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Continuous Improvement Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Continuous Improvement Leader (CI)

Knoxville, IA

$164K - $201K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Continuous Improvement Leader Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... Ten (ten) years of experience in plant operations, engineering, and/or maintenance functions

The Continuous Improvement Leader is charged with leading diverse teams to identify and solve ... Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align ...

Continuous Improvement Leader - Clinton, IA

Clinton, IA · On-site

$70K - $131K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Continuous Improvement Leader is charged with leading diverse teams to identify and solve ... Partner with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align ...

Showing results 21-40

Continuous Improvement Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$49.3K

$88K

$124.5K

How much do continuous improvement engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement engineer in Iowa is $88,023.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,200.00 and $99,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a continuous improvement engineer?

Continuous Improvement Engineers are professionals who analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for enhancement and increased efficiency. They use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to implement changes that reduce waste, improve quality, and streamline operations. Their role often involves working with cross-functional teams, collecting and analyzing data, and leading projects that drive sustainable improvements. These engineers play a critical part in helping organizations remain competitive and responsive to market demands.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Engineer vs Process Engineer?

AspectContinuous Improvement EngineerProcess Engineer
Primary FocusOptimizing processes through continuous improvement methodologiesDesigning, implementing, and improving manufacturing or operational processes
CertificationsLean, Six Sigma, KaizenSix Sigma, Lean, PMP (sometimes)
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, industrial settings, corporate officesManufacturing, production facilities, engineering departments
Industry UsageManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, healthcareManufacturing, chemical, electronics, energy

While both roles aim to improve efficiency, the Continuous Improvement Engineer primarily focuses on ongoing process enhancements using methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. In contrast, the Process Engineer designs and refines specific processes to meet production goals. Both roles often collaborate but serve different aspects of operational improvement.

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

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Engineer, you need a strong background in process optimization, data analysis, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma methodologies, and tools such as Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and statistical analysis software is typically required, with certifications like Lean Six Sigma being highly valued. Strong communication, collaboration, and change management skills help drive initiatives and engage cross-functional teams. These competencies are essential for successfully identifying inefficiencies, implementing solutions, and fostering a culture of ongoing improvement within organizations.

How does a continuous improvement engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive process enhancements?

Continuous Improvement Engineers frequently work alongside various departments, such as operations, quality, and supply chain, to identify inefficiencies and implement process improvements. They lead or participate in cross-functional teams, facilitating workshops like Kaizen events or root cause analyses to gather diverse perspectives. Effective communication and project management skills are essential, as these engineers must align stakeholders on goals, coordinate action plans, and track progress. This collaborative approach ensures that improvements are sustainable and have buy-in from all relevant areas of the organization.

What are popular job titles related to Continuous Improvement Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Continuous Improvement Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $88,023 per year, or $42.3 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Manager 2

Perdue Farms

Sioux City, IA • On-site

$90K - $121K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Perdue Farms rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 99 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

309th of 438 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we're committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
Summary
Perdue Farms, Inc. is actively recruiting for a Continuous Improvement Manager to be based at our Sioux City, IA facility. This individual drives measurable results through facilitation and leadership of the Continuous Improvement Model. This role leads the process of engaging and empowering team members to identify, understand, and implement sustainable process improvements.
Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities
  • Become a business partner with operations & functional management, to identify opportunities, utilizing systematic problem solving (including Root Cause Analysis, Kaizens, Loss Analysis and DMAIC methodology) to eradicate losses while focusing on People-Process-Data to obtain measurable and sustainable results.
  • Utilizes Lean, Six Sigma techniques and CI tools to lead the organization in data-based decision making and driving actions to generate measurable improvement driving behavioral change across site through CI tools, methodology and coaching.
  • Manage Site Improvement Projects through project plan development, results tracking and leading and coaching site leaders through project execution process.
  • Delivers effective Continuous Improvement training courses (LEAN Training, Belt training, etc.) and programs to help increase team capability and awareness of the Continuous Improvement tools. The training should be tailored to meet organizational needs and priorities.
  • Implement, support and coach site Manufacturing Operating System (MOS), including Tier meetings, KPI development and tracking and standard work.
  • Co-facilitates Kaizen and 90-Day Improvement events in which we effectively build and lead focused and empowered teams to address systemic problems.
  • Develops and implements a plant communication plan for process improvement efforts.
  • Serve as subject matter expert for CI Methodology, CI Tools and the implementation of Daily Process controls to drive operational improvements.
  • Timely communication, tracking and reporting on project progress, results, and deviations from the project plan with key stakeholders.
  • Organize regular meetings with key stakeholders to share project status updates, define next steps in order to raise the performance bar, review pans to deliver sustainable SQDCSM improvements.
  • Additional duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Education
  • Min. of a BS degree - Degrees in Engineering, Business Administration, Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, Operations, Logistics, Food Science, Animal Science, and/or Supply Chain preferred by all majors will be considered.

Experience Requirements
  • 5 to 7 years related work experience.
  • Ability to travel between Sioux City and Sioux Center as needed.
  • Advanced Project Management skills required.
  • Travel 10% to support other CI Initiatives
  • Must possess knowledge of LEAN principles, Problem Solving Tools (RCA, DMAIC), Six Sigma, TQM, TPM and SPC.
  • Combination of business, interpersonal, technical, and analytical skills
  • Strong Leadership skills in leading teams of people
  • Self-starter and motivated by challenge.
  • Strong sense of teamwork with high level of individual contribution
  • Ability to learn new concepts, combine with common sense, and effectively apply to problem solving
  • Strong communication, organization, and presentation skills
  • Able to communicate and work with teams at all organizational levels from Senior management to shop floor
  • Willingness to promote and drive change
  • Proficiency in O365 Tools (Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel)
  • Ability to support all shifts (1st, 2nd, & 3rd) on Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Experience Preferred
  • Power Apps/BI Experience
  • Minitab
  • Prior exposure to Continuous Improvement or Operational Excellence tools.
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment
  • Bilingual English/Spanish

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements
  • Position is mostly sedentary but may require occasional moving to other offices or buildings.
  • May need to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another.
  • May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
  • Work activity is in an office, open-partitioned, cubicle environment.

When in a plant environment:
  • Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
  • May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degree to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100% humidity.
  • May handle product 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
  • May be exposed to all chemicals found in poultry, food and processing plant.
  • Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

#LI-LB1
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status

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