Entry Level Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Description

In this role, your mission is to help bring ideas to life on  the plant floor. Through hands-on testing, thoughtful analysis, and strong  project support, you turn concepts into real, working solutions that improve how we make, package, and deliver our products.
 

You play a key part in product launches, process improvements, and capital  projects, helping ensure our operations run efficiently, our layouts make sense, and our products meet the highest standards. By partnering across  Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain, you help move  projects forward and make a meaningful impact on how our business grows and  improves every day.
 

With this opportunity, you build a strong foundation for your engineering career through hands-on experience with real manufacturing systems, packaging  processes, and product launches. You grow your skills in project management,  process engineering, and operational analysis while learning alongside experienced engineers and operations leaders who are invested in your development. As you gain experience and confidence, you have a clear path to  expand your impact and grow into roles such as Industrial Engineer, Project  Engineer, or Engineering Specialist, creating meaningful opportunities to  shape both your career and the future of our operations.

Essential duties & responsibilities include, but are not limited to:  

Manufacturing Support: You support daily manufacturing operations by troubleshooting equipment, process, and quality challenges and helping keep production running smoothly.

Root Cause Analysis: You assist in identifying root causes of issues and help implement corrective actions that improve performance and prevent recurrence.

Data & Insights: You collect, analyze, and report production data to uncover trends and identify opportunities for improvement.

Standard Work: You help develop, refine, and maintain standard work, SOPs, and documentation that drive consistency and quality.

Project Support: You support product line and engineering projects from concept through implementation, helping turn ideas into practical, working solutions. 

CAD Support: You update and revise 2D CAD drawings for layouts, packaging configurations, and facility changes as needed to support projects.

Packaging Testing: You perform hands-on food packaging tests to evaluate functionality, handling, and transport performance.

Material Optimization: You design and evaluate pallet patterns and truck loading configurations to improve stability, maximize space, and reduce product damage.

Time Studies: You conduct time studies to assess labor needs, line balance, and equipment capacity, supporting efficient operations.

Validation Testing: You support line certifications and testing to ensure new products, packaging, and process changes are ready for successful launch.

Technical Documentation: You document test methods, results, and recommendations to support informed decision-making and knowledge sharing.

Project Coordination: You support engineering and capital projects by helping define scope, track tasks, and keep timelines moving forward.

Process Support: You assist with equipment trials, line startups, and process changes to ensure smooth implementation and performance.

Project Tracking: You monitor action items, costs, and progress to help ensure projects are completed on time and aligned with expectations.

Documentation Control: You assist with as-built documentation and help maintain accurate, up-to-date engineering records.

Continuous Improvement: You contribute to continuous improvement efforts by supporting initiatives that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and strengthen consistency.

Team Collaboration: You partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, and Supply Chain to support shared goals.

Communication: You clearly communicate technical findings, recommendations, and project updates to a variety of audiences.

Audit Support: You support audits, inspections, and regulatory activities to help maintain compliance and operational excellence. 

Resource Coordination: You work with internal teams, vendors, and contractors to support installations, modifications, and project execution.

Requirements

To excel in this role, you must have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering.  

This is an entry-level Engineering opportunity with  room for long-term career growth. To be  successful in this role, you should have completed your degree. Additional work experience through  internship or post-college employment is helpful but not required. It is required that you have basic proficiency with 2D CAD software (such as AutoCAD or equivalent) and the ability  to read, understand, and perform minor updates to existing drawings (advanced  drafting or daily CAD work is not expected). 

Experience with project management fundamentals, such as task tracking,  scheduling, or documentation, familiarity with project management tools (MS  Project, Excel tracking, or similar), construction, facility, or contractor coordination experience (such as site work, equipment installation support, or utilities or building modifications), and exposure to Lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies are skills preferred for this role, but are not required. 

Core Competencies Required for Success: 

Curiosity: You bring a genuine desire to learn, grow, and continuously develop your skills, approaching challenges with curiosity and a mindset of lifelong learning.

Hands-On: You take a practical, engaged approach to your work, stepping onto the floor, digging into details, and learning by doing.

Safety Focus: You maintain a strong awareness of safety in all environments and actively support safe practices in a manufacturing setting.

Adaptability: You effectively manage multiple priorities, shifting focus as needed while maintaining quality and follow-through.

Ownership: You take responsibility for your work, following through on tasks and demonstrating a willingness to learn and improve.

Collaboration: You work well with others, building strong relationships and contributing to a proactive, team-oriented environment.

Problem Solving: You use analytical thinking to evaluate situations, identify root causes, and support effective solutions.

Technical Agility: You are comfortable working in a manufacturing environment and applying your skills to real-world operational challenges.

Communication: You clearly share ideas, updates, and technical information in a way that others can understand and act on.

Organization: You stay organized and manage your time effectively to keep projects and responsibilities on track.

To  be successful in this role, you will utilize general office equipment (copier,  scanner, telephone) and computer hardware and software. You may occasionally utilize other hand  tools within the production facility. 

Physical Requirements:  Lifting up to 60 pounds, Sitting, Standing, Climbing Stairs and/or Ladder, Crawling, Bending, Reaching (overhead, at shoulder height, waist height, below  waist), fine manipulation, Seeing, Smelling, Touch, Taste, Hearing

Compensation: The pay range for this position is $74,100 to $87,900, plus a robust benefit package. Our salary ranges are determined by the experience and education required, and level of responsibility. The range posted for this role represents a range that Country Maid, Inc., in good faith, believes it is willing to pay at the time of this posting. The pay is determined by job related skills, training, education, and experience.