Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Process Engineer jobs in Iowa are steadily active, concentrated in food and beverage manufacturing, agricultural processing, and industrial chemicals, with openings at every level from recent graduates to senior process leads. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport account for the largest share of hiring, anchored by established employers like Quaker Oats, Collins Aerospace, and Cargill. The most in-demand specialties are continuous improvement, fermentation and grain processing, and process safety and compliance. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 27+ Process Engineer jobs
SUMMARY PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities across all phases of assigned engineering projects to ensure the objectives of quality, time, and cost are met. Prepares project schedules and reviews cost estimates, compiles required cost and equipment information, and writes appropriation requests. Responsible for effective communication of engineering information among team members. Follows the structure of the Pella Project Management, Safety, Continuous Improvement and Quality Systems throughout project execution. Investigates problems and requirements of projects and develops plans for solutions in line with economic, personnel, and environmental considerations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SCOPE:
Projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor. Entry level position working within a team environment.
SUPERVISING OTHERS:
Primarily an individual contributor role; may supervise non-exempt and hourly employees
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE:
Performs work which requires direct application of engineering skills to conventional types of tasks, some having complex features. Begins to develop competency in multiple engineering technologies. Gains exposure to Pella's application of engineering technologies within the fenestration industry. Learns how to apply engineering tools to deliver business results.
JUDGMENT:
Evaluates, selects and applies standard engineering and scientific techniques, processes, and criteria, using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications. Assignments have clear, specific objectives and require investigation of a limited number of variables.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities: Transfer, modify, procure, install, and start up manufacturing processes at suppliers and Pella. The scope of this position spans manufacturing, engineering, product development, material and equipment vendors. Collaboration skills are necessary when prioritizing, planning and implementing projects. The ability to effectively present information, defend a position and address concerns is key to driving execution. The position is expected to understand and apply safe practices in line with Pella’s safety policies.
Supervisory responsibilities: None.
Work hours: Normal + irregular hours/shifts required
Travel expectations: 5% to 40% varies dependent upon role & project assignments: divisional, corporate
Computer skills: Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD required. Microsoft Project preferred.
Technical / functional skills: Developing skills within multiple disciplines or technologies.
Safety: Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment is noisy.
Certificates, licenses, and registrations: Pella CI / 2P Leader Certification
Leadership competencies: Apply technical and functional expertise, Manage and improve processes, Foster collaboration, Build Relationships, Drive execution
SUMMARY PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities across all phases of assigned engineering projects to ensure the objectives of quality, time, and cost are met. Prepares project schedules and reviews cost estimates, compiles required cost and equipment information, and writes appropriation requests. Responsible for effective communication of engineering information among team members. Follows the structure of the Pella Project Management, Safety, Continuous Improvement and Quality Systems throughout project execution. Investigates problems and requirements of projects and develops plans for solutions in line with economic, personnel, and environmental considerations.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SCOPE:
Projects and tasks as assigned by supervisor. Entry level position working within a team environment.
SUPERVISING OTHERS:
Primarily an individual contributor role; may supervise non-exempt and hourly employees
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE:
Performs work which requires direct application of engineering skills to conventional types of tasks, some having complex features. Begins to develop competency in multiple engineering technologies. Gains exposure to Pella's application of engineering technologies within the fenestration industry. Learns how to apply engineering tools to deliver business results.
JUDGMENT:
Evaluates, selects and applies standard engineering and scientific techniques, processes, and criteria, using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications. Assignments have clear, specific objectives and require investigation of a limited number of variables.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities: Transfer, modify, procure, install, and start up manufacturing processes at suppliers and Pella. The scope of this position spans manufacturing, engineering, product development, material and equipment vendors. Collaboration skills are necessary when prioritizing, planning and implementing projects. The ability to effectively present information, defend a position and address concerns is key to driving execution. The position is expected to understand and apply safe practices in line with Pella’s safety policies.
Supervisory responsibilities: None.
Work hours: Normal + irregular hours/shifts required
Travel expectations: 5% to 40% varies dependent upon role & project assignments: divisional, corporate
Computer skills: Microsoft Office applications and AutoCAD required. Microsoft Project preferred.
Technical / functional skills: Developing skills within multiple disciplines or technologies.
Safety: Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment is noisy.
Certificates, licenses, and registrations: Pella CI / 2P Leader Certification
Leadership competencies: Apply technical and functional expertise, Manage and improve processes, Foster collaboration, Build Relationships, Drive execution
See All 27 Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Process Engineer JobsProcess Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Process Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Agriculture & Farming
- Chemicals & Materials
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in process engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering from an accredited program
- Professional Engineer licensure or progress toward PE registration with the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board preferred for senior roles
- Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
- Proficiency with process simulation software, PLC systems, or process control platforms
- Familiarity with food safety standards, FDA regulations, or OSHA process safety management requirements
- Strong documentation skills including writing SOPs, process flow diagrams, and deviation reports
Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a process engineer in Iowa?
Most process engineer roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering from an ABET-accredited program. Senior or lead positions often expect a Professional Engineer license, which you earn by passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, gaining qualifying experience, and then passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering exam through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Many Iowa employers in food processing and manufacturing will hire engineers without a PE license for entry and mid-level positions.
Which companies hire process engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring process engineers in Iowa right now include Rinvio, ADM, and Pella, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's deep roots in food manufacturing, agricultural processing, and industrial equipment mean large plant-based operations are among the most consistent sources of open roles across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most process engineer jobs?
The cities with the most process engineer openings in Iowa are Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Pella. Des Moines anchors demand through its concentration of corporate headquarters and diversified manufacturing, Cedar Rapids draws heavily from grain processing and aerospace suppliers including Collins Aerospace, and the Quad Cities metro along the Davenport corridor benefits from cross-border industrial manufacturing that consistently generates process engineering positions.
Are there remote process engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Process engineering is fundamentally a plant-floor discipline requiring hands-on oversight of equipment, production lines, and safety systems, so fully remote roles are the exception. About 20% of process engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to be in process design, documentation review, or continuous improvement consulting rather than day-to-day production support.
How can I get hired as a process engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an engineering internship or co-op with one of Iowa's large food or industrial manufacturers during your final year of study, which frequently converts to a full-time offer. Employers like Cargill, Quaker Oats, and John Deere run structured new-graduate programs that bring on engineers with no prior full-time experience. Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam gives early-career candidates a clear credential advantage. Adjacent roles in quality engineering, manufacturing technician, or production supervision also provide a practical bridge into a dedicated process engineering title.
Where can I find and apply to process engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to process engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated in real time. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience, specialization, and preferred location within the state, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 27 Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Process Engineer Jobs