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Associate Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Associate degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Engineering, or Vocational discipline * TIG welding experience * CAD experience ( AutoCAD, Creo, or SolidWorks ) * CNC machining experience ( 3‑axis ...

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Process Engineer

Story City, IA · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Associate Degree in relevant fields and 3+ years of manufacturing/engineering experience acceptable. * Experience with process design, process optimization, and manufacturing operations. * CNC ...

Manufacturing Coordinator - Piping

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Serve as the liaison between project managers, engineers, and manufacturing teams to ensure clear ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred, or equivalent experience in manufacturing, construction ...

New

Associate's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering or related field is preferred. * Planning: an ability to think ahead and plan over a 3-6 month time span. * Must have knowledge ...

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Associate Manufacturing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$31

How much do associate manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate manufacturing engineer in Iowa is $19.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.34 and $21.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by an associate manufacturing engineer during process improvements?

As an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, one of the main challenges is balancing the need for efficiency improvements with maintaining product quality and safety standards. You may encounter resistance to change from production teams who are accustomed to existing processes, requiring strong communication and collaboration skills. Additionally, troubleshooting equipment or workflow issues often demands quick, analytical thinking and adaptability, especially when working under tight production deadlines. Overcoming these challenges offers valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving abilities and gain hands-on experience with lean manufacturing principles.

What is the difference between Associate Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectAssociate Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some certificationsBachelor's or higher in engineering; often more experience or certifications
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supporting manufacturing processes, assisting senior engineersDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes independently
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, production facilities, industrial companiesManufacturing firms, automotive, aerospace, electronics industries

The main difference is experience and responsibility level. Associate Manufacturing Engineers typically support and assist in manufacturing processes, while Manufacturing Engineers take on more independent roles in designing and improving production systems. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and are common in manufacturing industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as an Associate Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process improvement, and manufacturing methodologies, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, Lean Manufacturing tools, and quality management systems (such as Six Sigma) is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, high product quality, and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Associate Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,709 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$69K - $88K/yr

Full-time, Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer will focus on improving processes related to profile processing, including laser and plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, and part kitting. The ideal candidate will enjoy working hands-on with production teams, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing practical solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Support and improve manufacturing processes related to laser and plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, and kitting.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Lead or support projects involving new equipment installation and integration into existing manufacturing processes.
  • Work with production and engineering teams to implement automation and process improvements.
  • Develop and improve part nesting and organizational layouts to optimize material and production flow.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and develop effective corrective actions.
  • Assist with equipment, tooling, and process improvements within the production area.
  • Communicate project status, recommendations, and results to cross-functional teams.

Requirements

  • Applicable manufacturing engineering experience.
  • Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude through work experience or hobbies.
  • Problem solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Familiar with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
  • Must be a self-starter, good communication skills, able to thrive in a collaborative environment.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in a manufacturing or production environment is preferred.
  • Experience with laser or plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, or kitting is highly desirable.
  • Experience with manufacturing automation and equipment integration is preferred.
  • Project management experience is desired.
  • Experience nesting parts for laser cutting and developing part organizational layouts is a plus.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with production personnel, engineers, and other cross-functional teams.

Work Schedule

This position supports first shift, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with flexibility to occasionally support the beginning of second shift. The expected time commitment is approximately 40–45 hours per week.

Salary Range Commensurate with experience $50,000-$80,000

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

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