Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Iowa
Civil Engineering Intern jobs in Iowa concentrate in transportation infrastructure, municipal water systems, and land development, with demand steadily active across a state that consistently funds highway and bridge projects through the Iowa Department of Transportation. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Ames are the largest hiring metros, anchored by employers like AECOM, HDR Engineering, and the Iowa Department of Transportation, which maintain lasting civil engineering pipelines. The most in-demand specialties are transportation design, stormwater management, and structural drafting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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- Utilize technical software programs on a regular basis to analyze, produce, and QC deliverables for our clients.
- Contribute to the pre-construction civil engineering design, planning, modification, permitting, and analysis for multiple projects ranging in size and scope.
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- Interns will learn one or more software programs specific to their disciplines: AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Excel, Microstation, VISSIM, Open Roads, Synchro and/or GIS
- In the process of receiving an ABET accredited engineering degree (Bachelors or Masters) in one of the following majors:
- Civil and/or Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical, or Agricultural Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Rate: $27-$28
- Utilize technical software programs on a regular basis to analyze, produce, and QC deliverables for our clients.
- Contribute to the pre-construction civil engineering design, planning, modification, permitting, and analysis for multiple projects ranging in size and scope.
- Solve complex problems, assist project managers, and collaborate across disciplines to produce our clients’ visions for the future built environment.
- Develop familiarity with the federal, state, and local regulations, as well as Kimley-Horn’s and our client’s practices, procedures, and standards.
- Interns will learn one or more software programs specific to their disciplines: AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D, Excel, Microstation, VISSIM, Open Roads, Synchro and/or GIS
- In the process of receiving an ABET accredited engineering degree (Bachelors or Masters) in one of the following majors:
- Civil and/or Environmental Engineering
- Mechanical, Biological, Biosystems, Chemical, or Agricultural Engineering
- Engineering Technology
- Rate: $27-$28
See All 10 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Iowa
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Find Civil Engineering Intern JobsCivil Engineering Intern Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Civil Engineering Intern Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in civil engineering intern jobs across Iowa.
- Currently enrolled in an ABET-accredited civil engineering or civil engineering technology program
- Proficiency in AutoCAD or Civil 3D for design drafting and site plan development
- Familiarity with Iowa DOT design standards and project documentation requirements
- Coursework completed in structural analysis, fluid mechanics, or transportation engineering
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for client and agency correspondence
- Ability to work on-site in Iowa field conditions including construction observation and survey support
Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a civil engineering intern in Iowa?
To become a civil engineering intern in Iowa, you need to be enrolled in or have completed a civil engineering or related degree program at an accredited university such as Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, or the University of Northern Iowa. While Iowa does not require licensure to work as an intern, candidates who have passed the NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering exam and registered as an Engineer Intern with the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board stand out strongly to employers.
Which companies hire civil engineering interns in Iowa?
Employers hiring civil engineering interns in Iowa right now include Bolton & Menk, AECOM, and IMEG, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's consistent infrastructure investment through state and municipal programs means firms with long-standing DOT contracts and municipal engineering contracts tend to hire interns on recurring seasonal cycles.
Which Iowa cities have the most civil engineering intern jobs?
The cities with the most civil engineering intern openings in Iowa are Ames, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids. Des Moines dominates as the state capital with the highest concentration of consulting firms, municipal engineering departments, and state agency offices, while Cedar Rapids and Ames draw volume from regional infrastructure projects, private development, and proximity to Iowa State University's engineering programs.
Are there remote civil engineering intern jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Civil engineering internships are heavily field- and site-oriented, making full remote work uncommon for most tasks. About 0% of civil engineering intern openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and when flexibility exists it is typically limited to CAD drafting, data analysis, or report writing tasks that can be completed off-site.
How can I get hired as a civil engineering intern in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to Iowa DOT district offices or mid-size Iowa consulting firms that run structured summer intern programs for students after their first or second year of engineering coursework. Iowa State University and the University of Iowa both coordinate employer recruiting events where firms like HDR and Snyder and Associates actively target students with no prior work history. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam early and building a portfolio of AutoCAD or Civil 3D coursework projects gives candidates a clear edge over peers with identical academic records.
Where can I find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to civil engineering intern jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across transportation, municipal, and private-sector employers. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 10 Civil Engineering Intern Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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