Construction/Design Engineer, Senior

Construction/Design Engineer, Senior

Salary

$77,313.60 - $119,038.40 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00220

Agency

005 Department of Administrative Services

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/24/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

geoff.wheelock@das.iowa.gov

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

State Construction Project Manager (State Design & Construction Engineer Senior)

Build Iowas Future

Every school, public safety facility, office building, laboratory, and state institution begins with thoughtful planning and exceptional project leadership. As a State Construction Project Manager, youll oversee capital improvement projects that shape the infrastructure supporting millions of Iowans.

In this role, youll serve as the State of Iowas representative throughout every phase of a projects lifecycle- from initial concept through design, construction, and final closeout. Youll lead complex projects, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and ensure taxpayer resources are invested wisely while delivering high-quality facilities that serve Iowans for decades to come.

If youre an experienced construction professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, managing multiple projects, and making a lasting impact through public service, wed love to hear from you.

Why Join DAS?

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) provides the essential services that allow state government to operate efficiently and effectively. Within DAS, the State Design & Construction team delivers capital improvement projects that support agencies across Iowa and improve the lives of those who rely on public facilities every day.

Our team manages a diverse portfolio of projects that range from renovations and infrastructure improvements to major new construction initiatives. Every project offers opportunities to collaborate with agency leaders, architects, engineers, contractors, and industry professionals while serving the people of Iowa.

At DAS, youll find meaningful work, supportive colleagues, professional growth opportunities, and the ability to leave a lasting legacy through the projects you deliver.

What Youll Do

As the State Construction Project Manager, youll serve as the States designated representative and single point of accountability for assigned capital improvement projects. Youll independently manage approximately 25-35 concurrent projects while balancing scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, and long-term value.

Responsibilities include:

Lead Capital Improvement Projects

• Manage projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout.
• Develop project scopes by evaluating facility conditions, operational needs, and long-term capital priorities.
• Establish project delivery strategies that align with agency goals, available funding, and procurement requirements.
• Ensure successful delivery while maintaining accountability for scope, budget, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Represent the State of Iowa

• Serve as the States advocate throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Balance cost, quality, schedule, operational needs, maintainability, and long-term value when making project decisions.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and timely communication to agency leadership and project stakeholders.

Manage Consultants and Construction Teams

• Lead procurement and selection of architects, engineers, construction managers, and specialty consultants.
• Oversee consultant performance throughout project delivery.
• Review design documents, coordinate multidisciplinary reviews, and resolve project issues.
• Hold construction managers and contractors accountable for quality, schedule, documentation, and contract compliance.

Administer Contracts and Project Finances

• Manage public procurement processes and construction contracts in accordance with Iowa law and State policies.
• Monitor project budgets and funding throughout each phase of delivery.
• Evaluate change orders, contractor payment applications, and project expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Recommend funding decisions and project priorities based on agency needs and available resources.

Manage Risk and Ensure Compliance

• Identify and mitigate project risks related to cost, schedule, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and code officials to obtain required approvals.
• Ensure construction activities comply with contract documents, applicable codes, and State requirements.

Build Strong Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison between customer agencies, executive leadership, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Facilitate meetings, presentations, and executive briefings.
• Build collaborative relationships while resolving competing priorities and complex project challenges.

What Were Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who combines strong technical construction knowledge with exceptional project management and communication skills. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Make sound, independent decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Negotiate contracts and resolve challenging project issues.
• Analyze financial impacts and manage project budgets.
• Communicate effectively with technical professionals, agency leadership, and executive stakeholders.
• Balance competing priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.

Why Youll Love This Role

• Lead projects that have a lasting impact on communities across Iowa.
• Work with a diverse portfolio of facilities and construction projects.
• Collaborate with industry experts and leaders from agencies across state government.
• Exercise significant professional autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Help shape Iowas public infrastructure for generations to come.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, were committed to supporting your career, your well-being, and your future. As a member of our team, youll enjoy:

• Generous Paid Time Off- Vacation that rolls over annually, unlimited sick leave accrual, and nine paid holidays each year.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits- Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Security- Membership in the IPERS retirement system, plus optional deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts- Medical and dependent care options to help you save.
• Life Insurance- Employer-paid life insurance coverage.
• Additional Support- Employee Assistance Program, wellness resources, and employee discount programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage.

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in architecture, or in civil, mechanical, architectural or a related engineering field, and experience equal to six years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures;

OR

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full time work experience for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years;

OR

possession of a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners and four years of the above described professional experience;

OR

possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and four years of the above described professional experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset - our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendly Total Compensation Calculator. Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind. Click here to learn more about IPERS.

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.
• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq
• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Have you graduated from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in architecture, or in civil, mechanical, architectural or a related engineering field? IF YES - How many years of experience do you have of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures?

• I have not graduated with a degree in the identified fields
• I have graduated with a degree in one of the identified fields and I have less than one year of full-time engineering work
• I have graduated with a degree in one of the identified fields and I one year to less than three years of full-time engineering work
• I have graduated with a degree in one of the identified fields and I have three years to less than six years of full-time engineering work
• I have graduated with a degree in one of the identified fields and I have six or more years of full-time engineering work

04

How many years do you have of a combination of accredited college or university course work in architecture; civil, mechanical, architectural or a related engineering field AND/OR full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures? 30 semester hours equals one year of experence.

• I do not have any of the education and/or experience
• Less than two years of the combined education and/or experience
• Two years to less than five years of the combined education and/or experience
• Five years to less than eight years of the combined education and/or experience
• Eight years to less than ten years of the combined education and/or experience
• Ten years or more of the combined education and/or experience

05

Do you possess a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures?

• I do not possess a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners
• I do possess a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners and have less than two years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures
• I do possess a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners and have two years to less than four years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures
• I do possess a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners and have four years or more of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures

06

Do you possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners? IF YES - How many years do you have of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures?

• I do not possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners
• I do possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and have less than two years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures
• I do possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and have two years to less than four years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures
• I do possess a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and have four or more years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 005 Department of Administrative Services Address Hoover State Office Building

1305 E Walnut St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website https://das.iowa.gov