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.
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Job Description
Job opportunity at a Northern Iowa manufacturing company. I am looking for a Manufacturing Engineer with a background in equipment manufacturability, automation, 5S, and process improvement. This company offers an excellent starting salary and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to qualified candidates.
You should have an engineering degree and at least three years’ experience with a manufacturing company that uses complex production machinery to make durable metal products.
- Using your background in manufacturing engineering, determine machinery and power requirements that will meet production volumes.
- Work on capital equipment projects
- Develop PLC control systems, including some programming.
- Analyze production metrics to identify continuous improvement opportunities.
- Evaluate designs for manufacturability, manage engineering change requests and notices.
- Implement Lean initiatives, track and forecast costs to maintain good budget control
- Work with end users on changes to existing equipment or new installations
- Work with technicians and contractors on equipment installations, with some overnight travel.
Qualifications
- BS degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or similar.
- You should be able to read and develop drawings in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or Inventor.
- Experience with manufacturing processes including grinding, turning, cutting, milling, NC/CNC machinery and programming languages.
- Must have experience working with techniques and methods that improve worker engagement, maintain production volumes, reduce costs, and improve quality and worker safety.
- Have knowledge about OSHA and other safety codes regarding powered industrial vehicles and heavy machinery.
- Must be an excellent communicator and be able to motivate and train employees.
Additional Information
Pearl Martin, Image Associates Inc. pearl AT jobspot DOT com
Please look me up on LinkedIn, and send me an invitation to Link: www.linkedin.com/in/pearlmartin1
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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



Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
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 Collins Aerospace, John Deere, and Vermeer Corporation, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 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, Cedar Rapids, and Dubuque 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 13% of manufacturing engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 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.
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