recent graduate to gain handson experience in geotechnical engineering while working under the mentorship of experienced Professional ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Recent Graduate Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$64.4K

$108.5K

How much do recent graduate engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for recent graduate engineer in Iowa is $64,449.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,800.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges recent graduate engineers face during their first year on the job?

Recent graduate engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to real-world project timelines, transitioning from academic theory to practical application, and understanding workplace communication protocols. Navigating team dynamics and learning to balance multiple tasks or projects simultaneously can also be new experiences. Seeking mentorship and actively asking questions can help ease the transition and accelerate professional growth in the early stages of an engineering career.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Recent Graduate Engineer, you need a solid grasp of engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with industry-standard software such as AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks, as well as experience with project management tools, is typically expected. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability will help you excel in collaborative, fast-paced environments. These skills are crucial for effectively contributing to projects, learning quickly on the job, and successfully transitioning from academia to professional engineering practice.

What is the difference between Recent Graduate Engineer vs Entry-Level Engineer?

AspectRecent Graduate EngineerEntry-Level Engineer
QualificationsRecent degree, limited work experienceSame as recent graduate, possibly some internships
Work EnvironmentTraining-focused, supervised rolesOperational roles with increasing responsibilities
Industry UsageCommonly used for new graduates entering engineering rolesBroader term for early-career engineers

Recent Graduate Engineer typically refers to individuals who have recently completed their engineering degree and are starting their professional careers, often in training or supervised roles. Entry-Level Engineer is a broader term that includes recent graduates and those with minimal work experience beginning their engineering jobs. Both roles are aimed at early-career professionals, but 'Recent Graduate Engineer' emphasizes the candidate's recent academic completion, while 'Entry-Level Engineer' highlights the job level regardless of graduation timing.

What are recent graduate engineers?

Recent graduate engineers are individuals who have recently completed an engineering degree and are beginning their professional careers. They typically have foundational knowledge in their specific engineering discipline, such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. These engineers often start in entry-level positions where they gain practical experience, develop technical skills, and learn workplace protocols. Many employers offer training and mentorship programs to help recent graduates transition smoothly into the workforce.
What are popular job titles related to Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Recent Graduate Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Recent Graduate Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,449 per year, or $31 per hour.
Graduate Engineer - Civil

Graduate Engineer - Civil

ISG

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$50K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Graduate Engineer - Civil
Department: Civil
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Des Moines, IA
Compensation: $50,000 - $95,000 / year
Description
Founded in 1973, ISG is a multi-disciplinary, full-service architecture, engineering, planning, and interior design firm, supporting clients throughout the nation. ISG is looking to add to our team! As a Civil Graduate Engineer, you will be an ISG Employee Owner working collaboratively with your fellow employee owners to develop creative solutions. In this role, you will work closely with Jerremy Foss, PE, CNUA, Civil Engineering Group Leader. You will also collaborate with ISG internal resources for design and project collaboration, project execution, code review and evaluations, specification writers, visualization specialists, and construction administrators.
Here are a few recent projects:
  • Cherapa, Sioux Falls
  • City of Des Moines Market District
  • Brio, Osh Kosh
  • Bryk on Broadway, Rochester

Essential Duties
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of general civil engineering strategies
  • Prepare drawings, documents, details, schedules, or specifications using programs such as AutoCAD, Civil3D, and ArcGIS
  • Serve as a liaison with clients, government and regulatory authorities, and contractors
  • Provide expertise on construction sites as needed
  • Interface with contractors, clients, and other ISG team members in a positive and professional manner
  • Subscribe to our goals and objectives, operating with a collaborative mentality
  • Become a complementary member of our team, and on a project-by-project basis

We've listed a compensation range that reflects our expectations for this role, including both direct and indirect components. We understand that your experience and value may fall outside of this range. If you feel you're a strong fit but your compensation needs differ, we're open to a conversation-let's talk.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • Bachelor's Degree in an accredited Civil Engineering program
  • 1-2+ years of relevant experience and an EIT certification
  • Working knowledge of AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook)
  • Working knowledge of the design standards
  • Ability to travel to various job sites and office locations
  • Able to multi-task and establish priorities
  • Strong communication, report writing, organization, analytical and interpersonal skills
  • Self-directed and can work independently with minimal supervision

ISG Employee Owner Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision
  • Paid time off, pro-rated amount available on your start date
  • Paid holidays and paid volunteer time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Bi-annual profit sharing
  • Employee Ownership Stock Plan (ESOP)
  • 401K retirement plan
  • Life insurance
  • HSA and FSA options
  • Bereavement leave
  • Supplemental voluntary benefits
  • Short term and long-term disability
  • Parking reimbursement, varies on office location
  • Cell phone plan reimbursement
  • Mileage reimbursement for ISG-approved travel