1

Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Experience in laboratory and chemical handling. * Knowledge of GMP and manufacturing processes ... About Actalent Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent ...

EHS Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Oversee hazardous waste, wastewater, air emissions, and chemical management programs.Conduct safety ...

EHS Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Oversee hazardous waste, wastewater, air emissions, and chemical management programs. * Conduct ... Partner with operations and engineering teams to improve safety, environmental performance, and ...

This role involves batching, chemical unloading, and unloading drums and totes into tanks. In addition to these tasks, the technician will assist other departments. Experience with railcars is ...

EHS Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

EHS Engineer RIE Coatings is seeking an experienced Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) Engineer ... Oversee hazardous waste, wastewater, air emissions, and chemical management programs. * Conduct ...

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

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

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing/Chemical Engineering or Related Experience/Education. * 5+ years of experience with CapEx projects, Maintenance, Equipment/Process Design and ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing/Chemical Engineering or Related Experience/Education. * 5+ years of experience with CapEx projects, Maintenance, Equipment/Process Design and ...

Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with maintenance to monitor equipment for efficiency improvement. * Assist Process Engineers and Chemical Development teams when new processes are transferred ...

Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with maintenance to monitor equipment for efficiency improvement. * Assist Process Engineers and Chemical Development teams when new processes are transferred ...

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$37.6K

$82.2K

$131.5K

How much do chemical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 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 a chemical engineer?

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 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 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 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.

Is there a high demand for chemical engineers?

Chemical engineers are in high demand across industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, and manufacturing due to ongoing innovation and the need for process optimization. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, especially for those with strong technical skills and relevant certifications.

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,173 per year, or $39.5 per hour.

Process Engineer II

Cambrex

Charles City, IA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 days ago


Cambrex rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services. 

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

  • engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
  • learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
  • strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We're committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company.  We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

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 growth. In this role, you'll operate with increasing independence, contributing your expertise across all stages of bringing new products from the laboratory to full-scale batch manufacturing. You'll gain hands-on experience with diverse processes and unit operations such as reactions, distillation, extraction, filtration, and drying, while also beginning to lead small to moderate projects.

As part of a global contract development and manufacturing organization, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate directly with pharmaceutical clients worldwide and to work on multiple processes each year. This position offers clear pathways for career development, whether you choose to specialize in technical expertise, project leadership, or operations. Over time, you'll have opportunities to advance into roles as a subject-matter expert, project manager, or operations leader - making a lasting impact on both the industry and patients worldwide.

Responsibilities:

Draft the conceptual process design for individual chemical steps including: scaling calculations for unit operations, equipment selection, and determination of operating parameters.

Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.

Provide technical information directly to external clients and internal stakeholders.

Lead and participate in production campaigns for single chemical steps through planning, technical analysis, and in-person observation.

Develop process understanding and recommend improvements through process modelling and the analysis of production and laboratory data.

Perform quality investigations and corrective action / preventative action implementation.

Conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.

Draft manufacturing documents: process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, campaign reports

Qualifications / Skills:
  • Applied Math and Science: A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.).
  • Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting: The ability to analyze data from various sources, including sensors and experiments, to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency.
  • Process Simulation and Modeling: Use of software (spreadsheets, programming, simulators) to model chemical unit operations and processes.
  • Process Safety and Risk Management: Assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring the safety of personnel and the environment.
  • Process Scale Up & Equipment knowledge: Assess equipment capability of key processing equipment (reactors, filters, heat exchangers) with respect to process fit.
  • Problem-Solving: Identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes and plant operations. Includes investigations.
  • Technical Writing & Communication: The ability to explain technical concepts clearly and accurately to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: Be meticulous and pay close attention to detail to ensure accuracy and quality. Review documents and the work of others.
  • Adaptability: Adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges is important.
  • Project Management, Leadership, & Mentoring: Manage one's own assignments, meet assigned deadlines, delegate, and support others. Assist and train junior engineers.
Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: (Text Only)- B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field. - 3-7 years of experience in chemical development, chemical manufacturing, chemical engineering design, or the equivalent. - Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, is preferred.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Cambrex employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cambrex logo

About Cambrex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

East Rutherford, NJ, US

Year founded

1981

Social media