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Food Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Tessenderlo Group

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

Tessenderlo Group

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

PB Leiner

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

Amy Cell Talent

Director of Engineering

Ames, IA · On-site

About Us: CleanSense was founded in 2020 and is a food technology start-up company based in Ames ... The Director of Engineering will be directly involved in design and build activities while scaling ...

Elanco

Director, Process Engineering

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose ... Director, Process Engineering This Director has the responsibility to provide leadership for ...

BSI Engineering LLC

Senior Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

... food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer products. We design manufacturing process for ... Bachelor of Science in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering. * 15+ years of experience. * PE License ...

Management Alliance Programs, Inc

Be Seen First

Project Manager - Food Manufacturing

Davenport, IA · On-site

$50 - $80/hr

Global leader in food and beverage production is seeking an experienced project manager to oversee ... Engineering, also known as Management Alliance Programs, is a top engineering company that is ...

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All JobsFood Engineering JobsFood Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Food Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$43.7K

$137.9K

$163.4K

How much do food engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for food engineering in Iowa is $137,948.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,400.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Where do most food engineers work?

Most food engineers work in food manufacturing facilities, processing plants, and research laboratories. They often collaborate with quality assurance teams and use tools like CAD software and process control systems in their work environment.

What do food engineers do?

Food engineers develop and improve processes for manufacturing, packaging, and preserving food products. They apply principles of engineering, microbiology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency, often working with equipment, automation, and quality control systems.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In the field of food engineering, engineers typically do not reach $300,000 annually; such high salaries are more common in specialized or executive roles in other engineering disciplines like petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering. Senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, or leadership positions in high-demand industries may approach or exceed this salary range. Salary levels depend on factors such as location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is food engineering?

Food engineering is a multidisciplinary field that combines principles of engineering, biology, and physical sciences to develop processes and systems for the production, processing, packaging, and distribution of food. Food engineers work to improve food quality, safety, and sustainability by designing equipment, optimizing manufacturing methods, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Their work is essential for mass-producing food products efficiently while maintaining nutritional value and taste.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of food engineering, earning $500,000 annually is uncommon and typically associated with executive-level positions such as chief engineering officers or senior management roles in large corporations. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership skills, and compensation may include bonuses and stock options.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Engineer, you need a solid background in food science, chemical engineering, and process design, typically supported by a degree in food engineering or a related field. Familiarity with food processing equipment, quality control systems, and regulatory compliance tools—such as HACCP certification and CAD software—is often required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills and qualifications are essential for developing safe, efficient, and innovative food processing solutions that meet industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by food engineers when working on product development teams?

Food engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing product innovation with food safety regulations, optimizing production processes for efficiency, and ensuring consistent product quality. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including food scientists, quality assurance, and marketing—requires effective communication to align technical constraints with business goals. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing consumer preferences and integrating sustainable practices into production can present ongoing challenges in this role.

What is the difference between Food Engineering vs Food Science?

AspectFood EngineeringFood Science
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Food Science, Chemistry, or related fields
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, R&D labs, process designLaboratories, research facilities, quality control
Industry UsageDesigning food processing systems, optimizing productionDeveloping new food products, analyzing food properties
Common Search/ComparisonFood Engineering vs Food Science

Food Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing food processing systems and manufacturing processes, while Food Science emphasizes developing new food products and analyzing food properties. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within the food industry.

What are popular job titles related to Food Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Food Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Food Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Food Engineering job openings:
Food Engineering jobs near you

Process Engineer

Tessenderlo Group

Davenport, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 18 hours ago

Job description

Company Description
PB Leiner is one of the world's leading producers of high quality gelatins and collagen peptides. We supply a growing market in food, pharma, health nutrition and technical applications. In all our efforts, we strive to be The Clear Solution for our customers. We spot and exploit opportunities, and try to anticipate future trends for them. We pursue outstanding quality and choice, as well as smooth delivery. We have a global presence in terms of both our plants and sales support, and count approximately 1,100 collaborators worldwide. PB Leiner is part of Tessenderlo Group.
Job Description
Job Summary:
This role is responsible for optimizing and controlling the gelatin production process, supporting all production operations from raw material treatment through to finished goods and by-products. The primary focus is on improving yield, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This position leads process improvement initiatives, supports engineering projects, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities:
Process Optimization & Control
  • Monitor gelatin process performance and ensure key performance indicators (KPIs) remain under control.
  • Analyze production yield and capacity; identify and implement improvement opportunities.
  • Evaluate usage of production resources (e.g., utilities, chemicals, supplies) and lead cost-saving initiatives.
  • Measure product quality throughout the process; support quality improvement activities.
  • Lead process improvement initiatives in collaboration with South America Operations Technical Support.
  • Assist in plant validation activities and global Manufacturing Excellence (ME) programs.
  • Follow project management principles and collaborate with the Global Technology Manager on the implementation of new technologies or process changes.

Project Engineering
  • Support the development and execution of process improvement projects, including those requiring capital investment.
  • Design experiments and managing product/process improvement trials.
  • Collaborate with production and maintenance teams to execute improvement initiatives.
  • Ensure accurate process data is used in project design and implementation.
  • Coordinate with QA/QC to ensure improvements meet quality standards.
  • Oversee commissioning and ensure successful performance of implemented projects

Safety, Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ)
  • Ensure adherence to safety, health, environmental, food safety, and GMP guidelines.
  • Participate in HACCP studies and activities.
  • Contribute to Process Safety Management (PSM) and Risk Management Plan (RMP) programs.
  • Develop and maintain process standards and training documentation.

Training & Knowledge Sharing
  • Ensure knowledge is documented and shared within the plant to support continuous improvement.
  • Stay current with technological advancements and apply them within the department.
  • Participate in and support safety and food safety training initiatives.
  • Deliver process training to relevant plant personnel.
  • Document all process changes and improvements in SOPs before implementation.
  • Promote Manufacturing Excellence principles across the operation.

Qualifications
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred.
  • 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical environment.
  • Problem-solving mindset with a continuous improvement approach.
  • Effective communication and collaboration abilities.
  • Proficient in MS Office and ERP systems.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Technical education provides a strong foundation in process chemistry or engineering principles relevant to gelatin production.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment:
  • This role requires standing, walking, and occasionally lifting heavy materials.
  • Exposure to a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, and varying temperatures.

Additional Information
  • Exposure to a manufacturing environment with noise, machinery, and varying temperatures
  • All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
  • PB Leiner is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
  • Benefits from day one.
  • External applicants must currently be eligible to work in the US

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