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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tuson Manufacturing Company

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CNC Machine Operator, Experienced and Entry level

Story City, IA · On-site

$18 - $30/hr

Experience with CNC programming (G-code or CAM software) is a plus * Strong understanding of ... To lead the industry in manufacturing of critically machined, close tolerance components, and ...

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Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer information

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$13

$29

$47

How much do entry level manufacturing engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level manufacturing engineer in Iowa is $29.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $32.50 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectEntry Level Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and project planning in manufacturing settingsOperating machinery, troubleshooting, and maintaining equipment
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, engineering firms, production plantsFactories, production lines, manufacturing facilities

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineers focus on designing processes, improving efficiency, and supporting production planning, often requiring an engineering degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing environments but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What Do Entry-Level Manufacturing Engineers Do?

An entry-level manufacturing engineer works to develop and improve the production process for manufacturing goods. Your duties include designing, creating, and testing strategies for production. As a member of an engineering team, you may have to decide which procedure improvement is best for streamlining the production process. You may also work on equipment design and placement, and your responsibilities may include taking steps to improve energy efficiency. As an entry-level engineer, you likely work as part of a team headed by a lead engineer or manager.

What does an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer do?

An Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for assisting in the design, development, and optimization of manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work closely with senior engineers and production teams to improve efficiency, quality, and safety in manufacturing operations. Typical tasks may include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, implementing process improvements, and supporting new product introductions. This role often involves hands-on problem solving and the use of engineering principles to ensure smooth and cost-effective manufacturing. Entry level engineers are also expected to learn company-specific processes and industry regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer, you need a bachelor’s degree in engineering (usually mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing), strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and foundational knowledge of manufacturing processes. Familiarity with CAD software, ERP systems, and process improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is highly valued. Effective communication, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and identifying process improvements. These skills and qualities are important because they enable engineers to optimize production efficiency, ensure product quality, and support continuous improvement in manufacturing environments.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level manufacturing engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level manufacturing engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to fast-paced production environments, learning to troubleshoot equipment issues quickly, and understanding complex manufacturing processes. Balancing hands-on problem solving with documentation and process improvement tasks can also be demanding. However, these challenges provide valuable learning opportunities and are typically supported by mentorship from senior engineers and collaboration with cross-functional teams. As you gain experience, you'll become more confident in identifying inefficiencies and proposing solutions.
More about Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in IA? For Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

Vehicle Dynamics Engineer

RFA Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking a growth-oriented candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Vehicle Dynamics Engineer
This position requires aptitude in support of Dynamic Systems Modeling (DSM) and analysis as it pertains to whole machine configurations. Through the creation, refinement, and execution of system models, this position will provide analytical support to product development and design.
Job Description
  • Provide direct analytical support for one or more product groups.
  • Develop a growing understanding of product function.
  • Lead in the development of measurable dynamic performance specifications using simulation and other engineering analysis methods.
  • Work with design teams to develop virtual simulation models that can be used to verify designs analytically.
  • Develop dynamic system analysis plans for specific product development programs.
  • Report results using a standardized reporting system.
  • Document processes that can be used to continually improve our ability to analytically develop and verify our product designs.
  • Contribute to Product and Component Technical Specifications, Design Guidelines, and Engineering Analysis Procedures.
  • Create and maintain vehicle dynamic models using Matlab, Simulink and Simscape programs.

Technical Responsibilities
  • Understand the dynamic interactions of hydraulic systems, linkages, rigid bodies, engines, drivetrains, and control systems.
  • Support the development of robust control strategies for product innovation and differentiation.
  • Use Engineering analysis tools to assess complex hydro-electro-mechanical systems.
  • Contribute to the specification/selection of components and subsystems for optimal machine level performance.
  • Generate objective machine level dynamic performance objectives that capture ambiguous and/or subjective operator and customer feedback.
  • Support the vision for how analysis tools can change the way Design and PV&V Engineering work is done.
  • Resolve stability issues that can arise from the above, but that cannot be analyzed using linear theory due to the nonlinear nature of both the primitive elements and the subsystem and machine level interactions.
  • Generate mathematical models for previously un-modeled phenomena.
  • Analyze simulation results to distinguish between characteristics of the design and artifacts of the mathematical models.

Requirements
  • Bachelors of Science in Mechanical, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, Physics or equivalent degree.
  • Masters of Science with a related concentration in System Dynamics would be ideal.
  • Strong interest in vehicle physics and free body diagrams.

Desired Skills and Experience
  • Experience with hydraulics, controls, powertrain, and electrical systems beneficial.
  • Experience with MATLAB, Simscape, Simulink, Simscape Fluids, Simscape Multibody is desirable.
  • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams.
  • Experience with operating agriculture equipment or off-highway mobile equipment.
  • Experience with Matlab, Simulink and Simscape, or other vehicle dynamics simulation software (i.e. Ansys Motion, GT-Suite - GT-3DMBD Vehicle Dynamics) is preferred
  • Ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of related work experience, but entry level being considered.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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