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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Who We Are
Vermeer equips customers doing important work around the world. We are global, driven by innovation and growing. The equipment we make manages natural resources, connects people and feeds and fuels communities. We live out a caring culture, we demonstrate agility, we keep a focus on customers and are stewards of our resources. These beliefs drive our culture, determine how we treat others and steer our business.
Work Shift
Job Summary
Are you an early‑career engineer who enjoys hands‑on problem solving and learning how products are tested and validated? As an Engineer I – Test, you will support testing and validation activities for products and subsystems under the guidance of more experienced engineers. This role focuses on executing test procedures, collecting and analyzing data, and gaining exposure to real‑world product use, performance requirements, and industry standards while developing a strong foundation in test engineering practices.What You’ll Do
1. Support and execute product validation testing (durability, reliability, performance, and compliance) in lab and limited field environments under guidance.
2. Set up, operate, and support test equipment, instrumentation, and DAQ systems following established procedures.
3. Collect, organize, and perform basic analysis of test data to support engineering conclusions.
4. Assist with root cause investigations by gathering data, performing repeat tests, and documenting observations.
5. Document test setups, procedures, and results clearly to support traceability and reporting.
6. Collaborate with test leads and cross‑functional teams while following safety, quality, and documentation standards.
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Agricultural, or Aerospace Engineering.
- 0–2 years of experience (internships or co‑ops accepted).
- Exposure to basic data acquisition (DAQ) systems, sensors, and instrumentation.
- Fundamental understanding of engineering concepts such as stress, strain, hydraulics, vibration, electrical systems and EMC.
- Ability to read basic electrical and hydraulic schematics.
- Hands‑on mechanical aptitude and familiarity with shop tools.
- Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn in a hands‑on testing environment.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Travel
- Occasional travel is expected of this position.
Work Location
ONSITE: A team member’s day-to-day work is best done on a Vermeer campus. If work content can be occasionally completed at an offsite location, discuss potential arrangements with your manager.Equal Opportunity Employer
At Vermeer Corporation, we believe in the value of your unique identity, background, and experiences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other status protected by the law. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation due to a disability at any stage of the employment application process should contact Team Member Solutions at (641) 621-8767 or at hr@vermeer.com.
Interested? We’d love to get to know you.
See All 9 Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa
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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



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
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 Vermeer Corporation, Bayer, and Pella, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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?
Pella, Muscatine, and Coralville 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 25% of engineering program manager openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 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 9 Engineering Program Manager Jobs in Iowa
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