Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa
Engineering Program Manager jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Iowa City corridor, where manufacturing, insurance technology, and advanced systems integration drive consistent demand at senior and principal levels. Major employers with a lasting Iowa presence include John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Rockwell Collins, all of which run structured engineering program management functions across product development, systems engineering, and supply chain programs. Demand is strongest for candidates with experience in hardware development cycles, cross-functional delivery, and agile program governance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Emerson is seeking an accomplished and experienced Director of Engineering to lead our Special Products Group. The Special Products Group is comprised of three distinct engineering teams (process, steam conditioning and gate/globe/check) designing innovative solutions and product modifications tailored to customer specifications. The annual value of these solutions is $170M to $220M. The selected individual will be responsible for leading the leaders of the product engineering teams. Engineering teams are in Marshalltown, Iowa, USA; Tianjin, China; Seregno, Italy; and Chennai, India. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Product Engineering and Engineered Specials.
In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
- Lead and oversee a team of engineering managers responsible for designing specialized product solutions. Direct reports are based in Marshalltown, USA, and Seregno, Italy. Indirect (“dotted line”) reports are based in Chennai, India, Tianjin, China; Cernay, France, and Dubai, UAE.
- Develop, implement and manage a global demand and supply (resource) plan for the Special Products engineering team.
- Develop, implement, and monitor global metrics (quality, performance and productivity) to ensure engineering work meets Emerson quality targets and service levels meet or exceed market requirements.
- Partner with World Area and regional engineering teams based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America to maintain compliance with established engineering standards and metrics.
- Ensure all activities adhere to industry standards, government regulations, and Emerson’s quality and safety policies.
- Establish strategic direction and long-term objectives for the department, aligning with Flow Controls business goals.
- Monitor market trends, technological advancements, and competitor offerings to sustain Emerson's competitive positioning.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and operational efficiency within engineering processes.
- Identify and implement relevant uses for Intelligent Automation and Artificial Intelligence to enable productivity for engineers.
- Mentor and develop team members by providing guidance, support, opportunities for professional growth, and conducting regular performance evaluations.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams—including sales, marketing, and manufacturing—to drive profitable growth and expand gross profit margins. Serve as a member of the Product Engineering and Engineered Products senior leadership team.
For This Role, You Will Need:
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; advanced degree or MBA is desired.
- At least 10 years of experience in sales or engineering management.
- Proven leadership in overseeing multidisciplinary engineering groups within dynamic environments promoting collaboration.
- History of driving process improvements, enhancing quality, and increasing efficiency within engineering projects.
- Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with a proven capacity to align business objectives with technical requirements.
- Ability to travel (USA and international) for internal Emerson meetings / presentations, customer meetings, and industry events.
Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future.
Our Culture and Commitment To You:
At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives—because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results.
#LI-BS
WHY EMERSON
Our Commitment to Our People
At Emerson, we are motivated by a spirit of collaboration that helps our diverse, multicultural teams across the world drive innovation that makes the world healthier, safer, smarter, and more sustainable. And we want you to join us in our bold aspiration.
We have built an engaged community of inquisitive, dedicated people who thrive knowing they are welcomed, trusted, celebrated, and empowered to solve the world’s most complex problems — for our customers, our communities, and the planet. You’ll contribute to this vital work while further developing your skills through our award-winning employee development programs. We are a proud corporate citizen in every city where we operate and are committed to our people, our communities, and the world at large. We take this responsibility seriously and strive to make a positive impact through every endeavor.
At Emerson, you’ll see firsthand that our people are at the center of everything we do. So, let’s go. Let’s think differently. Learn, collaborate, and grow. Seek opportunity. Push boundaries. Be empowered to make things better. Speed up to break through. Let’s go, together.
Work Authorization
Emerson will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1(including those with OPT or CPT) , H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Emerson is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
Accessibility Assistance or Accommodation
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: idisability.administrator@emerson.com .
ABOUT EMERSON
Emerson is a global leader in automation technology and software. Through our deep domain expertise and legacy of flawless execution, Emerson helps customers in critical industries like life sciences, energy, power and renewables, chemical and advanced factory automation operate more sustainably while improving productivity, energy security and reliability.
With global operations and a comprehensive portfolio of software and technology, we are helping companies implement digital transformation to measurably improve their operations, conserve valuable resources and enhance their safety.
We offer equitable opportunities, celebrate diversity, and embrace challenges with confidence that, together, we can make an impact across a broad spectrum of countries and industries. Whether you’re an established professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring possibilities, or a recent graduate with an advanced degree, you’ll find your chance to make a difference with Emerson. Join our team – let’s go!
No calls or agencies please.
See All 107+ Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEngineering Program Manager Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Engineering Program Manager Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Collins Aerospace21

- Terracon Consultants8

- Principal Financial6

- CVS Health4

- MidAmerican Energy4

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services14
- Education7
- Aerospace & Defense7
- Healthcare & Medical Services7
- Energy4
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in engineering program manager jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field
- Five or more years managing complex engineering programs across cross-functional teams
- PMP certification or equivalent program management credential strongly preferred
- Demonstrated experience with agile, waterfall, or hybrid delivery frameworks
- Proficiency with scheduling, risk management, and program reporting tools
- Strong communication skills for aligning engineering, operations, and executive stakeholders
Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a engineering program manager in Iowa?
The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, followed by several years in technical or project roles before moving into program management. Iowa does not require a state-issued license for engineering program managers, though a Professional Engineer license from the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board can strengthen candidacy at firms where technical credibility matters. A PMP credential is widely recognized by Iowa employers as the standard professional benchmark.
How much do engineering program managers make in Iowa?
Engineering program managers in Iowa earn a median of about $147,320 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $103,470 for the lowest 10% to over $210,220 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire engineering program managers in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring engineering program managers in Iowa include Collins Aerospace, Terracon Consultants, and Principal Financial, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's concentration of aerospace, agricultural equipment, and financial technology firms means program management roles frequently involve hardware programs, embedded systems, or large-scale IT transformation initiatives.
Which Iowa cities have the most engineering program manager jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Ames have the most engineering program manager openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors demand through its financial technology and insurance sector headquarters, while Cedar Rapids and the Quad Cities region reflect the strong aerospace and advanced manufacturing base tied to employers like Collins Aerospace and John Deere, making those corridors particularly active for candidates with hardware or systems integration backgrounds.
Are there remote engineering program manager jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than many technical roles, because program management work centers on coordination, documentation, and stakeholder communication rather than hands-on lab or shop floor presence. About 35% of engineering program manager openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting broader enterprise flexibility. Roles tied to hardware development or classified defense programs are more likely to require on-site presence than software or IT program management positions.
How can I get hired as a engineering program manager in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a technical contributor role such as systems engineer, project engineer, or manufacturing engineer into a junior program coordinator or associate program manager position. Iowa employers like John Deere and Collins Aerospace run structured early-career rotational programs that expose engineers to cross-functional program work. Pursuing a PMP certification or completing a project management certificate through the University of Iowa or Iowa State University strengthens a candidate's profile before making the move into program management.
Where can I find and apply to engineering program manager jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to engineering program manager jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across industries and experience levels. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 107+ Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa
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