ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Altec

Manufacturing Engineer

Osceola, IA · On-site

$68K - $88K/yr

... the Engineering Group and enhancement of Altec's position within the product line • Participates and contribute productively as part of Altec's team-oriented design, manufacture and customer ...

Epitec

Manufacturing Engineer II - 3rd Shift

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$37 - $40/hr

Manufacturing Engineer Location : Waterloo, Iowa Details : Contract with ongoing need, opportunity for direct hire, fully onsite role Pay Rate : $37.00 - 40.00/hr. with benefit inclusions This is a 3 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsManufacturing Engineer JobsManufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Manufacturing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$44.6K

$80.4K

$112.7K

How much do manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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 are Manufacturing Engineers?

Manufacturing Engineers are professionals who design, implement, and improve manufacturing processes in factories and production plants. They focus on increasing efficiency, reducing waste, and ensuring that products are made safely and cost-effectively. Their work often involves collaborating with other engineers, quality control teams, and production staff to optimize workflows and integrate new technologies into manufacturing systems.

What is the job of a manufacturing engineer?

A manufacturing engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze production workflows, select appropriate tools and equipment, and often use CAD software to optimize manufacturing systems. The role typically requires knowledge of engineering principles, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with industry standards and certifications.

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 engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Manufacturing engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually, but senior roles such as engineering managers, director of manufacturing, or specialized consultants in industries like aerospace, oil and gas, or high-tech manufacturing can reach or exceed this level with experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High compensation often involves bonuses, stock options, or profit sharing, especially in large corporations or executive positions.

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.

Can you make 300k a year as an engineer?

Manufacturing engineers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with top earners in senior or specialized roles potentially reaching or exceeding $200,000. Achieving a $300,000 salary usually requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, management responsibilities, or working in high-cost-of-living areas or specialized industries.

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.

Is 40 too late to be an engineer?

Manufacturing engineers can start their careers at any age, including 40 or older, as the role values experience, problem-solving skills, and technical knowledge. Many professionals transition into engineering fields later in life, often bringing valuable industry insights and skills such as CAD software or process optimization. Continuous learning and relevant certifications can support a successful career change at any age.
More about Manufacturing Engineer jobs
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:
What are popular job titles related to Manufacturing Engineer jobs in IA? For Manufacturing Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Manufacturing Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $80,414 per year, or $38.7 per hour.
Manufacturing Engineer (Weld)

Manufacturing Engineer (Weld)

Three Point Solutions

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Contractor

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Job Title:         Manufacturing Engineer (Weld)
Client:              Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company
Location:         Ankeny, IA 50023
Duration:         24 Months (Extension/Conversion Possible)
Shift:                1st Shift (6:00 AM – 2:30 PM + OT)

Job Summary

Drives welding engineering initiatives across product development and production. Focuses on robotic welding, tooling design, and process optimization while supporting new product launches and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and implement welding processes and tooling
  • Support robotic welding systems and automation projects
  • Drive quality improvements and cost reduction initiatives
  • Collaborate across engineering, production, and suppliers

Core Duties

  • Develop weld tooling, robotic systems, and material handling solutions
  • Define process flow, line layouts, and work center design
  • Support quality activities (FGR, DPAR, PFMEA)
  • Troubleshoot welding and production issues
  • Lead or support new product line launches
  • Create labor estimates, routings, and capital planning inputs (SAP)
  • Improve factory flow using lean manufacturing principles

Technical Focus

  • Robotic welding & automation systems
  • Weld tooling & fixture design
  • Line design & material flow optimization
  • Quality engineering tools (PFMEA, GD&T)

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Welding/Industrial Engineering
    (or 5+ years in automated welding environments)
  • Experience with welding systems and fabrication processes
  • Strong problem-solving and teamwork skills
  • Familiarity with SAP, MS Office, and manufacturing tools
  • Ability to work on shop floor (~50% time)

Preferred Skills

  • Robotics programming (automation cells)
  • CAD tools (Creo, SolidWorks, AutoCAD)
  • GD&T knowledge
  • Lean manufacturing & EPDP exposure
  • Capital equipment planning & budgeting

#ZR