Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Manufacturing engineer jobs in Iowa are concentrated in food processing, agricultural equipment, and advanced manufacturing, with steady demand at every level from entry-level process technicians to senior process and quality engineers. The heaviest hiring is in and around Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where major employers such as John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Quaker Oats have long-established production and engineering operations. Process improvement, automation and controls, and lean manufacturing are the specialties Iowa employers request most consistently. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Manufacturing Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 40+ Manufacturing Engineer jobs
Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.
As a Manufacturing Engineer you are part of a dynamic engineering team that leads processes for development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes through engineering analysis and tools. This position works closely and collaboratively with cross-functional teams to safely, efficiently, and effectively deliver our products to our customers. Qualified candidates must be able to work an on-site schedule at our Cresco, IA facility.
Role Responsibilities:
- Leads engineering projects through all phases. Improves current production methods, standards, tooling, procedures, equipment, and plant layout as a basis for improving safety and quality, increasing production, and reducing cost.
- Resolves problems and discusses solutions with all appropriate personnel, champions cost reduction and quality improvement projects.
- Develops best practice methods and communicates these methods to all appropriate plant personnel.
- Manages daily line issues as it relates to equipment, tooling and work instructions.
- Maintains skills regarding new or improved designs, methods, techniques, materials and other advances in engineering technology to enhance Donaldson's competitive advantage.
- Research and recognize reliable technologies which can be successfully applied to unique filter manufacturing challenges. Monitor equipment design and build, conduct equipment acceptance testing, and be a central part of factory installation and debugging.
- Demonstrate problem solving methodologies and champion knowledge transfer and training on new processes and equipment. Utilize basic knowledge of Ergonomics, Safety procedures and machine-operator interaction to create an environment with minimal risk.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or closely related field. 2+ years of applicable professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Working knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC’s and their programming
- The ability to direct, motivate, and provide clear direction in a production work environment.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical/electrical and controls systems in an operational environment.
- Proven project management skills including delivery of results on time and within budget through dynamic and creative thinking. Excellent communication and analytical skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization.
Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:
- Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
- Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans
Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.
Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.
Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.
Donaldson is committed to solving the world’s most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.
As a Manufacturing Engineer you are part of a dynamic engineering team that leads processes for development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes through engineering analysis and tools. This position works closely and collaboratively with cross-functional teams to safely, efficiently, and effectively deliver our products to our customers. Qualified candidates must be able to work an on-site schedule at our Cresco, IA facility.
Role Responsibilities:
- Leads engineering projects through all phases. Improves current production methods, standards, tooling, procedures, equipment, and plant layout as a basis for improving safety and quality, increasing production, and reducing cost.
- Resolves problems and discusses solutions with all appropriate personnel, champions cost reduction and quality improvement projects.
- Develops best practice methods and communicates these methods to all appropriate plant personnel.
- Manages daily line issues as it relates to equipment, tooling and work instructions.
- Maintains skills regarding new or improved designs, methods, techniques, materials and other advances in engineering technology to enhance Donaldson's competitive advantage.
- Research and recognize reliable technologies which can be successfully applied to unique filter manufacturing challenges. Monitor equipment design and build, conduct equipment acceptance testing, and be a central part of factory installation and debugging.
- Demonstrate problem solving methodologies and champion knowledge transfer and training on new processes and equipment. Utilize basic knowledge of Ergonomics, Safety procedures and machine-operator interaction to create an environment with minimal risk.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or closely related field. 2+ years of applicable professional experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 5+ years prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques
- Experience with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
- Working knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC’s and their programming
- The ability to direct, motivate, and provide clear direction in a production work environment.
- Proven ability to troubleshoot mechanical/electrical and controls systems in an operational environment.
- Proven project management skills including delivery of results on time and within budget through dynamic and creative thinking. Excellent communication and analytical skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization.
Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:
- Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
- Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position. International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans
Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.
Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.
Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.
See All 40 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Engineer JobsManufacturing Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an accredited program
- Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Creo for design and process documentation
- Hands-on experience applying lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or kaizen methodologies in a production environment
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, GD&T specifications, and process control documentation
- Familiarity with ERP systems and manufacturing execution software used in food, aerospace, or heavy equipment sectors
- Strong cross-functional communication skills for coordinating with production, quality, and supply chain teams
Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing engineer in Iowa?
Most manufacturing engineer roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Iowa does not require a state-issued license specifically for manufacturing engineers, though engineers who offer services to the public may pursue Professional Engineer licensure through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Employers in aerospace and defense often expect APQP or Six Sigma credentials as a supplement.
How much do manufacturing engineers make in Iowa?
Manufacturing engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $97,690 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,380 for the lowest 10% to over $133,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire manufacturing engineers in Iowa?
Companies currently hiring manufacturing engineers in Iowa include Vermeer Corporation, John Deere, and 3M, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's deep base of food processing, agricultural equipment, and aerospace manufacturing means the demand is spread across both large multinationals and regional contract manufacturers.
Which Iowa cities have the most manufacturing engineer jobs?
Pella, Dubuque, and Cedar Rapids account for the most manufacturing engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors the market through its diverse industrial base, while Cedar Rapids draws heavily on aerospace and food manufacturing employers like Collins Aerospace and Quaker Oats, and the Quad Cities area along the Mississippi River benefits from John Deere's sizable equipment engineering operations in Davenport and Moline.
Are there remote manufacturing engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Manufacturing engineering is largely a hands-on, on-site role tied to production floors and physical processes, so full-time remote positions are uncommon. About 0% of manufacturing engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026. The portions most likely to allow remote or hybrid scheduling are process documentation, supplier quality coordination, and CAD-heavy design work that doesn't require daily floor presence.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to co-op or intern-to-hire programs while finishing an engineering degree, since Iowa employers like John Deere and Collins Aerospace run structured new-grad pipelines that convert directly to full-time roles. Graduates can also target process technician, quality technician, or manufacturing associate titles as lateral entry points. Building a portfolio of lean or Six Sigma projects, even from coursework, and pursuing a Green Belt credential gives candidates a measurable edge in Iowa screening.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to manufacturing engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers actively hiring. Search the listings, find the roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly to the ones that match.
See All 40 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing Engineer Jobs