1

Chemical Process 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 ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering - preferably Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Sciences, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. * 3 - 5 years of previous process engineering experience required ...

Be Seen First

Process Engineer

Story City, IA · On-site

$65K - $85K/yr

... Chemical, or related field). or * Associate Degree in relevant fields and 3+ years of manufacturing ... Process design and industrial engineering principles. * Production planning and capacity analysis.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering - preferably Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Sciences, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. * 3 - 5 years of previous process engineering experience required ...

Bachelor's degree in Engineering - preferably Metallurgical Engineering, Materials Sciences, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering. * 3 - 5 years of previous process engineering experience required ...

Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

Chemical, Mechanical, and Industrial Engineering degrees preferred. * Process improvement experience in manufacturing operations environment. * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot process ...

Showing results 21-40

Chemical Process Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$95.2K

$152.2K

How much do chemical process engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for chemical process engineer in Iowa is $95,170.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $107,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chemical process engineer?

A chemical process engineer’s responsibilities cover designing and developing processes for transforming raw materials into marketable products. You can hold a chemical process engineer job in an industry that processes natural gases, paper, pharmaceuticals, plastic, food, and other products. You will analyze procedures, communicate effectively with team members, apply math, science, and engineering concepts, and conduct experiments and report the results. Many types of chemical engineering careers exist in chemical production and manufacturing, mineral processing, oil exploration, sustainable engineering, and alternative energy fields. However, you can find chemical engineers with diverse duties in jobs in nearly every industry that creates a product.

What does a chemical process engineer do?

A Chemical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the production of chemicals, fuels, pharmaceuticals, food, and other products. They work to improve efficiency, safety, and sustainability in manufacturing plants by analyzing chemical reactions, equipment, and workflows. Chemical Process Engineers often collaborate with other engineers and technicians to troubleshoot problems and implement new technologies in production systems.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chemical process engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chemical Process Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical engineering principles, process design, and safety regulations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), knowledge of P&ID development, and relevant certifications like Six Sigma are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in this role. These skills ensure that processes are efficient, safe, and cost-effective, supporting both operational excellence and regulatory compliance.

What are some typical challenges a chemical process engineer faces when optimizing plant operations?

Chemical Process Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing production efficiency with safety and environmental regulations, troubleshooting unexpected equipment malfunctions, and integrating new technologies into existing systems. They must collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including operators, maintenance staff, and quality control, to implement process improvements. Staying adaptable and proactive in problem-solving is key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining smooth and cost-effective operations.

What is the difference between Chemical Process Engineer vs Chemical Production Technician?

AspectChemical Process EngineerChemical Production Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in chemical engineering or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in chemical technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee chemical processes in labs or plantsOperate and maintain equipment on the production floor
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, petrochemical, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectorsChemical manufacturing plants and processing facilities

The Chemical Process Engineer focuses on designing and improving chemical processes, requiring a degree in engineering. In contrast, the Chemical Production Technician handles daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical certifications. Both roles are vital in chemical industries but differ in responsibilities, education, and work scope.

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

The most popular types of Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Chemical Process Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Chemical Process Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Chemical Process Engineer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Chemical Process Engineer jobs in IA?

For Chemical Process Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chemical Process Engineer job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,170 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA • On-site

CF Industries
Chemical Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Monitor and report on operational performance of process units and key variables impacting plant efficiency, capacity, emissions, and process safety.

  • Evaluate process and equipment performance to reduce plant upsets and resolve issues related to process chemistry and equipment such as pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, absorbers, strippers, boilers, combustion equipment, reactors, and high pressure steam systems.

  • Support process optimization through troubleshooting, process modeling, data analysis, process testing, and technical support to operations.


CF Industries rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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 ServicesJob 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 attalentacquisition@cfindustries.com.

JOIN OUR TALENT NETWORK

What CF Industries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom