1

Engineer Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Engineer Director information

What is an engineer director?

Engineer Directors are senior leaders in engineering organizations who oversee multiple teams or departments, set technical strategy, and ensure alignment with business goals. They manage engineering managers and lead initiatives related to product development, process improvement, and team growth. Engineer Directors play a critical role in hiring, budgeting, and cross-functional collaboration, serving as a bridge between executive leadership and engineering teams. Their responsibilities often include defining long-term technical vision, fostering innovation, and maintaining high standards for quality and performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an engineer director?

To thrive as an Engineering Director, you need strong leadership abilities, deep technical expertise in engineering disciplines, and a track record of managing complex projects, typically supported by an engineering degree and extensive industry experience. Familiarity with project management tools, engineering software platforms, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma are often valuable. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team-building skills help drive cross-functional collaboration and innovation. These competencies enable Engineering Directors to align technical teams with business goals, deliver high-quality solutions, and foster organizational growth.

What are some common challenges faced by an engineer director when leading cross-functional teams?

An Engineer Director often navigates challenges such as aligning diverse technical teams toward shared business goals, managing communication across departments, and balancing resource allocation for multiple projects. Ensuring effective collaboration between engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders requires strong leadership and conflict resolution skills. Additionally, keeping teams motivated while adapting to shifting priorities or tight deadlines is crucial for the success of engineering initiatives.

What is the difference between Engineer Director vs Senior Engineer?

AspectEngineer DirectorSenior Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, often with leadership experienceBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentLeadership roles overseeing teams and projectsHands-on technical work, project execution
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large organizations, tech, manufacturingWidespread across industries, technical focus

The Engineer Director typically holds a leadership position, managing teams and strategic initiatives, while the Senior Engineer focuses on technical expertise and project execution. Both roles require strong engineering credentials, but the Director emphasizes management and oversight.

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

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Engineer Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Engineer Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Engineer Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Engineering Director, Global Special Products Group

City of Shakopee, MN

Marshalltown, IA • On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Other

Re-posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead and oversee a team of engineering managers responsible for designing specialized product solutions.

  • Develop, implement, and monitor global demand and supply plans and engineering metrics to ensure quality and performance targets are met.

  • Collaborate with regional engineering teams and cross-functional departments to maintain standards, drive continuous improvement, and support profitable growth.


Job description

Emerson is seeking an accomplished and experienced Director of Engineering to lead our Special Products Group. The Special Products Group is comprised of three distinct engineering teams (process, steam conditioning and gate/globe/check) designing innovative solutions and product modifications tailored to customer specifications. The annual value of these solutions is $170M to $220M. The selected individual will be responsible for leading the leaders of the product engineering teams. Engineering teams are in Marshalltown, Iowa, USA; Tianjin, China; Seregno, Italy; and Chennai, India. The position reports directly to the Vice President, Product Engineering and Engineered Specials.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:
  • Lead and oversee a team of engineering managers responsible for designing specialized product solutions. Direct reports are based in Marshalltown, USA, and Seregno, Italy. Indirect (“dotted line”) reports are based in Chennai, India, Tianjin, China; Cernay, France, and Dubai, UAE.
  • Develop, implement and manage a global demand and supply (resource) plan for the Special Products engineering team.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor global metrics (quality, performance and productivity) to ensure engineering work meets Emerson quality targets and service levels meet or exceed market requirements.
  • Partner with World Area and regional engineering teams based in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and North America to maintain compliance with established engineering standards and metrics.
  • Ensure all activities adhere to industry standards, government regulations, and Emerson’s quality and safety policies.
  • Establish strategic direction and long‑term objectives for the department, aligning with Flow Controls business goals.
  • Monitor market trends, technological advancements, and competitor offerings to sustain Emerson's competitive positioning.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging innovation and operational efficiency within engineering processes.
  • Identify and implement relevant uses for Intelligent Automation and Artificial Intelligence to enable productivity for engineers.
  • Mentor and develop team members by providing guidance, support, opportunities for professional growth, and conducting regular performance evaluations.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams—including sales, marketing, and manufacturing—to drive profitable growth and expand gross profit margins.
  • Serve as a member of the Product Engineering and Engineered Products senior leadership team.
For This Role, You Will Need:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering required; advanced degree or MBA is desired.
  • At least 10 years of experience in sales or engineering management.
  • Proven leadership in overseeing multidisciplinary engineering groups within dynamic environments promoting collaboration.
  • History of driving process improvements, enhancing quality, and increasing efficiency within engineering projects.
  • Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making capabilities, with a proven capacity to align business objectives with technical requirements.
  • Ability to travel (USA and international) for internal Emerson meetings / presentations, customer meetings, and industry events.
  • Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now and in the future.
#J-18808-Ljbffr