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Food Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

As the leader of engineering activities, you will ensure our facilities remain a state-of-the-art food manufacturing process, developing and executing highly innovative technology projects. In this ...

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

As the leader of engineering activities, you will ensure our facilities remain a state-of-the-art food manufacturing process, developing and executing highly innovative technology projects. In this ...

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

As the leader of engineering activities, you will ensure our facilities remain a state-of-the-art food manufacturing process, developing and executing highly innovative technology projects. In this ...

Mintex Technology

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

... maintenance and engineering operations in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. * This role focuses on maximizing equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and driving continuous ...

Palmer Candy Company

Plant Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Travel between local manufacturing and storage facilities as required. * Perform other duties and special projects as assigned. Qualifications Education * Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food ...

Mintex Technology

Maintenance Supervisor

Denison, IA · On-site

... food manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving maintenance performance ... Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field OR equivalent experience * 2+ years leadership or ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Project Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

GMP, HACCP, or food safety regulatory knowledge required; food & beverage manufacturing background strongly preferred. * Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, specs, and ...

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All JobsFood Manufacturing Engineering JobsFood Manufacturing Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Food Manufacturing Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$75.1K

$115.6K

$144.6K

How much do food manufacturing engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing engineering in Iowa is $115,604.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,300.00 and $128,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing Engineering vs Food Processing Technician?

AspectFood Manufacturing EngineeringFood Processing Technician
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldHigh school diploma or associate degree, technical training
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes in factoriesOperate and maintain processing equipment on the production line
Industry UsageUsed by companies to improve efficiency and product quality

Food Manufacturing Engineering focuses on designing and improving production processes, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, Food Processing Technicians handle daily operations and equipment maintenance, often with technical training. Both roles are essential in the food industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

The highest paying roles in food manufacturing engineering typically include senior engineering managers, plant directors, or operations directors, with salaries often exceeding $120,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, leadership skills, and knowledge of manufacturing processes and quality standards.

What engineers make $500,000?

In food manufacturing engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process optimization or automation can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in leadership roles or with bonuses and profit sharing. Such high salaries are more common in large companies or executive positions overseeing multiple facilities.

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

To thrive as a Food Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, food science, and process optimization, often supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or food engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, process control systems, and industry-specific standards such as HACCP or SQF certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating across departments and addressing production challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality food production in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

In food manufacturing engineering, senior-level engineers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in process optimization or automation can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary, especially in leadership roles or large companies. High compensation often involves managerial responsibilities, project management, or working in high-demand sectors within the industry.

What is Food Manufacturing Engineering?

Food Manufacturing Engineering is a specialized field that focuses on the design, development, and optimization of processes and equipment used to produce food products on an industrial scale. Professionals in this field apply principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency in manufacturing operations. They work on everything from developing automated processing lines to improving packaging and storage methods. This role is integral to meeting industry standards and regulatory requirements while also innovating for better productivity and sustainability.

What can you do with a food engineering degree?

A food engineering degree prepares individuals for roles such as food process engineer, quality assurance manager, or production supervisor in the food manufacturing industry. Graduates can work on developing, optimizing, and ensuring the safety of food production processes, often using skills in process design, food science, and equipment operation.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers in food manufacturing, and how can they be effectively managed?

Engineers in food manufacturing frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining product quality while optimizing production efficiency, ensuring compliance with stringent safety and hygiene regulations, and adapting to evolving automation technologies. Effective management of these challenges involves staying current with industry standards, collaborating closely with quality assurance and operations teams, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives. Strong problem-solving skills, proactive communication, and a willingness to learn new technologies are essential for success in this dynamic environment.
What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
Food Manufacturing Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing Engineering job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,604 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Senior Capital Project Engineer - Food Manufacturing

Intermedia Group

Eddyville, IA • On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

OPEN JOB: Senior Capital Project Engineer - Food Manufacturing
LOCATION: Eddyville, Iowa
  • Relocation Assistance Available
  • Position is onsite. Hours are 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Relocation will be provided for this position.
BASE SALARY: $106,000 to $146,000
INDUSTRY: Manufacturing & Production
IDEAL CANDIDATE
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • At least four years of related work experience
  • Demonstrated the ability to execute large capital projects or portfolio of projects
  • Previous experience in chemical, food or related industries

Job Details
  • The hiring company is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way.
  • This position is in their Food Enterprise where they are committed to serving food manufacturers, food service customers, and retailers with a complete range of innovative ingredients and branded products. The portfolio includes poultry, beef, egg, alternative protein, salt, oils, starches, sweeteners, cocoa and chocolate.

Job Purpose and Impact
  • The Senior Capital Project Engineer will plan, support, and where applicable, execute engineering deliverables for one or more of our broad core technology or engineering area.
  • We seek a professional who will develop and apply engineering standards and procedures, providing advice on issues within the engineering field.
Key Accountabilities
  • Plan, design and estimate time and cost, overseeing construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, systems and components.
  • Analyze and develop solutions to engineering problems related to manufacturing equipment and systems or the causes of component failures.
  • Independently handle complex issues with minimal supervision, while escalating only the most complex issues to appropriate staff.
  • Coordinate staffing and development of construction, commissioning, and start-up plans.
  • Lead equipment specification and procurement. Develop, review, and award bid packages for equipment and labor.
  • Informally lead, mentor, and coach early career engineers through hands-on training and project work.

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Demonstrated ability to execute large capital projects or portfolio of projects
  • Previous experience in chemical, food or related industries

If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity, please respond back and include the following:
  • MS WORD Resume
  • required compensation.
  • Contact information.
  • Availability

Upon receipt, one of our managers will contact you to discuss the position in full detail.
STEPHEN FLEISCHNER
Recruiting Manager
INTERMEDIA GROUP, INC.
EMAIL: sfleischner@intermediagroup.com
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefleischner/

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