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Director Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Van-Am Tool & Engineering

Manufacturing Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

... join our engineering team in Waverly, Iowa. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the manufacturing of high-precision components and assemblies supporting the aerospace and defense ...

Centro, Inc

Manufacturing Technician

North Liberty, IA · On-site

This is a hands‑on engineering support role with direct impact on production safety, quality, and productivity. Key Responsibilities * Support Manufacturing Engineering and Project Engineering ...

Centro, Inc

Manufacturing Technician

North Liberty, IA · On-site

This is a hands‑on engineering support role with direct impact on production safety, quality, and productivity. Key Responsibilities * Support Manufacturing Engineering and Project Engineering ...

US Tech Solutions

Manufacturing Engineer

Burlington, IA

$70K - $90K/yr

Company Description US Tech Solutions - Hiring Manufacturing Engineer for 1 of our direct clients Job Title: Manufacturing Engineer Duration: 18 Months Location: Burlington IA The is as following:

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All JobsManufacturing Engineering JobsDirector Manufacturing Engineering JobsDirector Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Director Manufacturing Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$68.6K

$182.9K

$238.6K

How much do director manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for director manufacturing engineering in Iowa is $182,884.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,900.00 and $237,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Director of Manufacturing Engineering do?

A Director of Manufacturing Engineering oversees the design, implementation, and improvement of manufacturing processes within an organization. They lead teams of engineers, manage projects, and collaborate with other departments to ensure efficient production, quality standards, and cost-effectiveness. Their responsibilities often include strategic planning, process optimization, technology integration, and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory requirements. This leadership role is critical in driving innovation and maintaining competitive manufacturing operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Director of Manufacturing Engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Manufacturing Engineering, you need deep expertise in manufacturing processes, engineering management, and process optimization, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering and significant leadership experience. Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, lean manufacturing methodologies, Six Sigma certifications, and advanced manufacturing technologies is typically required. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and excellent communication skills help drive cross-functional teams and foster innovation. These capabilities are vital for ensuring operational efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and continuous improvement in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a Director of Manufacturing Engineering and how can they be addressed?

A Director of Manufacturing Engineering often encounters challenges such as integrating new technologies, scaling production efficiently, and managing cross-functional teams. Balancing cost, quality, and speed while implementing process improvements requires strong project management and communication skills. Proactively fostering collaboration between engineering, operations, and quality teams helps address issues early and ensures alignment with organizational goals. Staying updated on industry advancements and investing in team development are also key to overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Director Manufacturing Engineering vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectDirector Manufacturing EngineeringManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's in Engineering or related field, entry to mid-level
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, team leadership, cross-department collaborationHands-on production, process improvement, equipment troubleshooting
Industry UsageOversees manufacturing operations, sets long-term goalsExecutes manufacturing processes, supports production teams

The main difference between a Director Manufacturing Engineering and a Manufacturing Engineer lies in scope and responsibility. The director focuses on strategic planning, leadership, and overseeing multiple teams, while the manufacturing engineer handles day-to-day process improvements and technical tasks. Both roles are essential in manufacturing, but they operate at different levels of management and technical involvement.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
Director Manufacturing Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing Engineering job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,884 per year, or $87.9 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer

Van-Am Tool & Engineering

Waverly, IA • On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Van-Am Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team in Waverly, Iowa. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the manufacturing of high-precision components and assemblies supporting the aerospace and defense industries.

We are looking for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, improving production processes, designing tooling and fixtures, and collaborating with production, quality, and engineering teams to deliver world-class products. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy turning engineering concepts into efficient, repeatable production processes, we would like to hear from you.

What You Will Do

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will:

  • Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for precision machined and fabricated components.
  • Design manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions that improve productivity and quality.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including process plans, Bills of Material (BOMs), work instructions, and engineering changes.
  • Support CNC machining, forming, welding, assembly, and static load testing operations.
  • Partner with Production, Quality, and Engineering to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and improve throughput.
  • Support quoting and estimating by evaluating manufacturing methods and labor requirements.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost reduction, and waste elimination.
  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 quality requirements and customer specifications.
What We Are Looking For

Qualified candidates will have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent manufacturing engineering experience).
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Experience supporting CNC machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and manufacturing process development.
  • Experience designing tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing workholding.
  • Working knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Experience with ERP systems (Epicor preferred).
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.
  • Experience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
  • Working knowledge of ITAR requirements is preferred.
Why Van-Am Defense Systems?

At Van-Am Defense Systems, our engineers play a key role in delivering products that support critical defense and aerospace programs. You will work alongside experienced manufacturing professionals while helping shape the future of our operations through innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

We offer:

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work on challenging aerospace and defense programs
  • Collaborative engineering environment
  • Modern manufacturing equipment and technology
  • Stable, growing organization committed to continuous improvement
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

Location: Waverly, Iowa


As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Defense Systems is required to maintain a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As part of the hiring process, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must undergo a pre-employment drug test, which includes testing for marijuana, regardless of state legalization.

Testing is conducted after a job offer is extended, and results are kept confidential. A positive result may impact the final offer of employment. Van-Am complies with all applicable Federal, State (including Missouri and Iowa), and DOT regulations, where relevant.

Van-Am is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro