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Recent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Independence

Intern (Unpaid)

Independence, IA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... graduate program, or recent graduation from an accredited college or university. * Fields of study relevant to the department of interest (e.g., Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Criminal ...

IDEX

Mechanical Designer

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ...

RSM

Managed Microsoft 365 Consultant

Dubuque, IA

Familiarity with Azure DevOps, Power Platform, and M365 backup solutions * Strong customer service ... If you are a recent U.S. college / university graduate possessing 1-2 years of progressive and ...

IDEX Corporation

HR Specialist

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

Whether you're an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX ... With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR ...

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All JobsRecent Graduate Engineer JobsRecent Graduate Engineer Jobs in Iowa

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 9, 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 job categories do people searching Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Recent Graduate Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Recent Graduate Engineer job openings:
Recent Graduate Engineer jobs near you
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.
Intern (Unpaid)

Intern (Unpaid)

City of Independence

Independence, IA • On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

Internship

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Overview

We are always looking for the next generation of public service leaders to join our team in Independence. This general application is designed for students and recent graduates who are eager to learn how local government functions and who wish to contribute to the community. While we may not always have a specific vacancy, we maintain this open application process to connect with talented individuals when opportunities arise within our various departments.

Our Approach

Working for the City of Independence means joining a team dedicated to serving our residents with integrity and foresight. We operate with an Adaptive Leadership mindset. This means we value curiosity, we encourage asking difficult questions, and we believe that progress happens when we face challenges together. We are looking for individuals who are not just looking for a line on a resume but are genuinely interested in the work of building a stronger community.

Potential Areas of Focus

Depending on your educational background and our current projects, internship opportunities may be available in the following areas:

  • Administration & Management: Assisting with policy research, grant writing, and special projects in the City Manager’s Office.
  • Public Works & Engineering: Gaining hands-on experience with infrastructure planning, streets, and utilities.
  • Community Development: Working on planning, zoning, and economic development initiatives.
  • Public Safety: Shadowing and administrative support within our Police or Fire departments.
  • Parks & Recreation: Assisting with program management, facility operations, and event planning.
  • Finance & Human Resources: Learning the internal operations that keep our municipality running.

What We Value

We are looking for interns who possess the following traits:

  • Curiosity: You are eager to learn how a city functions and are willing to ask "why" we do things the way we do.
  • Adaptability: Local government is dynamic. We value team members who can pivot quickly when priorities change.
  • Collaborative Spirit: You understand that we achieve more when we work together across departments and with the community.
  • Professionalism: You represent the City in your interactions and take pride in delivering high-quality work.

Education and Experience

  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program, or recent graduation from an accredited college or university.
  • Fields of study relevant to the department of interest (e.g., Public Administration, Civil Engineering, Criminal Justice, Business, Urban Planning, etc.).

How to Apply

To be added to our candidate pool for future internship openings, please submit a cover letter and resume.

In your cover letter, please specify:

  1. The department(s) or areas of city government that interest you most.
  2. Your availability (semester, summer, specific dates).
  3. Whether you are seeking academic credit for the internship.

Please attach these materials to your application.

Subject line: General Internship Application – [Your Name]


Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At the end of this application, you will have the opportunity to complete a Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability.

Voluntary Self‑Identification of Disability

Completing this voluntary form will not affect your application in any way.
Your response is strictly confidential, stored separately in a confidential file, and will not be accessed or seen by anyone involved in hiring or selection decisions—ensuring no adverse treatment will result from your choice to decline or complete this form.