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Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Manufacturing Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$36 - $58/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manufacturing Engineer We are seeking a Manufacturing Engineer to provide day-to-day line support and troubleshooting. This role will involve collaborating with operations, quality, maintenance, and ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sumner, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Position Summary The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes to support safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role works ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Williamsburg, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Position Summary Manufacturing Engineers work collaboratively with Design Engineering (new product development and existing products) and Manufacturing Operations. They implement manufacturing ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Williamsburg, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Description Position Summary Manufacturing Engineers work collaboratively with Design Engineering (new product development and existing products) and Manufacturing Operations. They implement ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Delhi, IA

$66K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Our Team as a Manufacturing Engineer at Epiroc! You'll be part of our Engineering team working. This position is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes to ...

Entry Level Manufacturing Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility. This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Delhi, IA · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Join Our Team as a Manufacturing Engineer at Epiroc! You'll be part of our Engineering team working. This position is responsible for developing, improving, and supporting manufacturing processes to ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

Interfaces with design engineering in coordinating the release of new products. Estimates manufacturing cost,determinestimestandardsand makes recommendations for tooling andprocessrequirements of new ...

Showing results 21-40

Manufacturing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$44.6K

$80.4K

$112.7K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for manufacturing engineer in Iowa is $80,414.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,600.00 and $88,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges a manufacturing engineer faces in optimizing production processes?

Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as balancing efficiency with product quality, minimizing production costs while maintaining safety standards, and implementing new technologies without disrupting existing workflows. They may also need to troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as quality assurance and maintenance, to resolve issues quickly. Staying up-to-date with industry advancements and continuous improvement methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma is essential to overcoming these challenges and driving process enhancements.

What is a manufacturing engineer?

A manufacturing engineer is a specialized engineer who improves product manufacturing processes. As a manufacturing engineer, your primary duties are to design and develop production systems and improve the tools and systems within the manufacturing process. You will use computer software such as CAD to create, modify, and test the products and manufacturing processes.

What exactly do manufacturing engineers do?

Manufacturing engineers design, develop, and improve manufacturing processes to produce products efficiently, safely, and cost-effectively. They analyze production workflows, select appropriate equipment, and implement quality control measures, often using tools like CAD software and lean manufacturing principles. Their work ensures that manufacturing operations run smoothly and meet quality standards.

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

To thrive as a Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and quality control, typically supported by a degree in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and experience with automation systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate and drive continuous improvement. These abilities ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and high product quality in a competitive manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Manufacturing Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectManufacturing EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like CMfgEBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentFactories, production plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, research labs, manufacturing settings
Industry UsageManufacturing, production, industrial sectorsAutomotive, aerospace, energy, product design

Manufacturing Engineers focus on optimizing production processes and workflows within manufacturing environments, while Mechanical Engineers design and analyze mechanical systems. Both roles require engineering degrees, but Manufacturing Engineers are more involved in process improvement and production efficiency, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on product design and mechanical system development.

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 Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa?

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

What job categories do people searching Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Manufacturing Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,414 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

$67K - $87K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Van-Am Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team in Waverly, Iowa. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the manufacturing of high-precision components and assemblies supporting the aerospace and defense industries.

We are looking for an engineer who enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges, improving production processes, designing tooling and fixtures, and collaborating with production, quality, and engineering teams to deliver world-class products. If you thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and enjoy turning engineering concepts into efficient, repeatable production processes, we would like to hear from you.

What You Will Do

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will:

  • Develop, implement, and optimize manufacturing processes for precision machined and fabricated components.
  • Design manufacturing methods, tooling, fixtures, and workholding solutions that improve productivity and quality.
  • Create and maintain manufacturing documentation including process plans, Bills of Material (BOMs), work instructions, and engineering changes.
  • Support CNC machining, forming, welding, assembly, and static load testing operations.
  • Partner with Production, Quality, and Engineering to troubleshoot manufacturing challenges and improve throughput.
  • Support quoting and estimating by evaluating manufacturing methods and labor requirements.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, efficiency, cost reduction, and waste elimination.
  • Ensure manufacturing processes comply with AS9100 quality requirements and customer specifications.
What We Are Looking For

Qualified candidates will have:

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (or equivalent manufacturing engineering experience).
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in aerospace, defense, or other precision manufacturing environments preferred.
  • Experience supporting CNC machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and manufacturing process development.
  • Experience designing tooling, fixtures, and manufacturing workholding.
  • Working knowledge of CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
  • Experience with ERP systems (Epicor preferred).
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, project management, and communication skills.
  • Experience with AS9100 or ISO 9001 manufacturing environments is highly desirable.
  • Working knowledge of ITAR requirements is preferred.
Why Van-Am Defense Systems?

At Van-Am Defense Systems, our engineers play a key role in delivering products that support critical defense and aerospace programs. You will work alongside experienced manufacturing professionals while helping shape the future of our operations through innovation, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

We offer:

  • Competitive compensation package
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Opportunity to work on challenging aerospace and defense programs
  • Collaborative engineering environment
  • Modern manufacturing equipment and technology
  • Stable, growing organization committed to continuous improvement
  • Career growth and professional development opportunities

Location: Waverly, Iowa


As a federal government contractor, Van-Am Defense Systems is required to maintain a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As part of the hiring process, all candidates who receive a conditional job offer must undergo a pre-employment drug test, which includes testing for marijuana, regardless of state legalization.

Testing is conducted after a job offer is extended, and results are kept confidential. A positive result may impact the final offer of employment. Van-Am complies with all applicable Federal, State (including Missouri and Iowa), and DOT regulations, where relevant.

Van-Am 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, disability, or veteran status.