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Entry Level Materials Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Manufacturing Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$64.70K - $83.30K/yr

We are seeking an entry-level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our ... Improve material flow and material presentation. * Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams to ...

SURE STEEL INC

Project Engineer Midwest

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$24 - $30/hr

This entry-level position offers an excellent opportunity for growth and development in the field ... Procurement and Material Management: * Support procurement activities, including material take-offs ...

Three Point Solutions

Quality Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$37 - $39/hr

... material disposition • Ensure compliance with manufacturing and weld standards • Work with ... Entry-level quality engineering role • Supports fabrication and welding operations • Works with ...

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Inbound material inspection and quality control * Warehouse material storage, handling, and ... This is an entry level position. It is based on-site and does not offer a remote work option.

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

Inbound material inspection and quality control * Warehouse material storage, handling, and ... This is an entry level position. It is based on-site and does not offer a remote work option.

Sabanto

Purchasing Engineer

Ames, IA

Inbound material inspection and quality control * Warehouse material storage, handling, and ... This is an entry level position. It is based on-site and does not offer a remote work option.

Terex

Graduate Design Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

Prepare manufacturing specification package including Engineering Bills of Materials (BOMs ... Entrylevel role; experience may include internships, coops, or academic projects Preferred ...

Tessenderlo Group

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

This is an entry-level engineering role designed for a recent graduate with a strong foundation in ... raw materials * Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities Project ...

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Entry Level Materials Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$35.7K

$94.6K

$148.4K

How much do entry level materials engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level materials engineer in Iowa is $94,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,100.00 and $109,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry Level Materials Engineer Do?

Material engineers can work for companies that manufacture a wide range of products. As an entry-level materials engineer, your duties are similar to a materials engineer with more experience, although you may have limited responsibilities. Depending on the industry in which you work, you come up with solutions for technical problems, improve product design to help optimize the quality and cost of production, and help complete projects and other tasks. As an entry-level materials engineer, you work closely with process development and production teams testing products and streamlining production. You may learn more skills while on-the-job, which can open up more opportunities and responsibilities as a materials engineer.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Materials Engineer, you need a solid background in materials science, engineering principles, and analytical problem-solving, usually supported by a bachelor's degree in materials engineering or a related field. Familiarity with lab testing equipment, materials characterization software, and CAD tools is commonly required. Strong teamwork, effective communication, and keen attention to detail help you excel when collaborating on projects and presenting technical findings. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the development of safe, reliable, and innovative materials solutions within engineering teams.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level materials engineer expect in their first year?

As an entry level materials engineer, you will typically assist in testing and analyzing materials, preparing reports on findings, and supporting senior engineers in ongoing projects. Common responsibilities include conducting laboratory experiments, helping select appropriate materials for specific applications, and collaborating with manufacturing teams to improve product quality. You may also participate in troubleshooting production issues and ensuring compliance with safety and industry standards. This hands-on experience is invaluable for building foundational skills and understanding the workflow of multidisciplinary teams.

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

AspectEntry Level Materials EngineerMaterials Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Materials Science or EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in materials or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, and development in labs or officesTesting and inspection in labs or manufacturing settings
Industry UsageResearch, development, and product designQuality control and material testing

Entry Level Materials Engineers focus on designing and analyzing materials, often working in labs or offices, while Materials Technicians perform testing and quality checks on materials in manufacturing environments. Both roles require related educational backgrounds, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

More about Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings:
Entry Level Materials Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Materials Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,620 per year, or $45.5 per hour.
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

RFA Engineering

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 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 an entry-level to experienced 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.
Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer
As a Manufacturing Engineer you will apply Lean Manufacturing methodologies to help improve efficiency, reduce costs and improve quality throughout the manufacturing process. The selected individual will work on a cross-functional team supporting the manufacturing and assembly operations for off-highway equipment.
Job Description
  • Establish routings, methods, processes, and layouts for assembly line.
  • Provide costs, methods documentation, quality plans and labor standards for current/new products.
  • Provide support and troubleshooting for current production.
  • Investigate, gather and analyze data and implement solutions.
  • Continuous improvements in cost, quality, safety and ergonomics
  • Develop and implement plans to support lean manufacturing.
  • Improve material flow and material presentation.
  • Prepare charts, graphs, and diagrams to illustrate workflow, routing, floor layouts, material handling, and machine utilization.
  • Lead time studies for capacity, energy, productivity and efficiency

Requirements
  • Bachelor's of Science in Engineering or Industrial Technology.
  • Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude through work experience or hobbies.
  • Problem solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Familiar with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
  • Must be a self-starter, good communication skills, able to thrive in a collaborative environment.
  • Must have a valid Driver's License.

Desired Experience
  • Experience in a production environment working with cross functional teams.
  • Experience with manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly operations.
  • Knowledge of Root Cause Analysis.
  • Database Management

Salary Range: $65,000-$75,000 Commensurate with experience
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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