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Chemical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA · On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Position Requirements: * BS degree in Chemical Engineering from an ABET or IchemE accredited university is required. * A minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience is required. Experience ...

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Position Requirements: * BS degree in Chemical Engineering from an ABET or IchemE accredited university is required. * A minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience is required. Experience ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA

$94K - $121K/yr

A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.) and an intuitive sense for their application to real ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA

$94K - $121K/yr

A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.) and an intuitive sense for their application to real ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

A complete understanding of the core chemical engineering fundamentals (thermodynamics, heat transfer, mass transfer, transport, kinetics, etc.) and an intuitive sense for their application to real ...

General knowledge of chemical operations equipment and manufacturing operations Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements * BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 - 3 years of ...

General knowledge of chemical operations equipment and manufacturing operations Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements * BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 - 3 years of ...

General knowledge of chemical operations equipment and manufacturing operations Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements * BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 - 3 years of ...

General knowledge of chemical operations equipment and manufacturing operations Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements * BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 - 3 years of ...

Plant Engineer

Hanlontown, IA · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering (other engineering degrees considered) * Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain or chemical processing * Prior ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant manufacturing ...

New

You have a Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Other engineering degrees will be considered. * Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain ...

You have a Bachelor's degree or greater in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. Other engineering degrees will be considered. * Experience in an operating processing plant environment such as grain ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Senior Process Engineer

CF Industries Holdings, Inc.

Sergeant Bluff, IA • On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


CF Industries rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. Our employees are focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management. By joining CF, you will be part of a team that brings their varied experiences, wide-ranging knowledge and diverse talents together to deliver important work and you'll be able to pursue complex, exciting opportunities that help you continue to grow and achieve your potential in different areas. You'll take pride in working for a company that lives its values and where you can be yourself at work, as part of an authentic team that encourages you to share your views and opinions. Our eight manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy.
Function:
Engineering and Engineering Services
Job Summary:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Job Description:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Key Job Elements:
  • As holistic system thinkers, monitor and report on operational performance process units and key variables impacting plant efficiency, capacity, catalyst performance, emissions, and process safety.
  • Proactively evaluate process and equipment performance to reduce plant upsets and generate solutions to resolve problems with process chemistry and equipment including pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, absorbers, strippers, boilers, combustion equipment, reactors, and high pressure steam systems.
  • Optimize process performance through troubleshooting, process modeling, data analysis, process tests, and technical support to the operations organization.
  • Complete process engineering studies and provide comprehensive process engineering support during collaborative design of new installations and processes.
  • Help prioritize the development of projects to increase production capacity, improve energy efficiency, and enhance EHS performance.
  • Prepare and review documents including PFDs, P&IDs, scopes of work, and equipment specifications to support the capital process.
  • Review and approve new operational procedures and equipment operating limits. Develop and conduct training for operations and other groups to address significant changes and for annual refresher training.
  • Participate in MOCs, PHAs, LOPA studies, and incident investigations to identify and implement process safety and other EHS solutions.
  • Assist Maintenance and Operations during turnarounds by providing pre-turnaround process engineering recommendations, assisting in planning specialty work, performing equipment inspections related to process issues, coordinating catalyst replacements, and participating in plant restarts.
  • Maintain excellent communication and a professional working relationships with all departments and plant personnel.

Position Requirements:
  • BS degree in Chemical Engineering from an ABET or IchemE accredited university is required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience is required. Experience required working for an operating company in the chemical manufacturing, refining, or oil and gas industry.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) required. Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with personnel throughout the organization.
  • Ability and willingness to collect field data, enter process equipment for inspections, and otherwise perform routine field engineering work in an operating chemical facility environment.
  • Ability and willingness to work alternative schedules on a short term basis to support 24 hour/7 day per week operations, particularly during process unit startups, shutdowns, upsets, and catalyst reductions.

FMLA:
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
  • Employees in Canada can learn more about their rights by viewing the "Canadian Human Rights Act".

Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Recruitment Process
As part of our recruitment process, CF Industries may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence ("AI") and machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates whose qualifications align with job-related criteria, including information provided during the application process such as resumes, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions. These tools support but do not replace human decision-making, and all final employment decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition team and/or hiring managers exercising independent judgment.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at CF Industries, need reasonable accommodation with the application process, or have questions about our use of AI, please call 847-405-2400 or contact us at talentacquisition@cfindustries.com.
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