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Junior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Engineer

Ames, IA

$105K - $137K/yr

Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers. * Contribute to the ... manufacturing processes, utilities, or product development. They are highly proficient in Revit ...

New

Showing results 21-40

Junior Manufacturing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$63.2K

$85.9K

How much do junior manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior manufacturing engineer in Iowa is $63,245.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,900.00 and $69,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior manufacturing engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, problem-solving, and process improvement, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing execution systems (MES), and quality control tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate across departments and adapt to production challenges. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing manufacturing processes, ensuring product quality, and supporting efficient operations.

How does a junior manufacturing engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams on process improvements?

As a Junior Manufacturing Engineer, you’ll regularly work alongside production supervisors, quality assurance staff, and design engineers to identify and implement process improvements. Collaboration often involves participating in team meetings, gathering feedback on manufacturing challenges, and supporting root cause analysis for production issues. You may also assist in developing and testing new workflows, ensuring changes meet safety and efficiency standards. This cross-functional teamwork not only boosts your problem-solving skills but also provides a well-rounded view of the entire manufacturing process.

What is a junior manufacturing engineer?

Junior Manufacturing Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, developing, and improving manufacturing processes within a production facility. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to ensure products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and at high quality. Their responsibilities often include analyzing workflow, troubleshooting equipment issues, and implementing process improvements. Junior Manufacturing Engineers typically collaborate with other departments such as quality control, maintenance, and production to meet organizational goals.

What is the difference between Junior Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Technician?

AspectJunior Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering or related fieldTechnical diploma or associate degree
Work EnvironmentDesign, process improvement, and collaboration with engineering teamsHands-on equipment operation and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing plants, engineering firms, product developmentFactories, production lines, assembly plants

Junior Manufacturing Engineers focus on process design, improvement, and engineering analysis, often requiring a degree. Manufacturing Technicians handle equipment operation and maintenance, typically with technical diplomas. Both roles are essential in manufacturing settings but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Junior Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Junior Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Principal Automation Engineer - Industrial Robotics (Onsite)

Prattwhitney

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$100 - $130/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Overview

Principal Automation Engineer – Cedar Rapids, IA. This onsite role supports automation strategy and execution across manufacturing operations, applying advanced engineering knowledge to develop, implement, and support automation solutions that improve performance, efficiency, and digital connectivity.

Key Responsibilities
  • Apply automation engineering knowledge to support manufacturing operations improvements.
  • Execute assigned project phases from concept development through deployment and operational handoff.
  • Coordinate priorities across a matrixed organization, exchanging technical information and supporting automation and digital manufacturing initiatives.
  • Provide technical contributions to automation architectures and system designs within established guidelines.
  • Conduct safety reviews and implement required controls in alignment with safety processes.
  • Plan, organize, and manage moderately sized automation projects or workstreams.
  • Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to support deployment into live production environments.
  • Prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and ensure effective work completion.
  • Maintain current knowledge of control system and Industry 4.0 technologies and incorporate advancements into project recommendations.
  • Provide hands‑on programming and troubleshooting support for automated control systems and robots.
  • Coach junior engineers or technicians on automation best practices and system operation.
  • Communicate effectively with operations and engineering stakeholders on project status, technical challenges, and implementation plans.
  • Support development of sustainment materials and documentation for stable long‑term operation of deployed systems.
  • Assist in troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and performance improvements for existing automation systems.
QualificationsMust Have
  • Degree in a STEM field (or equivalent experience) with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience.
  • Hands‑on industrial robotics experience.
  • Experience implementing and/or supporting PLC, SCADA, MES, and/or Industrial IoT (IIoT) solutions in a manufacturing environment.
Prefer
  • Formal training on a major platform (e.g., FANUC).
  • Experience developing with Ignition.
  • Experience in automation architecture and system design.
  • Business acumen and ability to manage project budgets.
  • Ability to work across the organization vertically and horizontally.
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees.
  • Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and a Lifetime Income Strategy option.
  • Tuition reimbursement program.
  • Student loan repayment program.
  • Life insurance and disability coverage.
  • Optional pet, home, and auto insurance.
  • Additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection.
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits including Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning.
  • Autism Benefit, Employee Assistance Plan with counseling sessions.
  • Healthy You incentives, wellness rewards program.
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits, Bright Horizons child and elder care services.
  • Teliac Health experts and second opinion program.
Equal Opportunity Employment

Collider Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

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