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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

ADM

Process Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$72K - $136K/yr

... 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 quality ...

Amy Cell Talent

Director of Engineering

Ames, IA · On-site

We have developed a patented food processing technology that utilizes a proprietary light delivery ... The Director of Engineering will be directly involved in design and build activities while scaling ...

Feed Energy

Plant Engineer

Pacific Junction, IA · On-site

Lead and coordinate process engineering projects, ensuring they stay on track and deliver results ... Train operators on new processes, equipment, and controls * Support Safe Feed/Safe Food ...

Feed Energy

Plant Engineer

Pacific Junction, IA

Lead and coordinate process engineering projects, ensuring they stay on track and deliver results ... Train operators on new processes, equipment, and controls * Support Safe Feed/Safe Food ...

FuseGlobal

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA

$76/hr

Project Management and/or Process Engineering experience within the food, dairy, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or consumer products industry is a plus. * Strong leadership and technical skills. * Project ...

FuseGlobal

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$76/hr

Project Management and/or Process Engineering experience within the food, dairy, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or consumer products industry is a plus. * Strong leadership and technical skills. * 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 15, 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 Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA

Process Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA

Archer Daniels Midland

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

ADM rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 184 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

91st of 355 rated logistics

Job description


Process Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA
Summary:
This position is responsible for providing engineering support and leadership for a production department within the Cedar Rapids Corn Processing Complex. Primary focus will be applying engineering skills to lead and contribute to projects that improve process, safety, personnel, environmental compliance, product quality, and costs.
Specific Job Duties
  • Learn, analyze, and evaluate existing manufacturing processes, identify areas for improvement, recommend and implement solutions by applying data-driven decision making.
  • Assist in day-to-day operations including production supervision, maintenance supervision, and contractor supervision as needed.
  • Provide technical support to problem solving activities to resolve process and maintenance related issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of new processes, technologies, and equipment.
  • Actively engage operations, maintenance, and contractor colleagues to maintain and improve facilities, equipment, and safety programs
  • Participate with and lead technical training as needed to develop operational colleagues.
  • Ability to lead contractor teams during project execution phases in a manner the prioritizes both occupational and process safety.
  • Manage capital projects up to 1M USD and serve as active stakeholder on project teams executing capital projects >1M USD.
  • Display an ability to lead, develop, and support safety efforts, and promote a safety culture of continuous improvement. Promote continuous process safety improvement with knowledge of PSM programs.
  • Collaborate with the external plant teams (CapEx, Technology, Maintenance, Safety, Environmental, Quality/Food Safety, Performance Management) for development and execution of continuous improvement projects.
Education Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in the field of Engineering (Chemical, Agricultural, Mechanical preferred)
Required Skills
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills for working with cross functional teams
  • Working knowledge of engineering drawings and documentation, such as P&IDs and control narratives
  • Ability to work effectively on a team as well as independently
  • High level of motivation and results-oriented
  • MS Office Suite
Preferred Skills
  • Experience working in manufacturing and/or construction industry
  • Experience with Capital Project Management
  • Engineering software/tools (CAD, Statistical Analysis, Process Modeling)
Environment
  • 50% in the field, 50% desk work
  • Walk long distances
  • Stand and sit interchangeably for various periods
  • Climb stairs and ladders
  • Lift 50 lbs.
Excited about this role but don't think you meet every requirement listed? We encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings.
ADM requires the successful completion of a background check.
'AJCIND' REF:108776BR
About ADM
At ADM, we unlock the power of nature to provide access to nutrition worldwide. With industry-advancing innovations, a complete portfolio of ingredients and solutions to meet any taste, and a commitment to sustainability, we give customers an edge in solving the nutritional challenges of today and tomorrow. We're a global leader in human and animal nutrition and the world's premier agricultural origination and processing company. Our breadth, depth, insights, facilities and logistical expertise give us unparalleled capabilities to meet needs for food, beverages, health and wellness, and more. From the seed of the idea to the outcome of the solution, we enrich the quality of life the world over. Learn more at www.adm.com.
#IncludingYou
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging are cornerstones of ADM's efforts to continue innovating, driving growth, and delivering outstanding performance. We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and create welcoming, truly inclusive work environments - environments that enable every ADM colleague to feel comfortable on the job, make meaningful contributions to our success, and grow their career. We respect and value the unique backgrounds and experiences that each person can bring to ADM because we know that diversity of perspectives makes us better, together.
We welcome everyone to apply. We are committed to ensuring all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, language, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law
Benefits and Perks
Enriching the quality of life for the world begins by taking care of our colleagues. In addition to competitive pay, we support your diverse needs with a comprehensive total rewards package to enhance your well-being, including:
  • Physical wellness - medical/Rx, dental, vision and on-site wellness center access or gym reimbursement (as applicable).
  • Financial wellness - flexible spending accounts, health savings account, 401(k) with matching contributions and cash balance plan, discounted employee stock purchasing program, life insurance, disability, workers' compensation, legal assistance, identity theft protection.
  • Mental and social wellness - Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Colleague Giving Programs (ADM Cares).
Additional benefits include:
  • Paid time off including paid holidays.
  • Adoption assistance and paid maternity and parental leave.
  • Tuition assistance.
  • Company-sponsored training and development resources, such as LinkedIn Learning, language training and mentoring programs.
*Benefits may vary for bargained locations, confirm benefit eligibility with your recruiter.
Base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Hourly and salaried non-exempt employees will also be paid overtime pay when working qualifying overtime hours.
If hired, employees will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base pay (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.
The pay range for this position is expected to be between:

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