Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa
Manufacturing jobs in Iowa are concentrated in food processing, agricultural equipment production, and industrial machinery, with demand at every level from entry-line operators to skilled machinists and plant supervisors. Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Des Moines are the busiest hiring metros, anchored by employers like John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Quaker Oats. The most sought-after specialties in Iowa right now are CNC machining, welding, and quality control inspection. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Showing 5 of 57+ Manufacturing jobs
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and digital manufacturing solutions across Agilent's global manufacturing network.
In this role, you will serve as a technical leader and system architect for automation projects developed both internally and with external partners. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions that improve operational performance and business outcomes.
This position requires a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable with system design, equipment integration, troubleshooting, and leading cross-functional project teams from concept through implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead automation and digital manufacturing projects supporting production, quality, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Act as the system architect and technical lead, integrating mechanical, electrical, controls, and software components into complete manufacturing solutions.
- Design, develop, assemble, test, and troubleshoot automation systems before deployment.
- Collaborate with manufacturing sites, engineering teams, process scientists, quality organizations, and external vendors to successfully deliver projects.
- Develop User Requirements Specifications (URS) and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Evaluate, select, and manage external suppliers and automation partners.
- Build business cases through cost-benefit analysis, budgetary estimates, and savings calculations.
- Lead development and execution of validation plans, test protocols, and deployment documentation.
- Support implementation and commissioning activities at manufacturing sites.
- Train manufacturing teams on new equipment, systems, and processes.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and documentation requirements, including ISO-based processes.
Drive continuous improvement through automation, digitalization, and process optimization initiatives.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 8 years of industrial engineering experience.
- Experience designing, integrating, assembling, and troubleshooting automation systems.
- Experience serving as a system architect, technical lead, project manager, or similar leadership role on industrial projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with operators, engineers, managers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Experience following structured quality systems and maintaining technical documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience developing business cases and managing external vendors.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 or other quality management systems.
- Familiarity with PLC programming and industrial control systems.
- Experience with SCADA platforms and manufacturing data collection/visualization systems.
- Experience supporting global manufacturing operations or multi-site deployments.
Additional Details
This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least September 24, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted. The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $124,160.00 - $194,000.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required:
25% of the TimeShift:
DayDuration:
No End DateJob Function:
ManufacturingJob Description
We are seeking an experienced Senior Manufacturing Automation Engineer to lead the design, development, and deployment of automation and digital manufacturing solutions across Agilent's global manufacturing network.
In this role, you will serve as a technical leader and system architect for automation projects developed both internally and with external partners. You will collaborate across mechanical, electrical, controls, and software disciplines to deliver innovative manufacturing solutions that improve operational performance and business outcomes.
This position requires a hands-on engineer who is equally comfortable with system design, equipment integration, troubleshooting, and leading cross-functional project teams from concept through implementation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead automation and digital manufacturing projects supporting production, quality, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Act as the system architect and technical lead, integrating mechanical, electrical, controls, and software components into complete manufacturing solutions.
- Design, develop, assemble, test, and troubleshoot automation systems before deployment.
- Collaborate with manufacturing sites, engineering teams, process scientists, quality organizations, and external vendors to successfully deliver projects.
- Develop User Requirements Specifications (URS) and translate business needs into technical solutions.
- Evaluate, select, and manage external suppliers and automation partners.
- Build business cases through cost-benefit analysis, budgetary estimates, and savings calculations.
- Lead development and execution of validation plans, test protocols, and deployment documentation.
- Support implementation and commissioning activities at manufacturing sites.
- Train manufacturing teams on new equipment, systems, and processes.
- Ensure compliance with quality standards and documentation requirements, including ISO-based processes.
Drive continuous improvement through automation, digitalization, and process optimization initiatives.
Qualifications
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical field.
- Minimum of 8 years of industrial engineering experience.
- Experience designing, integrating, assembling, and troubleshooting automation systems.
- Experience serving as a system architect, technical lead, project manager, or similar leadership role on industrial projects.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with operators, engineers, managers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success working collaboratively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Experience following structured quality systems and maintaining technical documentation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Experience developing business cases and managing external vendors.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001 or other quality management systems.
- Familiarity with PLC programming and industrial control systems.
- Experience with SCADA platforms and manufacturing data collection/visualization systems.
- Experience supporting global manufacturing operations or multi-site deployments.
Additional Details
This job has a full time weekly schedule. Applications for this job will be accepted until at least September 24, 2026 or until the job is no longer posted. The full-time equivalent pay range for this position is $124,160.00 - $194,000.00/yr plus eligibility for bonus, stock and benefits. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, a recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for a preferred location. Pay and benefit information by country are available at: https://careers.agilent.com/locations Agilent Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity and merit-based employer that values individuals of all backgrounds at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, pregnancy, race, religion or religious creed, color, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, local law, ordinance, or regulation and will not be discriminated against on these bases. Agilent Technologies, Inc., is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive in the workplace where everyone is welcome, and strives to support candidates with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance with any part of the application or interview process or have questions about workplace accessibility, please email job_posting@agilent.com or contact +1-262-754-5030. For more information about equal employment opportunity protections, please visit www.agilent.com/en/accessibility.Travel Required:
25% of the TimeShift:
DayDuration:
No End DateJob Function:
ManufacturingSee All 57 Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Manufacturing JobsManufacturing Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Manufacturing Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in manufacturing jobs across Iowa.
- High school diploma or GED recognized by an accredited Iowa institution
- Demonstrated experience operating CNC machinery, welding equipment, or production line tools
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, or work orders
- Familiarity with quality control standards such as ISO or Six Sigma principles
- Physical ability to lift up to 50 pounds and stand for extended shifts
- Reliable attendance record and willingness to work rotating or overnight shifts
Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a manufacturing worker in Iowa?
Most manufacturing roles in Iowa require a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training, though skilled trades like electricians and operating engineers require completing an apprenticeship registered with the Iowa Division of Labor. Community colleges such as Kirkwood Community College and Iowa Central offer manufacturing technology programs that employers actively recruit from. Earning credentials like a forklift certification or OSHA safety card strengthens any application considerably.
Which companies hire manufacturing workers in Iowa?
Iowa manufacturing roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, Elanco, and Vermeer Corporation and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's deep roots in agricultural equipment and food production mean large facility employers consistently maintain high hiring volumes throughout the year.
Which Iowa cities have the most manufacturing jobs?
Davenport, Des Moines, and Pella have the most manufacturing openings in Iowa right now. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids anchor demand through large industrial parks and food processing facilities, while Davenport benefits from its position along the Quad Cities corridor, where John Deere's major operations and a cluster of industrial suppliers drive steady hiring.
Are there remote manufacturing jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. About 0% of manufacturing openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the hands-on, floor-based nature of most production roles. The positions most likely to offer remote flexibility are quality assurance documentation, production scheduling, and supply chain coordination roles within manufacturing organizations.
How can I get hired as a manufacturing worker in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying directly to production associate or general laborer openings at large Iowa food processing and equipment plants, many of which hire without prior experience and train on site. John Deere and Quaker Oats run structured on-boarding programs for new production staff at their Iowa facilities. Completing a short forklift certification or OSHA 10-hour course through Kirkwood Community College or Iowa Central gives candidates a clear edge over other applicants.
Where can I find and apply to manufacturing jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to manufacturing jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated in real time. Search the roles available, find the ones that match your skills and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit your background.
See All 57 Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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