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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

The Design Engineer is responsible for creating optimal solutions for Level 2 and 3 projects and ... At least 3 years of relevant working experience in the food processing industry and relevant ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Design Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

The Design Engineer is responsible for creating optimal solutions for Level 2 and 3 projects and ... At least 3 years of relevant working experience in the food processing industry and relevant ...

Riverhead Resources

Plant Engineer

Des Moines, 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 ...

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

Des Moines, 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

Des Moines, 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 ...

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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 Jun 12, 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 does a food processing engineer do?

A food processing engineer designs, develops, and improves methods for manufacturing food products, ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency. They work with equipment, process flow, and quality control standards, often using tools like automation systems and adhering to food safety regulations. Their role involves analyzing processes and implementing innovations to optimize production.

What is the highest paying job in food engineering?

The highest paying roles in food engineering typically include senior positions such as Food Processing Plant Manager or Food Engineering Director, which can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced degrees, and strong leadership skills, with compensation influenced by industry, location, and company size.

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 engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain software engineering roles can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. These roles typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, and certain senior software engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, extensive experience, and sometimes management responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

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

Associate Process Engineer

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 61 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

293rd of 871 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Associate Process Engineer works with engineering, facilities, manufacturing operations, and quality control staff to support University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP) facility and its ongoing operations. Responsibilities include supporting the day-to-day manufacturing activities to optimize processes and resolve equipment issues across sterile and non-sterile production units. Major areas of focus include authoring and executing equipment and process qualifications; and operating and troubleshooting control systems (SCADA, Metasys, etc.); supporting and preforming equipment calibration and preventive maintenance (PM) programs.
About the University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals
UI Pharmaceuticals (UIP) is an FDA-registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility within the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. With more than 50 years of expertise in contract pharmaceutical manufacturing and testing, UIP plays a vital role in advancing life saving medications from early development through clinical trials and into commercial markets. As part of a major academic medical center, UI Pharmaceuticals combines scientific innovation with a commitment to quality and patient impact. Its mission-driven work supports partners across the globe in delivering safe, effective therapies to those who need them most.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Analysis
  • Support Engineering and Manufacturing teams across multiple manufacturing lines.
  • Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot facilities, manufacturing process and equipment issues in collaboration with Engineering, Facilities, and Manufacturing.
  • Review and redline of Piping and Instrument Diagram during service, validation, and preventive maintenance, and ensuing all changes are documented in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Collaborative with the Engineering and Production teams and vendors to coordinate required services and identify critical supplier-based replacement parts.

Engineering Project Management
  • Manage department level projects with potential organization-wide impact.
  • Maintain the engineering change control process and perform equipment assessments.
  • Perform hands-on process improvement and validation for pharmaceutical process equipment.
  • Support equipment lifecycle validation by authoring or reviewing validation master plans, User Requirement Specifications (URSs), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ), and engineering studies.

Compliance
  • Review and evaluate completed work to ensure it meets all applicable specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Initiate, implement, or review new policies and programs to ensure compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements to ensure and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Quality Assurance to develop and deliver GMP, process, equipment training for new and existing facilities.
  • Initiate, develop, and implement process improvement projects to achieve regulatory compliance, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Planning
  • Plan and develop project scope for locally controlled initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Production and Quality Assurance on cross-functional projects to ensure timely and efficient use of staff and resources.
  • Coordinate with Engineering and Facilities to review preventive maintenance (PM) programs and implementation plans, manage PM schedules and communicate timelines with Quality Assurance and Production teams to minimize impact on manufacturing.
  • Manage equipment lists and calibration schedules.

Application of Technical Knowledge
  • Determine root causes of basis problems; develop recommendations for corrective actions, and follow-up to ensure completion.
  • Manage validation for off-the-shelf equipment including authoring and executing SAT, IQ, OQ protocols.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Johnson Controls and Metasys control systems; oversee change control and lead validation activities, as needed.
  • Serve as SME to train staff on equipment operation and production line processes.

Financial
  • Manage project and departmental budgets and assist in developing budget estimates.

Leadership
  • Provide functional and/or administrative supervision of staff, as assigned.
  • Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and guidance to coworkers to ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Manage the completion of locally scoped projects within budget, on schedule and in compliance with engineering and regulatory requirements.
  • Design, evaluate, and coordinate employee training on new equipment and processes.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Qualifications
Education Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering.

Experience Required
  • Minimum three (3) years post-degree engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including:
    • Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
    • Process mapping and/or project management.
    • Equipment preventive maintenance (PM), sensor calibration, troubleshooting in a manufacturing setting.
  • Ability to read and interpret automated control system Piping and Instrument Diagram (P&ID).
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, including strong technical writing skills.
  • Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation documents, deviations, investigations, change controls, and CAPA's.
  • Ability to work effectively on multi-disciplinary teams with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Desirable Qualifications
  • Knowledge of qualification and operation of automated enclosures, isolators, or laboratory equipment.
  • Experience supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing or quality related projects.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations and industry standards, such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), European Union (EU), International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) guidelines.
  • Experience with Rockwell Automation Studio 5000.
  • Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), environmental monitoring and control systems, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD).

Application and Position Details
  • In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights
  • Regular salaried position. Pay level 4B . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here .

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

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