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Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Engineer Relocation package offered  This Chemical Engineer role focuses on supporting production operations while leading a variety of process and equipment improvement projects. You ...

Trinity Industries is hiring a Railcar Senior Chemical Cleaner at our Shell Rock, IA plant. As a member of the Railcar Chemical Cleaning team at Trinity, you'll determine and complete appropriate ...

Job Overview As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while continuing to receive mentorship from senior engineers and scientists who support your professional ...

As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while continuing to receive mentorship from senior engineers and scientists who support your professional growth. In ...

Job Overview As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while continuing to receive mentorship from senior engineers and scientists who support your professional ...

Degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering * Previous industrial co-op or internship experience in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering * Experience of continuous processes

Degree in Chemical, Mechanical or Agricultural Engineering * Previous industrial co-op or internship experience in Mechanical and Chemical Engineering * Experience of continuous processes

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Showing results 1-20

Chemical Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$37.6K

$82.2K

$131.5K

How much do chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical engineer in Iowa is $82,173.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,400.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Chemical Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectChemical EngineerProcess Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering; often licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE)Bachelor's degree in chemical, process, or industrial engineering; may also pursue PE licensure
Work EnvironmentFactories, laboratories, research facilities, and industrial plantsManufacturing plants, process design, and optimization settings
Industry UsageChemical, pharmaceuticals, energy, and materials industriesManufacturing, refining, and process industries

Both Chemical Engineers and Process Engineers work in industrial environments and often require similar educational backgrounds. Chemical Engineers typically focus on designing and developing chemical processes, while Process Engineers optimize and improve existing manufacturing processes. Their roles often overlap, but their primary responsibilities differ slightly based on project scope and focus.

What are chemical engineers?

Chemical engineers are professionals who apply principles of chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology, and engineering to solve problems involving the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and many other products. They design processes and equipment for large-scale manufacturing, plan and test production methods, and oversee facility operations. Chemical engineers work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, and environmental health and safety. Their work helps turn raw materials into useful products safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

What type of jobs do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimize processes for producing chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and materials. They work in industries such as manufacturing, energy, and environmental protection, often using tools like process simulation software and adhering to safety and environmental regulations.

What Is the Job of a Chemical Engineer?

Chemical Engineers design and develop manufacturing processes for various chemicals. They can work in a variety of industries, including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food processing, environmental health, health care, and design and construction. In this job, you can expect to research new methods for manufacturing chemicals, create these processes, estimate the cost of production, and draft and implement related safety procedures to ensure the well-being of employees who will work with those chemicals.

What are some common challenges chemical engineers face when working on process optimization projects?

Chemical engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing safety requirements with production efficiency, troubleshooting complex process issues, and adapting to new technologies or regulations. These projects typically require close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, quality control, and maintenance staff, to implement changes without disrupting ongoing operations. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and maintaining strong problem-solving skills are essential to successfully navigate these challenges and drive continuous improvement.

What kind of work do chemical engineers do?

Chemical engineers design, develop, and optimize processes to produce chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, and other products. They work in laboratories, manufacturing plants, and research facilities, applying principles of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve technical problems and improve efficiency.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes professional certifications or advanced degrees.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Chemical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Engineer, you need a solid background in chemistry, mathematics, and process engineering, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), safety regulations, and laboratory analysis tools is commonly required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and teamwork skills help Chemical Engineers excel in collaborative and dynamic environments. These competencies are vital for designing efficient processes, ensuring safety, and driving innovation in chemical manufacturing and related industries.
What are the most commonly searched types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Chemical Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chemical Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Chemical Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Chemical Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,173 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Chemical Engineer

Actalent

Postville, IA

$100K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Chemical Engineer

Relocation package offered



Job Description

This Chemical Engineer role focuses on supporting production operations while leading a variety of process and equipment improvement projects. You will drive process optimization, implement new and upgraded equipment, and collaborate closely with product development teams to successfully launch new products into manufacturing. The position combines hands-on troubleshooting, process engineering, and technical leadership in a dynamic environment that serves critical industries such as power generation and advanced technologies.

Responsibilities

  • Support day-to-day production operations by providing chemical engineering expertise and guidance.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, quality, and reliability in manufacturing.
  • Plan, execute, and oversee projects involving new equipment installation and existing equipment upgrades.
  • Collaborate with the product development team to transition new products from development to full-scale manufacturing.
  • Manage equipment-related projects, including handoff from product development to manufacturing and coordination of new product development and counter-production projects.
  • Troubleshoot production and process equipment issues, identify root causes, and implement effective corrective actions.
  • Develop and maintain process flow diagrams and P&ID (piping and instrumentation) diagrams to support safe and efficient operations.
  • Conduct hazard analyses and other safety-related assessments to ensure safe handling of materials and operation of processes.
  • Work with materials in a lab environment to support testing, validation, and continuous improvement activities.
  • Apply structured problem-solving tools and root cause analysis methodologies to resolve process and quality issues.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams, including R&D and product development, to support future-focused projects and innovation.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement culture by documenting best practices, standardizing processes, and sharing learnings across teams.

Essential Skills

  • Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering.
  • 5+ years of experience in chemical engineering preferred, with openness to a combination of chemical and manufacturing experience.
  • Experience in chemical engineering principles, including process design and optimization.
  • Hands-on experience with process improvement in a production or manufacturing environment.
  • Proficiency in developing and interpreting P&ID diagrams and process flow diagrams.
  • Experience conducting hazard analyses and other safety-related evaluations for processes and equipment.
  • Demonstrated experience using problem-solving tools and root cause analysis methodologies.
  • Experience handling materials in a lab environment for testing and validation.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and process issues in a production setting.
  • Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams, including product development and R&D.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

  • Experience in both chemical and manufacturing environments is highly valued.
  • Experience in supporting new product introductions from development into manufacturing.
  • Familiarity with equipment projects, including new installations and upgrades in a production facility.
  • Interest in working within industries such as power generation and advanced technology supply chains.
  • Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
  • Desire to grow into new functions or leadership roles as the organization expands.
  • Comfort working closely with operations, engineering, and technical teams on the factory floor and in the lab.

Work Environment

This is a full-time role with a typical schedule of Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The position is primarily based on the factory floor, with some work performed in an office setting and in a lab environment. The facility produces thermoset materials and high-pressure laminates, including tubes, shapes, and rods made from in-house produced raw materials. The organization operates as a material supplier to fabricators, who then supply parts to OEM customers in sectors such as power generation and electrical transformers. The work environment is dynamic and growth-oriented, with significant investment in supporting expanding demand driven by industries like power generation and advanced computing. Engineers have opportunities to collaborate with R&D and product development, work on future-focused projects, and explore cross-functional moves and leadership paths as the business continues to grow.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Postville, IA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/yr.

Medical, Dental, Vision, 401K, relocation assistance, paid holidays and vacation.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Postville,IA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 31, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.


Actalent logo

About Actalent

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Actalent connects passion with purpose. Our scalable talent solutions and services capabilities drive value and results and provide the expertise to help our customers achieve more. Every day, our experts around the globe are making an impact. We're supporting critical initiatives in engineering and sciences that advance how companies serve the world. Actalent promotes consultant care and engagement through experiences that enable continuous development. Our people are the difference. Actalent is an operating company of Allegis Group, the global leader in talent solutions.

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hanover, MD, US

Year founded

1983

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