VP Engineering Jobs in Iowa
VP Engineering jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing create steady demand for senior engineering leaders. Companies like John Deere, Principal Financial Group, and Collins Aerospace maintain significant engineering operations in the state and regularly hire at this level. The most in-demand specialties are software platform engineering, embedded systems leadership, and enterprise infrastructure. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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If you’re looking for a special place to build or grow your career, you’ve found it. Whether you’re an experienced professional, a recent college graduate or somewhere in between, IDEX is a place where you can apply your existing skills and learn new ones in an environment where you can make an impact.
With interesting opportunities in engineering, marketing, sales, supply chain, operations, HR, finance, and more across more than 40 diverse businesses around the globe, chances are, we have something special for you.
Viking Pump, an IDEX business unit within the Severe Duty Flow Control (SDFC) platform, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of rotary positive displacement pumps used across a broad range of applications including chemicals, fuels, plastics, and food and beverage with the corporate headquarters in Cedar Falls, Iowa. We are seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead a team of over 250 employees by fostering an environment of empowerment, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Guided by our values of Trust, Team, and Excellence, this role will strive for excellence in areas related to Safety, Quality, Delivery and Cost through the effective use of 8020 and a servant leadership mindset. With a high degree of freedom within a disciplined framework, the VP Operations will ensure strategic goals are met that support our customer, financial and operational objectives. The ability to lead people, culture and engagement are key success factors. With a proven servant leadership style, the VP Operations is expected to attract, develop, motivate and lead a high-performing team, while furthering a cohesive, collaborative culture and ensuring that the mission and core values of the company are upheld. This role reports to the Viking Pump General Manager.
What’s unique and exciting about this role:
- Being part of a strong company with a track record of performance & stock appreciation
- Operations teams are located in the US, Canada, Ireland and the UK. This position will provide direct leadership for the US operations and provide global support in a matrix leadership model for the UK, Ireland and Canada.
- The VP Operations position represents an opportunity for a skilled leader to have a substantial positive impact on the profitable future of an established company. In addition, the position is viewed as a possible point of succession to the President, and the successful leader will have ample growth opportunities across the IDEX family of businesses.
Key Accountabilities
- Accountable for all aspects of Operations including Safety, Planning, Quality, Machining, Assembly, Shipping & Receiving, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Strategic Sourcing, and Foundry Operations.
- Ensure understanding of and support for Company strategy, core values and operational goals within areas of responsibility.
- Provide leadership in the development and execution of short and long term strategic functional objectives aligned with the overall company strategy and goals.
- Communicates the strategic direction of the organization and the operations function.
- Provide leadership to the Safety team to ensure all policies and procedures are followed throughout the organization. Work with a safety-first attitude and mentality.
- Foster partnership and teamwork across departments/locations throughout the company.
- Facilitate the performance and talent management process for all direct reports including leadership effectiveness and career development opportunities.
- Develop a strong and deep talent pool to build bench strength for Viking Pump and prepare individuals for other opportunities within IDEX.
- Lead an 80/20-based Continuous Process Improvement mindset and manufacturing culture. Utilize the principals and tools of operational excellence to reduce process complexity across the business.
- Ensure operations capabilities meet or exceed business requirements and support company growth objectives.
- Execute on annual cost savings initiatives from both a material and labor perspective
- Develop both short and long-term global sourcing strategies that meet delivery, cost, quality, growth, and working capital requirements.
- Review, analyze and drive internal performance measures. Specifically, define and drive improvement on KPI’s in the areas of safety, quality, delivery, cost and working capital. Direct root cause countermeasures when necessary.
- Work closely with the entire senior leadership team to gain an in-depth knowledge of the business’ end-users, channels, products, applications and supply chain partners to fully understand what drives value and competitive advantage.
- Apply analytical skills to assess operational and financial data to identify opportunities and accurately assess impact to the organization.
- Partner with international locations to establish best practices and consistent operational processes and procedures.
- Work closely with strategic partners in Finance and Human Resources to develop a best-in-class operations function.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in industrial manufacturing, including 5 years of experience in a leader/management role with responsibility for manufacturing operations.
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Operations Management or other related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
- Experience preferred in industrial engineered products manufacturing or durable goods manufacturing.
- Strong team leadership capabilities and communications skills; an ability to work with and influence a variety of different positions within an organization.
- Demonstrated servant leadership behaviors to influence and manage people/teams while creating followership with others.
- Strong collaboration and communications skills: Has an ability to work with and influence individuals at all levels, internally and externally; someone who can effectively communicate the vision, message, and rationale.
- Strategic Thinking and Agility: Sees the big picture, makes connections, and creates strategies to achieve the competitive advantage; Plays chess vs. checkers; Can see the possibilities, defines the map to get there, and translates actions into meaningful value
- Strong business and financial acumen with exceptional analytical skills.
- Critical Thinking and Decision Making: Demonstrated capacity for independent thought and critical thinking. Sound judgment guides calculated risks for long-term value creation. Makes decisions with conviction.
- Drive for Results: A self-starter who can manage multiple projects and activities end to end. Has the capability and willingness to “roll-up” their sleeves to achieve results; will do so in a persistent and resilient way to work through obstacles.
- Ambiguity Tolerance: High tolerance for ambiguity and able to navigate in the gray. Can make forward progress without having the whole picture. Ability to work in an ambiguous role, defining the framework where it might not currently exist with the ability to learn and iterate over time.
- Low ego and a strong team player. Lives the IDEX Values of Trust, Team, and Excellence.
LOCATION
Based in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
IDEX LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES
While IDEX leaders are a diverse group of individuals with differing backgrounds, experiences, and personalities, we’ve found some attributes are prevalent across successful leaders at IDEX. Successful IDEX leaders are authentic, values/purpose-driven, and dedicated to the pursuit of learning and growing self (and others). They tend to be self-aware, naturally curious, and comfortable navigating ambiguity. They also possess a combination of intelligence and ambition balanced with humbleness and low ego. They believe in the impact of and role model servant leadership. They champion our values of trust, team, and excellence. Successful leaders at IDEX hold themselves and others accountable for achieving superior short and long-term results by understanding the critical importance of exceptional talent and creating an inclusive and engaged culture.
Are you ready to join a different kind of company where our people, our culture, and our commitments are centered around providing trusted solutions that improve lives around the world?
IDEX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IDEX gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, creed, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other consideration or protected category made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.
Attention Applicants: If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, please let us know. Likewise, if you are limited in the ability to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, we will determine an alternate way for you to apply. Please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at lfcareers@idexcorp.com for assistance with an accommodation. These contact tools may be used only by individuals with a disability for accommodation requests. Do not inquire as to the status of an application.
See All 40 VP Engineering Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find VP Engineering JobsVP Engineering Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
VP Engineering Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
- Fintech
- Technology & Software
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in VP engineering jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience including senior leadership roles
- Demonstrated ability to build and scale engineering teams of twenty or more engineers
- Experience delivering enterprise software or hardware products from concept through launch
- Strong background in agile methodologies, DevOps practices, and cloud infrastructure
- Ability to collaborate with C-suite stakeholders on product roadmap and technology strategy
VP Engineering Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a vp engineering in Iowa?
Most vp engineering roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or a closely related discipline, with many employers preferring a master's degree. No state-issued engineering license is required for this leadership role, though holding a Professional Engineer registration from the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board can strengthen candidacy at companies doing regulated infrastructure or industrial work. Candidates typically advance through senior engineer and engineering director roles before reaching the VP level.
Which companies hire vp engineerings in Iowa?
Employers hiring vp engineerings in Iowa right now include Kohlberg Kravis Roberts &, Segra, and Careers at KKR, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Iowa's mix of financial technology firms, agricultural equipment manufacturers, and defense contractors means demand is spread across multiple industries rather than concentrated in a single sector.
Which Iowa cities have the most vp engineering jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and West Des Moines account for the largest share of vp engineering openings in Iowa. Des Moines leads because of its dense concentration of financial services firms and technology companies, while Cedar Rapids is driven by aerospace and manufacturing employers like Collins Aerospace, and the Quad Cities corridor around Davenport reflects cross-border demand from John Deere and regional industrial operations.
Are there remote vp engineering jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and they are more common than in many senior roles, since vp engineering work is largely strategic, communicative, and deliverable-focused rather than tied to a physical facility. About 83% of vp engineering openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting broader tech industry norms. Fully remote arrangements are most common at software and SaaS companies, while manufacturing and defense employers typically expect on-site or hybrid presence.
How can I get hired as a vp engineering in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is building toward the role through engineering manager and director positions at Iowa employers before stepping into a VP seat. Large organizations like Principal Financial Group and John Deere run internal leadership development programs that move senior engineers into people management. Adjacent roles such as director of engineering, head of platform, or senior engineering manager are the typical launch points. Earning a Professional Engineer registration or a relevant cloud architecture certification strengthens a candidate's profile for Iowa employers who value formal technical credentials alongside leadership experience.
Where can I find and apply to vp engineering jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to vp engineering jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from Iowa employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your experience level, industry background, and location preference, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 40 VP Engineering Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find VP Engineering Jobs