Civil Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Civil Engineer jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where infrastructure expansion, municipal development, and industrial growth drive consistent demand for transportation, structural, and water resources engineers. Major employers with a lasting Iowa presence include AECOM, HDR, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, hiring across career levels from entry-level project engineers to senior licensed PEs. Statewide investment in road and bridge rehabilitation and urban utility upgrades keeps openings active well beyond the metro cores. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Civil Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Civil Engineer jobs











Entry-Level Civil Engineer
DUBUQUE OR DAVENPORT, IOWA
Origin Design is a full-service professional design firm offering architecture, engineering, field services and land survey. We deliver impactful, sustainable solutions to help the clients and communities we work with thrive and grow.
Origin Design is currently hiring a full-time Entry-Level Civil Engineer capable of working across multiple teams and disciplines. This position will work under seasoned engineers to hone their design skills while working to serve our municipal and county clients.
We are looking for candidates that are excited about planning and design in the transportation, water resources, municipal, and utility infrastructure disciplines. The preferred candidate is one excited to work on diverse projects including: trails, bridges, urban/rural roadways, wastewater and stormwater collection and conveyance systems, as well as water distribution systems. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn software and skills related to traffic design, hydraulic and hydrology for structure sizing, and accessibility upgrades is required. This position will allow the individual to grow their knowledge base under highly skilled engineers while figuring out which parts of civil engineering they love and want to specialize in.
Origin Design emphasizes training and professional development to facilitate personal and professional growth in your career. We’ve worked hard to develop a culture of collaboration and position our employees for success. If you join our team, we will help you grow your skills and encourage your creativity. Your future starts here. #itstartshere #origincrew
Position Responsibilities.
- Support construction phase services, primarily in the field in an on-site observation role. Additional duties will include review of shop drawings, submittals, and responses to contractor questions, as appropriate for experience level.
- Assist Project Managers and Project Engineers in the planning, design and delivery of municipal, water resources, and transportation engineering projects.
- Support coordination with municipal and county clients to understand project needs and contribute to successful project outcomes.
- Assist with the preparation of engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and contract documents.
- Perform engineering design tasks under the supervision of a licensed Professional Engineer.
- Assist in with engineering calculations, quantity takeoffs, and preparation of technical reports.
- Ensure completeness, accuracy, and organization of design-related forms, calculations and documentation.
- Coordinate with internal project team members and assist with interdisciplinary collaboration.
Position Requirements.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline.
- Engineering Intern Certification, or ability to get one within 6 months.
- 0-4 years of relevant engineering experience, including internships or co-op experience.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Applications.
Preferred Position Qualifications.
- Prior experience or internship exposure to municipal, water resources, or transportation projects.
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil3D or similar design software.
Benefits.
- Work-life balance.
- Flexible work schedule.
- Competitive compensation package.
- Discretionary bonuses.
- PTO.
- Paid holidays.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- ESOP Employee Ownership.
- Strong health care plans.
- Life insurance coverage.
- 401k program with employer match.
- Full Employee Assistance Program.
- Health Savings Account with employer match.
- Continuing education.
- Tuition assistance.
- Relocation assistance.
How to Apply.
Cover letters and resumes can be uploaded to:
https://origindesign.com/careers.
Origin Design is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
See All 12 Civil Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineer JobsCivil Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Non-Profit & Social Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Iowa Professional Engineer license issued or reciprocally recognized by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
- Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a directly related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program
- Proficiency in civil design software such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, MicroStation, or Bentley OpenRoads
- Experience with transportation, structural, or site development projects in a public or private consulting environment
- Ability to manage project deliverables, timelines, and client communications across concurrent assignments
- Engineer-in-Training certification preferred for entry-level candidates progressing toward full PE licensure
Civil Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil engineer in Iowa?
To practice as a licensed civil engineer in Iowa, you earn an ABET-accredited civil engineering degree, pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to become an Engineer-in-Training, accumulate qualifying work experience, and then pass the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam. Licensure is issued by the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Most Iowa employers require or strongly prefer candidates who are already licensed or actively pursuing licensure.
How much do civil engineers make in Iowa?
Civil engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $96,430 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $64,900 for the lowest 10% to over $135,480 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire civil engineers in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring civil engineers in Iowa include Kleinfelder, Casey's, and DLR, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's mix of public agency work, consulting firms, and industrial clients means demand is spread across government contractors, regional engineering consultancies, and large infrastructure owners operating throughout the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most civil engineer jobs?
Des Moines, Dubuque, and Coralville lead Iowa for civil engineer openings. Des Moines anchors the market as the state capital and home to major DOT offices and consulting firms, Cedar Rapids draws demand through its manufacturing base and ongoing urban infrastructure work, and Davenport benefits from its position in the Quad Cities metro where cross-river transportation and utility projects generate steady engineering work.
Are there remote civil engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Civil engineering work is largely site-dependent, requiring field visits, coordination with contractors, and hands-on project oversight that doesn't translate to fully remote arrangements. About 40% of civil engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve planning, design review, or project management phases rather than active construction administration.
How can I get hired as a civil engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to Iowa consulting firms and public agencies that hire Engineer-in-Training candidates and support them through PE licensure. The Iowa Department of Transportation and municipal engineering departments in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids regularly hire new graduates for project engineer associate roles. Sitting for the FE exam before graduating and building a portfolio through internships or co-ops at firms like HR Green or WHKS strengthens any application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to civil engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to civil engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across consulting firms, public agencies, and industrial employers. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly from each listing.
See All 12 Civil Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Civil Engineer Jobs