Quality Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Quality Engineer jobs in Iowa are concentrated in the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Quad Cities corridors, where manufacturing, food production, and agricultural equipment drive steady demand for quality professionals at every level from entry-level inspector to senior systems lead. Major employers with lasting Iowa roots include John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Quaker Oats, each maintaining large quality teams across production and supply chain operations. Specialties in highest demand include process quality, supplier quality management, and ISO compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Quality Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Quality Engineer jobs
There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.
John Deere is an equal opportunity employer, including disabled & veterans.
Primary Location: United States (US) - Iowa - Waterloo
Function: Factory Engineering (CA)
Title: Quality Engineer - 122941
Onsite/Remote:Onsite Position
Your Responsibilities
As a Quality Engineer for JD Waterloo Works located in Waterloo, IA, you will:
- Lead quality engineering support for 8R OFP production, driving reduction in defects, rework, and warranty through structured problem solving.
- Own PFMEA and Control Plan maintenance, including mistake proofing and risk mitigation for product and process changes.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Production, and Design to improve processes, inspections, and quality outcomes.
VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
What Skills You Need
Strong problem solving skills (root cause, containment, corrective action).- Ability to analyze quality data and translate findings into actions on the shop floor
- Ability to influence cross functional teams in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
What Makes You Stand Out
Experience in quality or manufacturing engineering supporting production operations.
Education
Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical) or related field.
What You'll Get
At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:
- Flexible work arrangements
- Highly competitive base pay
- Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)
- Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Tuition assistance
- Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
- Charitable contribution match
- Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
- Vacation and Holiday Pay
$67,692.00 - $101,532.00 + Benefits
Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package https://bit.ly/3XCd8fL
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, including the right to modify or eliminate any cost-sharing between the company and participants. Changes, which can be made at any time, are made by action of the company's board of directors, or to the extent authorized by resolution of its board of directors, or by the Deere & Company Compensation Committee. In the event of a conflict between the language of the official Plan Documents and this document, the language of the official Plan Documents will control.
ACA Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Notice
The John Deere Health Benefit Plans for Salaried Employees and The John Deere Benefit Plan for Wage Employees comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
There are over 7 billion people on this planet. And by 2050, there will be 2 billion more... many moving into urban centers at an unprecedented rate. Making sure there is enough food, fiber and infrastructure for our rapidly growing world is what we're all about at John Deere. And it's why we're investing in our people and our technology like never before! Here the world's brightest minds are tackling the world's biggest challenges. If you believe one person can make the world a better place, we'll put you to work. RIGHT NOW.
John Deere is an equal opportunity employer, including disabled & veterans.
Primary Location: United States (US) - Iowa - Waterloo
Function: Factory Engineering (CA)
Title: Quality Engineer - 122941
Onsite/Remote:Onsite Position
Your Responsibilities
As a Quality Engineer for JD Waterloo Works located in Waterloo, IA, you will:
- Lead quality engineering support for 8R OFP production, driving reduction in defects, rework, and warranty through structured problem solving.
- Own PFMEA and Control Plan maintenance, including mistake proofing and risk mitigation for product and process changes.
- Partner with Manufacturing, Production, and Design to improve processes, inspections, and quality outcomes.
VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position
What Skills You Need
Strong problem solving skills (root cause, containment, corrective action).- Ability to analyze quality data and translate findings into actions on the shop floor
- Ability to influence cross functional teams in a fast paced manufacturing environment.
What Makes You Stand Out
Experience in quality or manufacturing engineering supporting production operations.
Education
Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, Electrical) or related field.
What You'll Get
At John Deere, you are empowered to create a career that will take you to where you want to go while working in an inclusive team environment. Here, you'll enjoy the freedom to explore new projects, the support to think outside the box and the advanced tools and technology that foster innovation and achievement. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive reward package to help you get started on your new career path, including:
- Flexible work arrangements
- Highly competitive base pay
- Savings & Retirement benefits (401K and Defined Contribution)
- Healthcare benefits with a generous company contribution in the Health Savings Account
- Adoption assistance
- Employee Assistance Programs
- Tuition assistance
- Fitness subsidies and on-site gyms at specific Deere locations
- Charitable contribution match
- Employee Purchase Plan & numerous discount programs for personal use
- Vacation and Holiday Pay
$67,692.00 - $101,532.00 + Benefits
Follow this link to learn more about our Total Rewards Package https://bit.ly/3XCd8fL
Must be 18 years of age or older to apply
The information contained herein is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications required of individuals performing the job. The qualifications detailed in this job description are not considered the minimum requirements necessary to perform the job, but rather as guidelines.
The terms of the applicable benefit plans, and all company actions administering or interpreting these plans, continue to control. Deere & Company reserves the right to suspend, amend, modify, or terminate the Plan(s) in any manner at any time, including the right to modify or eliminate any cost-sharing between the company and participants. Changes, which can be made at any time, are made by action of the company's board of directors, or to the extent authorized by resolution of its board of directors, or by the Deere & Company Compensation Committee. In the event of a conflict between the language of the official Plan Documents and this document, the language of the official Plan Documents will control.
ACA Section 1557 Nondiscrimination Notice
The John Deere Health Benefit Plans for Salaried Employees and The John Deere Benefit Plan for Wage Employees comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
See All 22 Quality Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Engineer JobsQuality Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Quality Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Technology & Software
- Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in quality engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with quality management systems such as ISO 9001 or IATF 16949
- Proficiency with statistical process control tools and root cause analysis methods
- Experience using CMM equipment, gauging tools, or nondestructive testing techniques
- Familiarity with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and control plan documentation in a manufacturing environment
- ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential preferred by many Iowa manufacturing employers
Quality Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a quality engineer in Iowa?
Most quality engineer roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related discipline, though some employers accept equivalent experience. Iowa does not issue a state license for quality engineers, so hiring is credential-driven rather than regulated. The ASQ Certified Quality Engineer credential is widely recognized by Iowa manufacturers and significantly strengthens applications. Candidates who gain early experience in production, inspection, or quality technician roles at Iowa's many manufacturing facilities build the fastest path to a full quality engineer position.
Which companies hire quality engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring quality engineers in Iowa right now include Walmart, Pella, and Sears, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's strong base of food manufacturing, agricultural equipment, and aerospace component production means quality engineer demand is distributed across both large anchor employers and their regional supplier networks.
Which Iowa cities have the most quality engineer jobs?
Dubuque, Keokuk, and Des Moines account for the largest share of quality engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines anchors the market through its broad manufacturing and logistics base, Cedar Rapids concentrates demand around food processing and aerospace suppliers like Collins Aerospace, and the Quad Cities region draws heavily from John Deere's large manufacturing footprint straddling the Iowa-Illinois border.
Are there remote quality engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Quality engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline tied to production floors, inspection equipment, and supplier audits, so most Iowa roles require on-site presence. About 44% of quality engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those tend to be supplier quality or quality systems roles where documentation review and vendor communication can be done off-site.
How can I get hired as a quality engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a quality technician or inspector role at one of Iowa's large manufacturers, where you build hands-on metrology and documentation skills before moving into an engineer title. John Deere and Collins Aerospace both run structured new-graduate and co-op programs in Iowa that bring in candidates with limited direct experience. Pursuing the ASQ Certified Quality Technician credential while in a technician role signals readiness for the engineer level and is well regarded by Iowa hiring managers.
Where can I find and apply to quality engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to quality engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers actively hiring right now. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 22 Quality Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Quality Engineer Jobs