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Director Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Education: bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field required. * Experience: minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. * Proven ...

Director of Manufacturing

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$132.23 - $211.57/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Engineering on capital projects to maximize productivity and quality outcomes ... Director of Manufacturing), preferably managing >500 indirect employees* 5+ years leading Lean ...

Education: bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field required. * Experience: minimum 10 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership role. * Proven ...

Leads engineering projects through all phases. Improves current production methods, standards ... Leadership skills with the ability to direct, motivate, and provide clear direction in a production ...

Director of Manufacturing

Dubuque, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Engineering on capital projects to maximize productivity and quality outcomes ... Director of Manufacturing), preferably managing >500 indirect employees * 5+ years leading Lean ...

Director of Manufacturing

Dubuque, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Engineering on capital projects to maximize productivity and quality outcomes ... Director of Manufacturing), preferably managing >500 indirect employees * 5+ years leading Lean ...

Director of Manufacturing

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$132 - $212/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with Engineering on capital projects to maximize productivity and quality outcomes.Talent ... Director of Manufacturing), preferably managing >500 indirect employees5+ years leading Lean ...

Engineering Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead our project management and engineering teams while ... manufacturing facilities by integrating innovative and high‑value systems to our clients ...

Engineering Director

Des Moines, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are seeking a Director of Engineering to lead our project management and engineering teams while ... our clients' manufacturing facilities by integrating innovative and high-value systems to our ...

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... Requirements · Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field. MBA ...

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... Requirements • Bachelor's Degree in Sales, Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field. MB ...

Director of Sales, Manufacturing

Waterloo, IA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Director of Sales, Manufacturing The Director of Sales, Manufacturing is accountable for the ... Works cross-functionally with Engineering, Product Management, and Operations to align product ...

Product Design Engineer II Eldridge, IA - Direct Hire Productive Resources (www.productiveresources ... Examples of such are Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Technology ...

Product Design Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

Product Design Engineer II Eldridge, IA - Direct Hire Productive Resources (www.productiveresources ... Examples of such are Manufacturing Engineering, Manufacturing or Mechanical Engineering Technology ...

The position will report to the Director, Process Development and will be located at one of our ... Two to seven years of experience in manufacturing, industrial engineering, process engineering ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Aug 15, 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?

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:

Infographic showing various Director Manufacturing Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $182,884 per year, or $87.9 per hour.

Manufacturing Quality Engineer - Pella, IA

Pella Corporation

Pella, IA • On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago


Pella rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 132 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

199th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description


SUMMARY PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for coordination of complex and multi-disciplined engineering projects from concept to implementation. Coordinates all work within the scope of assigned projects to ensure objectives in terms of quality, cost, and time are met. Follows the structure of Pella's Safety, Quality, Project Management & Continuous Improvement Systems from concept through project execution. Approves product/process design and prepares engineering documents; such as cost estimates, appropriation requests, projects schedules, design specifications, instruction specifications, purchase requisitions, operating manuals, and technical reports. Assures that contracts are awarded to the outside vendors that offer the best value and appropriate quality. Responsible for effective communication of engineering information among team members. May supervise assigned technical team members and coordinates their work within the scope of assigned responsibilities. Serves as an expert resource across the organization, providing technical information, and engineering recommendations that influence projects.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
SCOPE:
Capable of working independently and with minimal direction on complex projects. Also responsible for the advancement and application of engineering technologies and processes.
SUPERVISING OTHERS:
Primarily an individual contributor role. Capable of leading a team in complex technical projects from development through implementation. Serves as a mentor and coach to others in area of expertise. May supervise exempt, non-exempt, and hourly employees.
APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE:
Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities. Plans, schedules, and coordinates detailed phases of a project or task.
Technology process owner; responsible for developing and applying knowledge across multiple disciplines across the organization.
Assesses the feasibility and soundness of proposed approaches, techniques or equipment when necessary data are insufficient. Performs as requested as advisor and consultant relative to a scientific or engineering specialty or a product function. Carries out assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures. Possesses in-depth problem solving skills utilized to determine and address root cause. Work results in the development of refined equipment, materials, processes, products, technologies, and/or scientific methods.
JUDGMENT:
Plans and coordinates work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and adaptation of advanced techniques and processes. Knowledge and judgment have a direct effect on advancement of assigned technology.
Responsibilities
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES - Senior Quality Engineer:
Responsibilities: Manage and improve processes to uphold product quality standards. Track and monitor key quality performance metrics in order to reduce manufacturing defects. The scope of influence of this position spans manufacturing, engineering, product development, sales branches and material vendors. Strong influential leadership skills are necessary when planning and implementing PPM projects and when prioritizing plant quality activities. The ability to effectively present information, defend a position and address concerns is key to fostering collaboration. Responsible for the deployment of the Pella Quality System including the development and oversight of each plant's annual quality plan.
Supervisory responsibilities: Plant quality & gauge technicians
Work hours: Normal + irregular hours/shifts required
Travel expectations: Minimal to moderate
Computer skills: Microsoft Office applications and Minitab
Technical / functional skills: Engineering statistics (Lean Sigma tools)
Safety: Periodically exposed to machinery where safe operating procedures must be followed, occasional lifting of materials up to 30 lbs. is required, work environment may be noisy.
Certificates, licenses, and registrations: Lean Sigma Green Belt certification and ASQ Certified Quality Engineer preferred.
Leadership competencies: Apply technical and functional expertise, Manager and improve processes, Foster collaboration, Establish plans, Coach and develop people, Lead courageously
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
EXPERIENCE:
7+ years combined engineering experience within 2-3 disciplines (Process, Product, CI, Project, Quality, Plant).
EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT:
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Math, or relevant Science or combination of education and experience. Masters Degree preferred in Engineering, Math, or relevant Science.

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About Pella

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pella Corporation, headquartered in Pella, IA, is an innovative leader in creating a better view for homes and businesses by designing, testing, manufacturing, and installing quality windows and doors for new construction, remodeling, and replacement applications. Founded in 1925, Pella is a family-owned and professionally managed privately held company, known for its history of innovation, making outstanding products, providing quality service, and delivering on customer satisfaction. The company is committed to incorporating new technologies, increasing productivity, and practicing environmental stewardship.

Industry

Building materials and garden equipment dealers

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Pella, IA, US

Year founded

1925