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 TITLE: Manufacturing Engineer - Production
REPORTS TO: Production Manager
FLSA: Exempt
JOB SUMMARY: Lead Manufacturing Engineering roles throughout Accumold. Uses a broad-based skill set in manufacturing engineering, injection molding and related assembly processes that support both internal and external customer requirements. Is responsible to Identify, Coordinate and Implement Quality improvements, Cost savings and Manufacturing Process improvement projects by working with Quality, Finance, Project Engineers, Planning/Purchasing, Production, and Vendors. Generally operates with high level instructions and specifications but requires considerable ingenuity to improvise and adapt when necessary. Provide training and written instruction to those who use equipment and fixtures in setup, adjustments/modifications and production use. Uses LEAN / Six Sigma techniques and basic Problem Solving practices.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Provide technical services and support to the manufacturing operations to achieve improved manufacturing performance including but not limited to improving product quality, reducing scrap rates, improving productivity, increasing plant capacity and improving profitability.
2. Work with Production Leadership and scheduling to prioritize maintenance timing.
3. Work with Production leadership to identify issues that are causing problems for production and digging into and finding a solution that fixes or mitigates the problem from happening again.
4. Develop best practices for team to help standardize for both Micromold and Small Mold teams.
5. Optimize process parameters of secondary operations, document processes, and train production operators.
6. Diagnose and determine appropriate corrective action for problems with conditions of equipment, fixturing, tools and processes that are used in assembly and secondary processes.
7. Promotes safety, environmental and ergonomic projects.
8. Drives continuous improvement projects in the Operation.
9. Learn processing of Micro-molding machines along with Small molding machines to help with the understanding of problems and to help understand the processes.
10. Stays current on new equipment, process controls, materials developments, and other technical advances that offer a competitive advantage
12. Maintains accurate and current work instructions, prints and photographic files.
13. Assist set-up persons and toolmakers; troubleshoot machinery tooling.
14. Position requires the incumbent to work closely with Process engineering and Process Technicians on problem tooling and presses and identify what needs to be done and confirms the actions are completed to resolve the issue.
15. Other duties as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
- Education/Experience. Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred or suitable combination of education and experience of its equal. Experience working within the plastics molding industry preferred with a strong background in any or all of the following: plastic injection molding, mold building, or secondary assembly processes.
- Computer Skills. Ability to operate personal computer. Knowledge of Windows based programs such as Outlook, Excel, Access, MS Project, Word, AutoCAD and Solid Works.
- Language Skills. Read, comprehend, and utilize instructions and correspondence with professionals. Effectively present directions and information in one-on-one and small group situation to other employees.
- Mathematical Skills. Able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Knowledge of rate, ratios, percent and use trigonometry. Ability to read and understand complicated designs and drawings.
- Reasoning Ability. Knowledge to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Use experience to understand cause and effect as it relates to mold making and to trouble shoot and problem solve.
- Other Skills and Abilities. Willingness to attend conferences, classes or training to enhance and update knowledge and skills. Occasional travel may be requested for company business. Overtime may be required to meet toolroom work demands. Ability to meet the demand of occasional projects necessitating extra work hours to complete task.
- Supervisory Responsibilities. Lead project as assigned. Mentor and train employees in a team environment.
- Physical Demands. While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to stand and use hand to manipulate very small parts or tweezers. Sense of touch may be used to detect texture, burs and edges. Frequent movement throughout the facility is required. Normal or corrected to normal vision is required with good color vision, close vision, and ability to use microscope and adjust focus. May be required to move or transport up to 55 lbs.
- Work Environment. The duties of this job are executed in a climate-controlled environment with few temperature or humidity extremes. Noise levels will vary from very low to moderate depending on the location that the work is performed within the facility. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Employee may have contact with machining residues such as steel chips, grinding dust, EDM smoke, cutting oils and coolants. Safety glasses are required.
The description given is intended only to provide information about the general nature of the job and is not an all-inclusive list of the job duties, skills or abilities.
Employment with Accumold is “at will”, meaning that either the employee or the company may terminate employment at any time and for any or no reason.
I have read and understand the information on this job description.
See All 32 Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa
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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



Top Industries Hiring
- Consumer Goods
- Chemicals & Materials
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 Pella, RFA Engineering, and 3M, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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?
Cedar Rapids, Pella, 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 0% of manufacturing engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 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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