ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Engineering Project JobsContract Engineering Project Manager JobsContract Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Contract Engineering Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$48.4K

$105.5K

$159.7K

How much do contract engineering project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract engineering project manager in Iowa is $105,514.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $122,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract engineering project manager?

A Contract Engineering Project Manager is a professional who oversees engineering projects on a contractual basis, often for a specific period or project. They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Unlike full-time employees, contract project managers are typically hired for their specialized expertise and flexibility, providing services to multiple clients or projects. Their duties may include managing teams, communicating with stakeholders, and handling project documentation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract engineering project manager?

To thrive as a Contract Engineering Project Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management experience, and a relevant degree such as engineering or construction management. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, Primavera, and an understanding of contract administration tools and industry certifications such as PMP or PE are typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and contractors effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and ensuring contract compliance and stakeholder satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by contract engineering project managers when coordinating between clients and internal teams?

Contract Engineering Project Managers often navigate the challenge of aligning client expectations with internal capabilities and project timelines. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously, managing scope changes, and ensuring clear communication between stakeholders are frequent hurdles. It's crucial to establish transparent processes for status updates, handle conflicts proactively, and adapt quickly to shifting requirements to keep projects on track. Effective collaboration with engineers, procurement, and quality assurance teams is essential to deliver successful outcomes within contractual obligations.

What is the difference between Contract Engineering Project Manager vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectContract Engineering Project ManagerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications (e.g., PMP), engineering backgroundBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentProject sites, client offices, engineering firmsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labs
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, energy projectsProduct design, manufacturing, R&D
Search/Comparison IntentProject management roles, contract positions, industry-specific projectsDesign, analysis, product development

The Contract Engineering Project Manager focuses on overseeing engineering projects on a contractual basis, managing timelines, budgets, and client requirements. In contrast, a Mechanical Engineer primarily engages in designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the project manager emphasizes coordination and management, whereas the mechanical engineer concentrates on technical design and problem-solving.

Contract Engineering Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineering Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,514 per year, or $50.7 per hour.

Engineering Project Manager - Food & Beverage (35750)

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

STSI (Staffing Technical Services Inc.)
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about STSI (Staffing Technical Services Inc.)external

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Engineering Project Manager
Cedar Rapids, IA (On-site)
Benefits: Standard Medical, Dental, 401(k)
Summary: Seeking an experienced Engineering Project Manager to support a large-scale food manufacturing facility in Cedar Rapids, IA. This is a hands-on engineering and project management role focused on enhancing plant productivity, efficiency, quality, and manufacturing processes.
Responsibilities:
  • Lead engineering and capital projects within a high-volume food manufacturing environment.
  • Manage projects involving production equipment, production lines, packaging systems, conveyors, material flow, and ingredient handling.
  • Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Production, Packaging, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams.
  • Identify opportunities to improve productivity, quality, efficiency, throughput, and overall plant performance.
  • Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment and recommend improvements.
  • Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, resources, vendors, contractors, and implementation.
  • Work directly on the production floor to understand processes, identify issues, and develop practical solutions.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives throughout the manufacturing operation.
  • Help improve material flow, production processes, equipment performance, and line efficiency.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement process and equipment improvements.
  • Provide technical and project leadership while supporting the day-to-day needs of the manufacturing operation.
  • Ensure projects meet safety, quality, productivity, cost, and schedule objectives.
  • Support the selection, installation, modification, and commissioning of capital equipment. 

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or a related field is preferred.  Experience can be supplemented for degree.
  • 3+ years of engineering project management, manufacturing engineering, process engineering, or closely related plant experience.
  • Proven experience working inside a manufacturing/production facility is required.
  • Food or beverage manufacturing experience is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience managing capital projects and capital equipment.
  • Experience working with production lines and manufacturing equipment.
  • Understanding of material flow, conveyors, ingredient handling, production equipment, and/or packaging lines.
  • Experience partnering with Operations, Production, Packaging, Maintenance, Engineering, and/or Supply Chain.
  • Experience with continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma is preferred.
  • Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other legally protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any of these characteristics.
 
#INDShow
STSI logo

About STSI

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Wheaton, IL, US

Year founded

1998

View All STSI Jobs