Staff Engineer

Staff Engineer

Salary

$66,830.40 - $103,500.80 Annually

Location

Cedar Rapids - 52401 - Linn County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

27-00235

Agency

645 Iowa Department of Transportation

Opening Date

07/24/2026

Closing Date

8/3/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-POST

Point of Contact

Danielle Alvarez - Danielle.Alvarez@iowadot.us

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Job Description

The Iowa Department of Transportation's Field Operations Division is seeking a motivated Transportation Engineer Associate to join our District 6 Design Team in Cedar Rapids as a Staff Engineer.

As a Staff Engineer, you will contribute to a wide range of projects, from pavement preservation and resurfacing to bridge replacements, safety enhancements, ADA improvements, and rural/urban infrastructure work. You'll grow your skills, learn established engineering practices, and play an essential role in protecting and preserving the public's investment in our transportation system, specifically within a 12-county area in east central Iowa.

In this entry-level engineering role, you'll work under the guidance of experienced Professional Engineers while supporting the planning, design, and delivery of highway improvement projects that keep people safe and east central Iowa moving. This position is part of a Trainee/Journey Classification and is eligible for reclassification to a Transportation Engineer (current pay range: $72,238.40 - $111,238.40) within 6 months of hire with licensure as a PE. Learn more about Trainee/Journey Classifications here.

The Iowa DOT's mission is Making Lives Better Through Transportation. To help us fulfill this mission, the person selected for this position will demonstrate actions and behaviors guided by our five core values: Safety First, People Matter, Customer Focused, Servant Leadership, and Integrity Without Exception.

Location: District 6 Office, Cedar Rapids

Shift Requirements: 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Monday - Friday, flex schedule and partial telework options available. Some travel required.

As a Staff Engineer, your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Provide engineering support for District 6 highway design projects under the guidance of the Senior Transportation Engineer.
• Learn and apply DOT engineering procedures, developing technical skills and increasing independence over time.
• Assess highway conditions, evaluate alternatives, identify project needs, and recommend practical improvements.
• Participate in project reviews, field exams, and public meetings.
• Prepare and maintain reliable project cost estimates for programming and funding decisions.
• Assist with the design and review of transportation projects, including preparing plans, using design software, reviewing constructability, monitoring schedules and costs, and documenting design exceptions.
• Support operational activities of the District including engineering support to maintenance staff, reviewing permits for work interfacing with DOT right-of-way, and responding to public inquiries.

Special Requirements:

• Applicants hired with verification of graduation must graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.
• Possession of an Engineer certificate issued by the Iowa State Board of Engineering Examiners is required within 18 months of hire. Licensure as a professional engineer is required within 6 years of hire for continued employment in this classification.
• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.

As a State of Iowa employee, you will be eligible for the following benefits:

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance
• Insurance benefits start the first month following 30 days of employment and costs can be reviewed here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately - biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match
• Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling; legal, financial).

We encourage you to view more about the State of Iowa Employee benefits and costs at the State of Iowa Employee Benefits Website!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to be a partner with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). Through this partnership, DOT engineers are granted membership at a largely discounted price, as well as discounts for conferences and continuing education through the ASCE. We are excited to offer this benefit and to have you join this partnership with us! If youre interested in learning more about this benefit, please visit https://www.asce.org/membership

You have the freedom to flourish in Iowa - Apply now!

The Iowa Department of Transportation is an equal-opportunity employer. If you require a reasonable accommodation in completing any screening, interviewing, pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please direct your request to the Affirmative Action & Equal Employment Opportunity (AA/EEO) Officer at: aa-eeo@iowadot.us.

Reasonable accommodation, such as an interpreter, translator, written materials, modified equipment/devices, ADA access, etc. This does not include scheduling needs.

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 visit www.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelors degree in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.
• Possession of a verification of graduation with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural, or transportation engineering or in engineering management.

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

Additional Qualification Requirements

Applicants hired with verification of graduation will be required to graduate with a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university within 10 months of hire.

Within a period of time after hire, as determined by the appointing authority, employees in this class may be required to obtain one or more of the following certificates, licenses, or endorsements:

• Certification as an Engineer in Training (EIT) by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.
• Licensure as a professional engineer by the Iowa Engineering & Land Surveying Examining Board.

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 or do you possess a Verification of Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in chemical, civil, construction, environmental, materials, mechanics, structural or transportation engineering, or in engineering management?

Note: Hires made with the Verification of Graduation will require graduation from the college or university within 10 months of hire.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer State of Iowa

Agency 645 Iowa Department of Transportation Address 800 Lincoln Way

Ames, Iowa, 50010

Website https://iowadot.gov/careers/