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Trainee Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Silgan

Production Management Trainee

Burlington, IA · On-site

Production Management Trainee, Burlington, IA Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Silgan

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Engie

Electrician Trainee

Iowa City, IA · On-site

Engineers * Data / Digital & IT * Support functions * R&D / Innovation * Management & Consulting ... Job alerts Electrician Trainee Posting Start Date: 8/8/26 Requisition ID: 70097

Bureau Veritas

As a Trainee Inspector, you'll verify that our clients' pressure vessel welds, assemblies, and ... Bachelor's Degree or higher in Engineering, Technology, Science, or Mathematics from an accredited ...

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All JobsEngineer JobsTrainee Engineer JobsTrainee Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Trainee Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$28.6K

$64.4K

$108.5K

How much do trainee engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee 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 is a trainee engineer?

Trainee engineers are entry-level professionals who have recently completed their engineering education and are undergoing practical training within an organization. Their role is to gain hands-on experience, develop technical skills, and learn about the company's processes under the guidance of senior engineers. Trainee engineers may rotate through different departments to understand various aspects of engineering work and to identify their areas of interest. The goal is to prepare them for full-time engineering positions by building a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills.

What do trainee engineers do?

As a Trainee Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of entry-level engineering projects under the guidance of experienced team members. Typical responsibilities include assisting with technical documentation, conducting research, performing basic calculations or tests, and supporting ongoing design or implementation tasks. You'll often collaborate closely with engineers from different disciplines, attend regular team meetings, and participate in training sessions to build your technical and soft skills. This hands-on experience is designed to help you understand company processes and prepare you for more complex assignments as you progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, analytical skills, and a relevant degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, industry-specific tools, and an openness to learning new technologies is typically expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and teamwork set standout candidates apart. These skills ensure you can effectively contribute to projects, adapt to evolving technical requirements, and integrate smoothly into engineering teams.

What is the difference between Trainee Engineer vs Junior Engineer?

AspectTrainee EngineerJunior Engineer
QualificationsTypically pursuing or recently completed relevant degree or diplomaCompleted degree or diploma, with some work experience
Work EnvironmentTraining period, supervised tasks, learning-focusedIndependent task execution, project involvement
ResponsibilitiesAssisting senior staff, learning proceduresPerforming assigned technical tasks, supporting projects
Career StageEntry-level, training phaseEarly career, gaining experience

In summary, a Trainee Engineer is in the learning and training phase, focusing on skill development under supervision, while a Junior Engineer has completed their education and is actively working on technical tasks with more independence, marking the beginning of their professional career.

How much does a trainee engineer make?

A trainee engineer's salary typically ranges from $30,000 to $50,000 annually, depending on the industry, location, and level of education. Entry-level positions often include on-the-job training and may offer additional benefits such as certifications or skill development opportunities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Trainee Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Trainee Engineer job openings:

Trainee Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee 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 $64,449 per year, or $31 per hour.

Operations Management Trainee

Alter Trading Corp

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Alter Trading rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

65th of 92 rated recycling and waste

Job description

Ready to Lead in Metal Recycling? 

Alter Trading’s hands-on Management Trainee Program is your fast track to running a department, a facility or in a sales function at one of the nation’s leading scrap metal recyclers. Over the course of 8–12 months, you’ll rotate not only through operations, logistics, sales, safety, and leadership functions, but also across multiple facilities - gaining the broad perspective, skills, and real-world exposure needed to run a site or lead a functional team. This program is designed as a multi-location rotation across Alter's locations in multiple cities and states. The city where this posting is listed may not be the location where the training will occur.  


What You’ll Do

  • Learn the ins and outs of metal recycling—from the scale to the sale.
  • Rotate through Operations, Commercial Sales, Inventory, Safety, and Equipment Maintenance.
  • Support real production, scheduling, and transportation efforts.
  • Shadow and learn from seasoned yard managers.
  • Gain exposure to customer relationships, negotiations, and pricing.
  • Learn to manage people, processes, and profits.
  • Prepare to lead your own team or facility upon program completion.
  • Rotate through various Alter locations to gain further exposure.

What We’re Looking For

  • Associate's, Bachelor’s degree (preferred majors: Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Industrial Tech) or 5+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong communication, leadership potential, and business math skills.
  • Willingness to relocate and work hands-on in a heavy industrial environment.
  • Problem-solvers who are curious, adaptable, and ready to lead.
  • Ability to relocate required. Assistance provided. 

Program Perks

  • Competitive pay and benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, PTO).
  • 401(k) with company match.
  • Relocation and temporary housing assistance, if eligible.
  • Ongoing coaching, mentoring, and advancement opportunities.

  About Alter Trading


Founded in 1898, Alter Trading Corporation is a family-owned, fifth-generation company and one of the nation’s leading scrap metal recycling firms. With more than 70 facilities across the Midwest and Southern U.S., we are committed to environmental sustainability, operational excellence, and developing leaders from within.


Apply Today!

Ready to lead and grow with a company that values safety, teamwork, and operational excellence? Click Apply Now to start your journey with Alter Trading Corporation as a Management Trainee.

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