Construction Jobs in Iowa
Construction jobs in Iowa are concentrated in commercial development, infrastructure, and residential building, with steady demand from a sector that keeps pace with the state's growth in manufacturing facilities and urban renewal. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are the busiest hiring metros, anchored by firms like Ryan Companies, McComas-Lacina Construction, and Knutson Construction. Framing, electrical rough-in, and heavy equipment operation are among the most consistently sought specialties. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Description
The Waldinger Corporation has an opportunity for a qualified Mechanical Design Engineer.
Job Summary:
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an integral role in transforming project concepts into practical, constructible solutions. Working closely with Operations, project teams, and customers, this position is responsible for the design, analysis, and coordination of mechanical systems from project development through construction and commissioning.
Responsibilities:
Preconstruction Duties:
- Works with Operations, customers, and project stakeholders to define project objectives, establish design criteria, and develop practical project solutions.
- Assists in the development of conceptual designs, engineering estimates, schematic budgets, and scopes of work.
- Identifies project risks, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value improvement early in the project lifecycle.
- Participates in project pursuits and supports business development efforts through technical expertise and solution development.
Engineering & System Development:
- Designs HVAC, plumbing, piping, and related mechanical systems for design-build projects.
- Performs load calculations, equipment selection, system analysis, and code compliance reviews.
- Develops sequences of operation and evaluates design alternatives based on performance, reliability, maintainability, and project requirements.
- Produces engineering calculations, reports, drawings, and other technical deliverables.
Project Execution & Coordination
- Coordinates with Operations, designers, BIM personnel, vendors, and trade partners throughout the project.
- Participates in project meetings and provides discipline-specific leadership during design and construction.
- Supports project teams through technical problem-solving, design clarification, and resolution of field-related issues.
- Reviews engineering deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project goals.
Construction Support
- Supports field operations through submittal review, startup assistance, commissioning activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
- Performs site visits to verify existing conditions, review installation progress, and evaluate completed work.
- Supports project closeout, turnover activities, and post-installation system performance reviews.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Provides mentorship, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing to engineers, designers, and project teams.
- Participates in peer reviews and contributes to the development of engineering standards, tools, and best practices.
- Supports departmental initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, innovation, and professional development.
- Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus.
Requirements:
Job Related Experience: 5-10 years of design engineering experience
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Construction Engineering or related field or equivalent experience
Certification: P.E. License
Travel Requirements: Occasional Travel
We Offer:
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Growth potential with a stable company
- Paid vacation
- Health club reimbursement
- Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
- 401k with company match and profit-sharing
- Continuing education and advancement opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Term, AD&D, and Dependent Life insurances
- Prepaid Legal
The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.
The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.
Description
The Waldinger Corporation has an opportunity for a qualified Mechanical Design Engineer.
Job Summary:
The Mechanical Design Engineer plays an integral role in transforming project concepts into practical, constructible solutions. Working closely with Operations, project teams, and customers, this position is responsible for the design, analysis, and coordination of mechanical systems from project development through construction and commissioning.
Responsibilities:
Preconstruction Duties:
- Works with Operations, customers, and project stakeholders to define project objectives, establish design criteria, and develop practical project solutions.
- Assists in the development of conceptual designs, engineering estimates, schematic budgets, and scopes of work.
- Identifies project risks, constructability concerns, and opportunities for value improvement early in the project lifecycle.
- Participates in project pursuits and supports business development efforts through technical expertise and solution development.
Engineering & System Development:
- Designs HVAC, plumbing, piping, and related mechanical systems for design-build projects.
- Performs load calculations, equipment selection, system analysis, and code compliance reviews.
- Develops sequences of operation and evaluates design alternatives based on performance, reliability, maintainability, and project requirements.
- Produces engineering calculations, reports, drawings, and other technical deliverables.
Project Execution & Coordination
- Coordinates with Operations, designers, BIM personnel, vendors, and trade partners throughout the project.
- Participates in project meetings and provides discipline-specific leadership during design and construction.
- Supports project teams through technical problem-solving, design clarification, and resolution of field-related issues.
- Reviews engineering deliverables to ensure technical accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project goals.
Construction Support
- Supports field operations through submittal review, startup assistance, commissioning activities, and troubleshooting efforts.
- Performs site visits to verify existing conditions, review installation progress, and evaluate completed work.
- Supports project closeout, turnover activities, and post-installation system performance reviews.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Provides mentorship, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing to engineers, designers, and project teams.
- Participates in peer reviews and contributes to the development of engineering standards, tools, and best practices.
- Supports departmental initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, innovation, and professional development.
- Promotes a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous learning, and customer focus.
Requirements:
Job Related Experience: 5-10 years of design engineering experience
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Construction Engineering or related field or equivalent experience
Certification: P.E. License
Travel Requirements: Occasional Travel
We Offer:
- Paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Growth potential with a stable company
- Paid vacation
- Health club reimbursement
- Wellness plan with lifestyle spending account
- 401k with company match and profit-sharing
- Continuing education and advancement opportunities
- Tuition reimbursement
- Term, AD&D, and Dependent Life insurances
- Prepaid Legal
The Waldinger Corporation is an EOE, including disability/vets.
The Waldinger Corporation participates in E-Verify.
See All 46 Construction Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Construction JobsConstruction Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Construction Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in construction jobs across Iowa.
- Valid Iowa contractor registration or license recognized by the Iowa Division of Labor
- Proven experience operating construction equipment such as excavators, skid steers, or cranes
- Working knowledge of OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 safety certification standards
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and project specifications
- Physical ability to lift heavy materials and work extended hours on active job sites
- Reliable transportation to reach job sites across urban and rural Iowa locations
Construction Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a construction in Iowa?
Most construction trades in Iowa require registration or licensure through the Iowa Division of Labor, which oversees contractor and specialty trade credentials including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. Candidates typically complete a formal apprenticeship through an Iowa-affiliated trade union or a community college vocational program, then pass the relevant state exam. General laborers can enter without licensure, but obtaining an OSHA certification and a trade-specific credential from an accredited Iowa program significantly improves hiring prospects.
Which companies hire constructions in Iowa?
Employers hiring constructions in Iowa right now include Push, JP Cullen, and Uniti, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's mix of commercial developers, municipal infrastructure contractors, and manufacturing facility builders keeps a broad range of firms actively recruiting across trades and skill levels.
Which Iowa cities have the most construction jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Davenport have the most construction openings in Iowa right now. Des Moines leads because of its expanding commercial corridor and ongoing downtown redevelopment, while Cedar Rapids draws volume from industrial and warehouse builds, and Davenport benefits from Quad Cities infrastructure investment and cross-river commercial projects that sustain demand year-round.
Are there remote construction jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Construction work is inherently on-site and hands-on, so fully remote roles make up a small share of total openings. About 27% of construction openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and those positions tend to be in project management, estimating, or construction administration rather than field trades.
How can I get hired as a construction in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a registered apprenticeship with an Iowa-based trade union such as those affiliated with the Iowa Building and Construction Trades Council, where you earn while you learn. Large general contractors like Knutson Construction and Ryan Companies also bring on construction laborers and helper-level hires directly. Community colleges including Kirkwood and DMACC offer short-term certificate programs that give candidates a credential edge, and an OSHA 10 card is often enough to get an interview started.
Where can I find and apply to construction jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to construction jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across trades, skill levels, and regions. Search the roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 46 Construction Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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