1

Utility Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA) Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where ... Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Review and interpret engineering drawings, codes, and construction schedules, verifying that ... Minimum of 5 years of experience in the utility or pipeline industry. * Prior experience with ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Utility Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$32.9K

$90.9K

$156.9K

How much do utility engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility engineer in Iowa is $90,902.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,200.00 and $111,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Utility Engineer Do?

A utility engineer is a civil engineer who works for a utility company, such as a water, gas, or electric company. Their job duties are to design, implement, and maintain utility infrastructures, such as water or gas mains, electrical grids, and other types of delivery systems. Qualifications for a utility engineer include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field of engineering and experience. Professional certification is available. Problem-solving and leadership skills are important in this career.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. These roles typically require advanced technical knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and sometimes work in high-cost-of-living areas or industries with high demand for expertise.

What are Utility Engineers?

Utility Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, maintaining, and overseeing the infrastructure systems that deliver essential services such as water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications. They ensure these utility systems operate efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Utility Engineers may work for utility companies, government agencies, or private consulting firms, and their roles often involve project management, system upgrades, troubleshooting, and field inspections. Their expertise is critical for supporting the infrastructure that communities and businesses rely on daily.

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

To thrive as a Utility Engineer, you need a solid background in civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering, often supported by a bachelor's degree and a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and utility-specific modeling tools is typically required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with stakeholders and addressing complex infrastructure challenges. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable utility systems that meet regulatory and community needs.

What do utility engineers do?

Utility engineers design, maintain, and optimize systems that provide essential services such as water, electricity, and gas. They analyze infrastructure, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards, often using tools like CAD software and requiring technical certifications. Their work environment typically includes field inspections and office planning.

What is the difference between Utility Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectUtility EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, often with certifications in facilities or utility managementBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering; licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentFacilities, power plants, utility systems within industrial or commercial sitesDesign, manufacturing, or maintenance settings involving mechanical systems
Industry UsageCommon in utility companies, industrial plants, and large facilitiesWidespread across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and HVAC industries

Utility Engineers focus on maintaining and optimizing utility systems like power, water, and HVAC within facilities, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems across various industries. Both roles require engineering degrees, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ significantly.

What are some common challenges Utility Engineers face when coordinating projects across multiple departments?

Utility Engineers often work on projects that require input and collaboration from various departments such as operations, maintenance, environmental compliance, and construction. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment of project goals, schedules, and regulatory requirements among these diverse teams. Utility Engineers must be proactive in facilitating meetings, managing documentation, and addressing any conflicts or misunderstandings that arise. Developing strong organizational and interpersonal skills is essential to successfully navigate these challenges and keep projects on track.
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Utility Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Utility Engineer jobs in IA? For Utility Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Utility Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,902 per year, or $43.7 per hour.
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)

3M

Lovilia, IA

$37.28/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Job Description:
Utility Operator (Knoxville, IA)
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a diversity of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Utility Operator, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative and diverse people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Learning to read and understand mechanical, electrical, logic pneumatic and hydraulic prints when troubleshooting and/or repairing utility equipment.
  • Learning to read and work to indicated accuracy, specifications and tolerances as detailed on engineering drawings, machine assembly prints, machine construction prints, blueprints, sketches, equipment manuals, and vendor diagrams, using both U.S. customary and SI (metric) systems of measurement.
  • Working on equipment installed in cramped locations as well as elevated locations using scaffolding, ladders, hi-jackers, or boom truck, or on roofs of buildings, in pits, or in confined or hazardous locations.
  • Learning to follow corporate, plant and department procedures always relating to work and safety procedures to avoid personal injury, injury to co-workers, and/or damage to company property.
  • Continuously learn new technologies and methods through the installation/modification of equipment, in-house training, and external training.
  • Learning to read PLC ladder logic and utilize PLC programming panels to troubleshoot equipment.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older to be considered for this 3M Production role, in compliance with U.S. labor and safety laws.
  • Possess a High School Diploma/GED or higher (completed prior to start)
  • Two (2) or more years' experience of industrial boiler maintenance experience in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Current and Valid Driver's License

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Within the first year you will be required to go to low- and high-pressure boiler classes, along with getting certified as a 1st class Engineer or equivalent through a reputable source.
  • Three (3) years of applicable utility technician maintenance experience

Work location:
  • Knoxville, IA

Travel: None
Relocation Assistance: Is not authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting assistant on 3M.com/careers.
The starting rate of pay for this position is $30.93 , with the potential to reach $37.28 . This targeted compensation range represents a good faith estimate and can vary based on factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Other benefits and incentives may apply; pay and benefits overview: . This information is being disclosed in accordance with local Pay Transparency Rules.
#INDPROD
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview:
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here) . Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.