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Food Processing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cargill

Senior Process Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... processing, and distribution. We also offer a range of farmer services and risk management ...

Cargill

Senior Process Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$102K - $133K/yr

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the ... processing, and distribution. We also offer a range of farmer services and risk management ...

New

CONAGRA

Plant Process Engineer

Fort Madison, 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 ...

Iff

Process Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Collaborate with Engineers, Maintenance, Quality, and Operations teams to optimize production ... food processing, biotechnology, or related environment. * Strong mechanical aptitude and ...

Iff

Process Technician

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$27.50/hr

Troubleshoot equipment and process issues and collaborate with maintenance and engineering teams to ... Background in industrial manufacturing, biotechnology, fermentation, food processing, or chemical ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

ADM

Process Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$69K - $90K/yr

... 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 ...

JBS Foods

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein ... a food processing industry * Excellent written and verbal communication skills * Extensive ...

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Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 14, 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 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 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 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.

How much do food processing engineers make?

Food processing engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers or those in supervisory roles can earn over $100,000 annually.

How to become a food processing engineer?

To become a food processing engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in food engineering, chemical engineering, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in process design, food safety, and automation are important; professional certifications can also enhance career prospects.

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 September 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,410 per year, or $39.6 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Sioux City, IA • On-site

Cargill
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Cargillexternal

$102K - $133K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Cargill rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 225 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Cargill is a family company committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. We sit at the heart of the supply chain, partnering with producers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. By providing customers with life's essentials, we enable businesses to grow, communities to prosper, and consumers to live well.
This position is in our Ag & Trading enterprise, where we connect producers and users of grains and oilseeds around the globe through origination, trading, processing, and distribution. We also offer a range of farmer services and risk management solutions.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Process Engineer III will apply engineering techniques to improve complex manufacturing processes and products. In this role, you will provide technical support, operations experience, continuous improvement and project management skills and be a contributing member of a team on complex issues related to the operational domain area. You will provide oversight of external third parties that are utilized at the site and improve the stability, capability and availability of processes while reducing variability and mitigating risks in the operational area. You will provide insights to enable the operational area to achieve variable and fixed cost and operating efficiency targets, while protecting our people, communities, the environment and assets and honor our business obligations.
Key Accountabilities
  • Collect and analyze complex operational data and trends and provide recommendations and plans to improve the performance and reporting process of manufacturing equipment and processes and ensure consistent monitoring and early warning indicators.
  • Collaborate with maintenance leadership to plan, recommend and schedule maintenance of complex plant systems using reliability models and predictive technologies.
  • Partner with internal technology and finance operations stakeholders to monitor and manage variable and fixed costs at the site.
  • Plan and monitor production shutdowns and ensure legal and preventive maintenance compliance of manufacturing equipment.
  • Partner with manufacturing technology engineers to analyze capital expenditures and complex project designs to find more efficient, cost effective approaches and promote higher quality and reliable outcomes.
  • Provide oversight to third party personnel and set priorities, monitor safety and improve their skills over time.
  • Partner with relevant personnel from other departments within the site or across the business to recommend benchmark practices and create strategies.
  • You will work under minimal supervision and independently handle complex issues while referring only the most complex issues to higher-level staff.
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Possesses comprehensive knowledge of engineering subject matter
  • Minimum of four years of related work experience
  • Other minimum qualifications may apply

Preferred Qualifications
  • Lean Certification
  • Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong project management aptitude and experience
  • Strong data analysis capabilities including continuous improvement experience or certifications
  • Understanding of PI (data historian), ACAD (auto CAD), MS Project

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.

What Cargill employees say

Pay

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Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

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About Cargill

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cargill was founded in 1865 as a single grain warehouse in Iowa, U.S. Since then, we’ve grown to become a global partner connecting people around the planet. But one thing has remained constant over the years: our purpose of nourishing the world in a safe, responsible and sustainable way. Cargill is committed to conducting business with integrity, operating responsibly, enriching communities and nourishing the world. In the fiscal year 2021, Cargill provided $110.5 million in total charitable contributions in 56 countries to support our communities. Cargill businesses and employee-led groups partner with local civic, nonprofit and non-governmental organizations on programs and projects that improve food security and nutrition; support human rights, equity and inclusion; strengthen farmer livelihoods; and advance our commitments in the areas of land use, water and climate.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

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