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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Iff

Process design engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Food Ingredients business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will ... Understanding of engineering principles related to manufacturing processes, equipment, and process ...

Ingredion

Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$84K - $112K/yr

Without even realizing it, you've experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet's food ... Lead Process EngineerWORKPLACE: OnsiteIngredion is hiring a Process Engineer who plays a pivotal ...

Zinpro

Process Engineer

Garner, IA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Our Culture of Care - Zinpro ® Position Summary Reporting to the Engineering Manager the Process ... Supports Environmental Health and Safety Compliance, cGMP and Food Safety Compliance * Collaborates ...

Zinpro

Process Engineer

Garner, IA · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Our Culture of Care - Zinpro ® Position Summary Reporting to the Engineering Manager the Process ... Supports Environmental Health and Safety Compliance, cGMP and Food Safety Compliance * Collaborates ...

Conagra Brands

Process Engineer

Waterloo, IA

$64K - $95K/yr

... Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other partners Lead capital project ... Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to ...

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Process Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$64K - $95K/yr

... Finance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and other partners • Lead capital project ... Our focus on innovation extends beyond making great food, it also reflects our commitment to ...

Archer Daniels Midland

... Corn Processing Complex. Primary focus will be applying engineering skills to lead and contribute to projects that improve personnel, process, and food safety, environmental compliance, product ...

Archer Daniels Midland

... Processing Complex. Primary focus will be applying engineering skills to lead and contribute to ... Quality/Food Safety, Performance Management) for development and execution of continuous ...

Tuttle AAG, LLC

Sales Engineer

Des Moines, IA

... such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we ... engineering and project teams to craft tailored solutions. • Manage all aspects of project ...

Tuttle AAG, LLC

Sales Engineer

Sioux City, IA

... such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we ... engineering and project teams to craft tailored solutions. • Manage all aspects of project ...

Tuttle AAG, LLC

Sales Engineer

Sioux City, IA

... such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we ... engineering and project teams to craft tailored solutions. • Manage all aspects of project ...

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All JobsFood Processing Engineer JobsFood Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Food Processing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$56.4K

$82.4K

$110.8K

How much do food processing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for food processing engineer in Iowa is $82,410.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,900.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Food Processing Engineers in ensuring product safety and quality?

Food Processing Engineers often encounter challenges related to maintaining strict safety and quality standards while optimizing production efficiency. They must regularly troubleshoot issues involving contamination risks, equipment malfunctions, or deviations from regulatory requirements. Collaboration with quality assurance teams and continuous monitoring of processes are essential to address these challenges. Staying updated with evolving food safety regulations and implementing new technologies for quality control are also key aspects of the role.

What is a Food Processing Engineer?

A Food Processing Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and optimizes processes and equipment used in the production, preservation, packaging, and distribution of food products. They apply principles of engineering, biology, and chemistry to ensure food safety, quality, and efficiency in food manufacturing. Their work often involves improving production methods, implementing new technologies, and ensuring compliance with food safety regulations. Food Processing Engineers play a crucial role in bringing safe and nutritious food from farm to table.

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

To thrive as a Food Processing Engineer, you need a solid background in chemical, mechanical, or food engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, process control systems, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and innovative design and operation of food processing systems, meeting both regulatory standards and production goals.

What is the difference between Food Processing Engineer vs Food Technologist?

AspectFood Processing EngineerFood Technologist
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Engineering or related field; certifications varyBachelor's or Master's in Food Science or Technology; certifications may include HACCP, SQF
Work EnvironmentFactories, production lines, R&D labsLaboratories, quality control, product development settings
Industry UsageDesigning processing systems, optimizing production processesDeveloping, testing, and ensuring food safety and quality

Food Processing Engineers focus on designing and improving food manufacturing processes, while Food Technologists concentrate on product development, quality, and safety. Both roles are essential in the food industry and often collaborate to ensure efficient production and high-quality products.

What are popular job titles related to Food Processing Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Food Processing Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Processing Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Food Processing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Food Processing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Processing Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,410 per year, or $39.6 per hour.
Process design engineer

Process design engineer

International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

International Flavors & Fragrances rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

84th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Summary
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level and make a real impact?
For your awareness, IFF has announced its intention to sell its Food Ingredients Business to CVC Capital Partners. The sale is presently expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals and other closing conditions. The Food Ingredients business unit will remain a part of IFF until close and, at such time, it will transition to CVC Capital Partners. In applying for this position, you acknowledge your awareness that the position is a part of the Food Ingredients business unit and has been identified to transition to CVC Capital Partners.
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Food Ingredients: Innovating improved nutritional profiles, better taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency to meet the needs of global food and beverage manufacturers.
The role is based on Cedar Rapids, IA, (On- site role). Be part of a creative, solution-oriented team where together we can achieve greatness and make a real impact. Your potential is our inspiration.
Where You'll Make a Difference
  • Support start-up and commissioning activities, including equipment validation, process trials, troubleshooting, and performance verification.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop, document, and maintain process automation functional descriptions and operating standards.
  • Participate in commissioning planning, execution, startup support, and project documentation activities.
  • Assist with process safety, quality, and operational readiness reviews to ensure successful project implementation.
  • Develop a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, utilities, and automation systems.
  • Monitor process performance data and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, throughput, quality, and reliability.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on operational excellence, cost reduction, and capacity enhancement.
  • Contribute to sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption, waste generation, and resource usage.
  • Support maintenance and reliability efforts by troubleshooting process and equipment-related issues.
  • Assist with the execution of small capital projects, including scope development, vendor coordination, installation oversight, and startup support.
  • Partner with engineering, operations, quality, maintenance, and supply chain teams to drive technical solutions and operational improvements.
  • Ensure all engineering activities are conducted in compliance with health, safety, environmental, and food safety requirements.

What Makes You the Right Fit
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
  • Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify practical solutions.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to collaborate with global and cross-functional teams.
  • Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and eager to learn within a manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to interpret process data and use data-driven approaches to improve performance.
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration skills with a continuous improvement mindset.
  • Willingness to work in a hands-on production environment.
  • Understanding of engineering principles related to manufacturing processes, equipment, and process optimization.
  • Commitment to safety, quality, and operational excellence.

How You Would Stand Out
  • Experience with process commissioning, plant startup, or equipment qualification.
  • Familiarity with PLC, SCADA, DCS, or other process control systems.
  • Experience in food, ingredients, chemical, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing industries.
  • Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
  • Experience with data analysis, process modeling, or manufacturing performance monitoring tools.

Why Choose Us?
  • Join an innovative and growing business that is transforming fruit-based ingredients and snacks.
  • Gain hands-on experience across process engineering, automation, commissioning, and capital projects.
  • Work alongside experienced engineers and operations leaders committed to professional development.
  • Contribute to meaningful sustainability, efficiency, and process improvement initiatives.
  • Be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation, teamwork, and continuous learning.
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package.

We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

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