Project Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Project engineer jobs in Iowa concentrate in construction, advanced manufacturing, and infrastructure development, with consistent demand at both the entry and mid-career levels. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are the largest hiring centers, home to major employers like John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and MidAmerican Energy. Civil and mechanical specialties see the most steady openings, followed by electrical and industrial project work tied to Iowa's renewable energy buildout. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Project Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 105+ Project Engineer jobs
Project Engineer
About Ingredion:
Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.
As a Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the management and execution of capital and technical improvement projects at the Cedar Rapids facility. This role leads projects through all engineering phases - including concept development, planning, budgeting, detailed design, construction, commissioning, startup, training, and handover to manufacturing, while ensuring safe execution, cost control, schedule adherence, and compliance with engineering and regulatory standards.
The Project Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, safety, procurement, and external engineering and construction partners to deliver value-driven projects aligned with business goals.
What you will do:
Project Execution & Leadership
- Manage the design and implementation of assigned capital and improvement projects, ensuring delivery within approved scope, schedule, and budget.
- Lead and coordinate all project phases, including planning, budgeting, construction, commissioning, startup, training, and transition to operations.
- Provide day-to-day project supervision and coordination of contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain project controls to ensure adherence to cost, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.
Engineering & Technical Support
- Review, evaluate, and recommend equipment, systems, and technologies for new and existing installations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, engineering best practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform or support engineering studies, equipment specifications, system design, testing, troubleshooting, optimization, and due diligence activities.
- Review proposed capital projects to validate scope, technology selection, equipment sizing, budget estimates, and schedule alignment with business objectives.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Integrate safety, environmental, and risk management considerations into all project phases.
- Ensure projects comply with company policies, engineering standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Collaboration & Communication
- Establish and manage interdisciplinary project teams, coordinating interfaces with operations, maintenance, procurement, EH&S, and third-party partners.
- Provide clear communication of project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Challenge the status quo by identifying opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, cost, and performance.
Knowledge Management & Continuous Improvement
- Support the maintenance of engineering standards, specifications, best practices, and design documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and share learnings across the engineering organization.
What you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline).
- Minimum 3 years of project engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated success managing capital projects, including coordination of external engineering and construction resources.
- Strong working knowledge of project execution, engineering design practices, and industrial safety standards.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, SAP, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
Who you are:
- Experience with capital projects greater than $5MM.
- Knowledge of corn wet milling, food, chemical, or process manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting multiple concurrent projects in an active plant environment.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate technical and business needs into sound engineering decisions.
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Strong project leadership and organizational skills
- Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
- Decisive, accountable, and safety-focused
- Able to work effectively across functions and cultures
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, capital-intensive environment
Work Environment
- Primary work location at the Cedar Rapids manufacturing facility.
- Project roles may require occasional support during off-hours or critical project milestones.
- Interaction with construction sites, contractors, and operating plant environments is required.
Why Join Ingredion?
Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
- Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
- Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
- Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel
#LI-DR1 #LI-ONSITE #INDAG
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.
Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
Relocation Available:
Yes, Within CountryPay Range:
$84,400.00-$112,533.33 AnnualThis pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
Incentive Compensation:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
Benefits:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.
Project Engineer
About Ingredion:
Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.
As a Project Engineer, you will be responsible for the management and execution of capital and technical improvement projects at the Cedar Rapids facility. This role leads projects through all engineering phases - including concept development, planning, budgeting, detailed design, construction, commissioning, startup, training, and handover to manufacturing, while ensuring safe execution, cost control, schedule adherence, and compliance with engineering and regulatory standards.
The Project Engineer works closely with operations, maintenance, safety, procurement, and external engineering and construction partners to deliver value-driven projects aligned with business goals.
What you will do:
Project Execution & Leadership
- Manage the design and implementation of assigned capital and improvement projects, ensuring delivery within approved scope, schedule, and budget.
- Lead and coordinate all project phases, including planning, budgeting, construction, commissioning, startup, training, and transition to operations.
- Provide day-to-day project supervision and coordination of contractors, vendors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
- Maintain project controls to ensure adherence to cost, schedule, quality, and safety requirements.
Engineering & Technical Support
- Review, evaluate, and recommend equipment, systems, and technologies for new and existing installations.
- Ensure compliance with applicable safety standards, engineering best practices, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform or support engineering studies, equipment specifications, system design, testing, troubleshooting, optimization, and due diligence activities.
- Review proposed capital projects to validate scope, technology selection, equipment sizing, budget estimates, and schedule alignment with business objectives.
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Integrate safety, environmental, and risk management considerations into all project phases.
- Ensure projects comply with company policies, engineering standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Collaboration & Communication
- Establish and manage interdisciplinary project teams, coordinating interfaces with operations, maintenance, procurement, EH&S, and third-party partners.
- Provide clear communication of project status, risks, and recommendations to stakeholders.
- Challenge the status quo by identifying opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, cost, and performance.
Knowledge Management & Continuous Improvement
- Support the maintenance of engineering standards, specifications, best practices, and design documentation.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and share learnings across the engineering organization.
What you will bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Chemical, or related discipline).
- Minimum 3 years of project engineering experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
- Demonstrated success managing capital projects, including coordination of external engineering and construction resources.
- Strong working knowledge of project execution, engineering design practices, and industrial safety standards.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, SAP, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly.
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders and drive results without direct authority.
Who you are:
- Experience with capital projects greater than $5MM.
- Knowledge of corn wet milling, food, chemical, or process manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting multiple concurrent projects in an active plant environment.
- Demonstrated ability to integrate technical and business needs into sound engineering decisions.
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Strong project leadership and organizational skills
- Results-driven with a continuous improvement mindset
- Decisive, accountable, and safety-focused
- Able to work effectively across functions and cultures
- Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, capital-intensive environment
Work Environment
- Primary work location at the Cedar Rapids manufacturing facility.
- Project roles may require occasional support during off-hours or critical project milestones.
- Interaction with construction sites, contractors, and operating plant environments is required.
Why Join Ingredion?
Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success
- Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being
- Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement
- Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
- Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel
#LI-DR1 #LI-ONSITE #INDAG
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.
Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
Relocation Available:
Yes, Within CountryPay Range:
$84,400.00-$112,533.33 AnnualThis pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
Incentive Compensation:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
Benefits:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with an competitive company match.
See All 105+ Project Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Engineer JobsProject Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Manufacturing
- Food & Beverage
- Staffing & Recruiting
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering from an accredited program
- Engineer Intern registration or active Professional Engineer license through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board
- Two or more years of project coordination experience in construction, manufacturing, or infrastructure
- Proficiency with project management software such as Procore, MS Project, or Primavera
- Demonstrated ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and contracts
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with contractors, clients, and field crews
Project Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project engineer in Iowa?
Start with a bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program, then pass the Fundamentals of Engineering exam to earn your Engineer Intern registration through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Most employers accept EI registration for entry-level project engineer roles. To advance and eventually lead projects independently, you would pursue licensure as a Professional Engineer in Iowa after gaining qualifying experience under a licensed PE.
Which companies hire project engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring project engineers in Iowa right now include Ryan Companies US, Collins Aerospace, and MSA Professional Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's manufacturing base, wind energy corridor, and active DOT infrastructure program keep project engineer demand broad across both private industry and public contractors.
Which Iowa cities have the most project engineer jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Ankeny have the most project engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its concentration of engineering consultancies, utility companies, and state infrastructure work, while Cedar Rapids and Davenport reflect the manufacturing and industrial corridors anchored by employers like Collins Aerospace and the Quad Cities' logistics and construction sector.
Are there remote project engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Project engineering typically requires on-site coordination, field inspections, and direct contractor communication, so most roles are location-specific. About 22% of project engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those positions tend to concentrate in planning, estimating, or design review functions rather than active construction or plant-floor management.
How can I get hired as a project engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for project engineer associate or engineer-in-training roles directly with Iowa's large construction and manufacturing employers, which regularly hire recent graduates. John Deere, Alliant Energy, and major civil contractors working Iowa DOT projects run structured new-graduate programs that pair candidates with senior PEs. Holding an Engineer Intern registration and completing a senior capstone or co-op with an Iowa firm significantly strengthens your application without prior full-time experience.
Where can I find and apply to project engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to project engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly to the employer from each listing.
See All 105+ Project Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Project Engineer Jobs