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Food Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Conagra Brands

Manufacturing Co-Op

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$19/hr

You will report to a Line Leader and will help with the food manufacturing process. During your internship, we will cater it to our needs and your personal interests related to your technical ...

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 ...

Palmer Candy Company

Plant Manager

Sioux City, IA · On-site

Ensure all manufacturing activities are conducted in accordance with established food safety, quality, regulatory, and customer requirements. * Ensure facility readiness for internal, customer, and ...

Aerotek

Processing Operator

Ames, IA

$22 - $23/hr

This role combines hands-on work with computer-based process control to maintain safe, efficient, and compliant food manufacturing operations. Responsibilities * Operate and monitor spaghetti ...

Farmers Creamery

Production Processor- 2nd shift

Wellman, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred. * Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles. * Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and ...

Open Gates Group

Production Processor- 2nd shift

Wellman, IA · On-site

$14 - $17.25/hr

Cheese, dairy, or food manufacturing experience preferred. * Ability to be cross-trained and work effectively in multiple production roles. * Ability to read recipes, follow written instructions, and ...

Mintex Technology

Maintenance Supervisor

Denison, IA · On-site

We are recruiting for Maintenance Supervisors to lead 2nd and 3rd shift operations in a high-volume food manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for driving maintenance performance ...

Mintex Technology

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

We are recruiting for an Assistant Plant Engineer to support maintenance and engineering operations in a high-volume food manufacturing environment. * This role focuses on maximizing equipment ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsFood Manufacturing JobsFood Manufacturing Jobs in Iowa

Food Manufacturing information

See Iowa salary details

$41.3K

$94.1K

$128.2K

How much do food manufacturing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for food manufacturing in Iowa is $94,075.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is food manufacturing?

Food manufacturing is the process of transforming raw ingredients into finished food products through various methods such as processing, packaging, and distribution. This industry includes everything from large-scale production of packaged goods to specialized food items. Food manufacturing ensures that products meet quality, safety, and regulatory standards before reaching consumers. It involves numerous roles, including machine operators, quality assurance specialists, and food scientists, all working together to produce safe and consistent food products.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in food manufacturing, and why are they important?

To excel in Food Manufacturing, strong knowledge of food safety standards, quality control, and production processes is essential, often supported by relevant certifications such as HACCP or SQF. Familiarity with manufacturing equipment, automated production systems, and inventory management software is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective problem-solving are crucial soft skills for maintaining efficiency and product quality. These competencies ensure safe, consistent, and high-standard food production in a regulated, fast-paced environment.

What is the difference between food manufacturing and food processing?

There is one significant difference between food processing and food manufacturing, and that is what each industry does with a given food product. Food processing is taking a raw product and turning it into an ingredient, like turning vanilla beans into vanilla extract, whereas food manufacturers purchase ingredients and use them within a product, like taking the vanilla extract and using it to make cookies. Both industries work primarily in plant or factory settings, and sometimes food processing and manufacturing is done on the same site, but the duties of manufacturers versus processors differ in their day-to-day operations.

What are common challenges faced by professionals in food manufacturing, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in food manufacturing often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict quality control, adhering to food safety regulations, and meeting high production demands. These challenges can be addressed by staying current with industry standards, participating in ongoing training, and working closely with quality assurance and maintenance teams. Effective communication and collaboration across departments are essential for quickly resolving issues and ensuring smooth production processes.

What is the difference between Food Manufacturing vs Food Processing Worker?

AspectFood ManufacturingFood Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications varyHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, industrial settingsFactories, production lines, industrial settings
Industry UsageUsed broadly across food production companiesSpecific to processing tasks within food manufacturing
Job FocusOverseeing entire production processes or specific stagesPerforming specific processing tasks like cutting, packaging

Food Manufacturing and Food Processing Worker roles are closely related, often working in the same environments. Food Manufacturing covers a broader scope, including overseeing entire production lines, while Food Processing Workers focus on specific tasks like packaging or preparing food products. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in the food industry.

Is food manufacturing a good career?

Food manufacturing is a stable career that offers opportunities in production, quality control, and management. It often requires attention to safety standards, technical skills, and sometimes certifications, with work environments that can be fast-paced and physically demanding.
More about Food Manufacturing jobs

What are popular job titles related to Food Manufacturing jobs in Iowa?

For Food Manufacturing jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Food Manufacturing jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Food Manufacturing jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Food Manufacturing jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Food Manufacturing job openings:

Food Manufacturing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Manufacturing job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,075 per year, or $45.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Co-Op

Conagra Brands

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$19/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 442 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Shift: 3:00 PM-9:30 PMHourly Rate: $19.00 an hour

Conagra Brands in Waterloo, Iowa is looking for a year-round intern to join our manufacturing team. Upon successful work performance throughout your internship, you will be offered a full-time career at Conagra. This internship will be conducted onsite in Waterloo, Iowa.

Starting Pay: $19.00/hour

Hours: We will work around your school schedule

Eligible to receive extreme discounts on other Conagra Brands Products

A Day in the Life of the Manufacturing Co-Op:

You will report to a Line Leader and will help with the food manufacturing process. During your internship, we will cater it to our needs and your personal interests related to your technical experience. This internship is a great progression step to obtaining a future career in Manufacturing. Internally, you will be referred to as an Operator Intern.

You Will:

  • Obtain supplies required in the manufacturing of our products.

  • Prepare and stage materials for upcoming product runs.

  • Clear jams from packaging equipment.

  • Perform machine start up and shut down procedures.

  • Clean, inspect and lubricate production equipment.

  • Perform hand stacking of cases.

Required Education:

  • Currently enrolled in a 2 or 4 year Industrial or Engineering Technology program

Anticipated Close Date: September 4, 2026Location: Waterloo, Iowa

Our Benefits

We care about your total well-being and will support you with the following, subject to your location and role:

  • Health: Medical, dental and vision insurance, company-paid life, accident and disability insurance

  • Wealth: Great pay, 401(k)/pension eligibility, financial wellness programs and stock purchase plan

  • Growth: Career development opportunities, employee resource groups and team collaboration

  • Balance: Paid-time off and volunteer opportunities

Our Company

At Conagra Brands, we have a rich heritage of making great food. We aspire to have the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in food. As a member of our 18,000+ person team across 40+ locations, you are empowered to reach your potential, make an impact and own your career. We're in the business of building champions - within our people and our iconic brands like Birds Eye, Slim Jim and Reddi-Wip.
Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to embracing new solutions that positively impact our team, the communities we serve and the health of our planet. Foodies Welcome.

Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

What Conagra Brands employees say

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Benefits

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Workplace

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About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media

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