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Sustainability Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

SCS Engineers

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$65K - $100K/yr

Sustainable materials management * Recycling * Waste minimization studies * Organics management * Composting * Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and ...

SCS Engineers

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$65K - $100K/yr

Sustainable materials management * Recycling * Waste minimization studies * Organics management * Composting * Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and ...

SCS Engineers

Project Engineer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$65K - $100K/yr

Sustainable materials management * Recycling * Waste minimization studies * Organics management * Composting * Apply intensive and diversified knowledge of engineering and scientific principles and ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD) * Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$96K - $133K/yr

Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD) * Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD) * Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality ...

Ethos

Mechanical Design Engineering Manager

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$102K - $141K/yr

Serve as engineering owner for sustaining engineering, product changes, and platform evolution (non-NPD) * Ensure engineering support for production, including rapid resolution of design, quality ...

Vermeer Corporation

Engineer - Manufacturing

Pella, IA

$74K - $95K/yr

As an Engineer I - Manufacturing, you will support cross-functional teams to improve production processes, enhance product quality, and implement sustainable practices. This role plays a key part in ...

Vermeer Corporation

Engineer - Manufacturing

Pella, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

As an Engineer I - Manufacturing, you will support cross-functional teams to improve production processes, enhance product quality, and implement sustainable practices. This role plays a key part in ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer in Training

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$61K - $71K/yr

About Stantec Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think ...

Stantec

Civil Engineer in Training

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$61K - $71K/yr

About Stantec Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think ...

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All JobsSustainability Engineer JobsSustainability Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Sustainability Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$54K

$97.4K

$145.1K

How much do sustainability engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for sustainability engineer in Iowa is $97,387.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,900.00 and $105,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a sustainability engineer?

Sustainability Engineers are professionals who develop and implement solutions to minimize the environmental impact of engineering projects, processes, and products. They focus on integrating sustainable practices into design, construction, and manufacturing to promote energy efficiency, reduce waste, and conserve resources. Their work involves assessing environmental risks, ensuring compliance with regulations, and innovating new technologies that support long-term ecological balance. Sustainability Engineers collaborate with architects, scientists, and policymakers to create sustainable systems in industries such as construction, energy, and manufacturing.

What does a sustainability engineer do?

As a sustainability engineer, you design and develop products, buildings, and systems to meet certain sustainability specifications or certifications, such as the BREEAM standards for sustainable building or LEED building certifications. Your specific responsibilities differ based on the industry you are in, such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing. Some engineers work in manufacturing, for example, designing low-energy light bulbs or electric vehicles. Others work in civil engineering where they coordinate and manage large-scale sustainable building projects, including residential and commercial buildings, public parks, or industrial plants.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a sustainability engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sustainability Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental science or engineering, experience with sustainable design principles, and typically a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software, Green Building certification systems (such as LEED), and environmental management systems is crucial. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and effective communication skills help you collaborate and advocate for sustainable solutions. These competencies ensure you can design, implement, and promote environmentally responsible practices that meet regulatory and organizational goals.

How does a sustainability engineer typically collaborate with other departments to implement eco-friendly initiatives?

Sustainability Engineers often work closely with cross-functional teams, including facilities management, operations, and procurement, to develop and implement sustainable solutions. They may lead meetings to assess current processes and identify areas for improvement, ensuring all stakeholders understand and support environmental goals. Effective collaboration is key, as these engineers must communicate technical recommendations in a way that aligns with business objectives and regulatory requirements. This teamwork fosters a culture of sustainability and helps integrate eco-friendly practices across the organization.

What is the difference between Sustainability Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectSustainability EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in environmental, civil, or sustainability-related fields; certifications like LEED APBachelor's in environmental engineering or related fields; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning sustainable systems, analyzing energy use, working with green building projectsAssessing environmental impact, pollution control, remediation projects
Industry UsageConstruction, renewable energy, green building firmsGovernment agencies, consulting firms, manufacturing

While both roles focus on environmental impact, Sustainability Engineers primarily develop sustainable solutions and green projects, whereas Environmental Engineers focus on environmental protection and compliance. The roles often overlap but differ in their core objectives and project types.

More about Sustainability Engineer jobs

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For Sustainability Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Sustainability Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Sustainability Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,387 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Mechanical Design Engineer - Cedar Rapids , IA

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Mestek, Inc.
Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Mestek, Inc.external

$70 - $90/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Mestek Machinery is the industry-leading designer and manufacturer of the most complete, productive, and innovative metal forming solutions for the fabrication of HVAC sheet metal ductwork and fittings. Our family of brands– Engel Industries, Iowa Precision, and Roto-Die have people with decades of experience addressing every facet of the HVAC duct industry.

This position will be responsible for mechanical design efforts related to new product development, existing product improvement, and sustaining engineering. Primary responsibilities will include designing OEM systems and components which will involve the generation of CAD models, detailed engineering drawings, and creating BOM’s and manufacturing instructions. Additionally, this role will require sourcing mechanical components, submitting RFQs to vendors, and general adherence to and improvement of engineering processes within the organization. The ideal candidate will be self‑motivated, have a strong desire to learn new skills and be comfortable working on larger projects spanning weeks or months as well as fast turnaround projects requiring a couple of hours or days.

  • Detailed understanding of modern mechanical and electrical engineering principles and practice.
  • Knowledge and experience with hydraulic systems, and components and the ability to design and troubleshoot electro‑hydraulic machines.
  • Efficient CAD design skills with an ability to quickly design components for immediate production.
  • Willingness and desire to take complete ownership and responsibility for projects.
  • Able to perform design analysis such as tolerance stack‑up analysis and component life cycle estimations.
  • Ability to source and qualify mechanical components and vendors.
  • Identify performance issues on new or existing equipment, perform root cause analysis, and suggest possible solutions.
  • Proactively contribute to brainstorming and whiteboard sessions regarding new designs and productively critique existing designs led by other team members.
  • Thrive at working closely in a multi‑disciplinary team including mechanical, electrical, software, controls, etc.
RequirementsPreferred Experience
  • Experience using a Product Data Management system such as Autodesk Vault or Solidworks PDM.
  • Be able to interpret machine designs generated using 2‑D CAD methods.
  • Motivation to contribute to the improvement of engineering procedures.
  • Experience working in or closely with machine shops is a plus (welding, milling, turning, sheet metal, etc).
  • Strong knowledge and experience with 3D Cad software. Autodesk inventor (preferred), or other.
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