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Mechanical Project Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Project Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$93K - $156K/yr

Prepare engineering specifications for assigned projects, which include equipment layout, process ... Design and implement mechanical systems in manufacturing environment * Lead the design and ...

Project Engineer The Musco Application Engineering Team has an opening for a Project Engineer in ... Mechanical and electrical experience preferred * Strong organizational skills with ability to ...

In this role, you will lead engineering projects from concept through startup, partnering with ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a ...

Project Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$77K - $97K/yr

The Project Engineer directs, coordinates, and exercises functional authority for planning ... Strong background in mechanical and hydraulic systems, packaging methods, materials, electronics ...

Position Summary: The Project Engineer plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and ... Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud ...

Project Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

What you'll bring * 5+ years managing projects (construction management / mechanical engineering experience). * Strong project coordination and vendor/contractor direction in plant construction ...

Position Summary: The Project Engineer plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and ... Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud ...

Position Summary The Project Engineer plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and ... Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud ...

Position Summary: The Project Engineer plays a crucial role in the planning, execution, and ... Employees may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, moving mechanical parts, vibration, loud ...

In this role, you will lead engineering projects from concept through startup, partnering with ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing/Chemical Engineering or Related Experience/Education. * 5+ years of experience with CapEx projects, Maintenance, Equipment/Process Design and ...

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Electrical/Manufacturing/Chemical Engineering or Related Experience/Education. * 5+ years of experience with CapEx projects, Maintenance, Equipment/Process Design and ...

Showing results 21-40

Mechanical Project Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$45.1K

$86.7K

$120.7K

How much do mechanical project engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical project engineer in Iowa is $86,748.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,300.00 and $98,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical project engineer?

Mechanical Project Engineers are professionals responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing mechanical engineering projects from conception to completion. They work on designing, developing, and installing mechanical systems, ensuring that projects meet technical specifications, budget requirements, and deadlines. Their role often includes collaborating with other engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to solve problems and ensure the project's success. Mechanical Project Engineers are essential in industries such as construction, manufacturing, energy, and automotive.

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

To thrive as a Mechanical Project Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, project management, and often a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, project scheduling tools like MS Project, and certifications such as PMP or PE are commonly expected. Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills ensure projects are designed efficiently, delivered on time, and meet both technical and client requirements.

What are some common challenges mechanical project engineers face when coordinating with multidisciplinary teams?

Mechanical Project Engineers frequently work alongside electrical, civil, and software engineers, as well as project managers and clients. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication and alignment on project requirements, timelines, and technical specifications, as each discipline may have different priorities and workflows. Managing changes in project scope or resolving technical conflicts can also require strong negotiation and problem-solving skills. Building effective relationships and maintaining open communication channels are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Mechanical Project Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Project EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., PE)Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, manufacturing plants, project sitesDesign studios, R&D labs, CAD workstations
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, manufacturing companies, engineering consultanciesDesign firms, product development companies, R&D departments

The main difference is that Mechanical Project Engineers focus on managing and overseeing mechanical projects from planning to completion, often working on-site and coordinating teams. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily focus on creating and developing mechanical designs using CAD software, working mainly in design environments. Both roles require a mechanical engineering background but serve different stages of the project lifecycle.

Infographic showing various Mechanical Project Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,748 per year, or $41.7 per hour.

Project Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

PepsiCo
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

$93K - $156K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


PepsiCo rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 906 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

We are PepsiCo Supply Chain. We are the game changers, innovators, collaborators and history makers. The ground breakers of the Supply Chain & Logistics space.

We are a diverse group, spread across 200 countries and territories, and united by a shared set of values and goals. You know our name through our amazing portfolio, including Pepsi, Frito-Lay, Quaker and Gatorade.

We perform with a purpose. We dream globally and act locally, constantly innovating to sustain our planet, our people, our communities and our business practices. Together, we raise the bar in lean manufacturing practices. We put forth new standards and stretch to reach beyond the goals we set.

We are a think tank, bringing our ideas into action and are determined to find ways to drive efficiencies, improve processes and achieve the highest level of safety... all while meeting the demands of our customers and consumers to deliver the best products. At PepsiCo, we are committed to performing well as individuals and in teams, and to strengthen the company as a whole.

Are you hungry to be a part of the world's largest portfolio of billion-dollar food and beverage brands? Then now is the time to explore the Possibilities of PepsiCo.

Responsibilities

Perform engineering activities required to analyze, design, plan, coordinate and lead assigned projects in packaging, processing, milling and material handling to assure customer satisfaction and meet targeted performance, expectations, timetables, and spending limits.

  • Prepare engineering specifications for assigned projects, which include equipment layout, process flow diagrams, controls requirements, power and utility requirements, equipment design and capacity, and oversee the preparation of all necessary drawings. 
  • Design and implement mechanical systems in manufacturing environment 
  • Lead the design and development of mechanical systems and components for packaging and processing equipment in Food Manufacturing facility 
  • Conduct research and analysis to determine the feasibility of proposed mechanical designs.
  • Evaluate effectiveness of existing mechanical systems and processes 
  • Troubleshoot and resolve any mechanical issues that arise during the design, development, and testing stages for processing and packaging equipment 
  • Develop and conduct Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT)  procedures on Processing and Packaging equipment .
  • Participate in development of projects including Productivity, infrastructure, and Maintenance projects
  • Prepare cost, lead-time, and downtime estimates for assigned projects and cost studies. 
  • Prepare project approval documentation for new products and systems.  This includes well written justification, cost estimates, cash flow timing, financial justification form, and presentation deck. 
  • Manage and control project costs and spend timing to ensure projects are completed within budget. 
  • Lead assigned projects using the Early Management process through concept, design, installation, commissioning and qualification to meet specified scope and project objectives. 
  • Lead projects with focus on safety by ensuring all permitting requirements are met, including hot work, permit to work, work at height, crane lift, and that project meets OSHA standards when applicable. 
  • Obtain the necessary environmental and building permits as needed. 
  • Ensure project meets key quality requirements such as sanitary design, GMP, hygienic zoning.
  • Specify, bid, select, and purchase all equipment and contract installation services for assigned projects, ensuring project meets installation schedules, costs, and design criteria.     
  • Supervise work conducted by plant labor, contractors, and service personnel to assure efficient coordination and completion of assigned projects as scheduled. 
  • Provide troubleshooting, problem analysis, and technical support to the plant as required. 
  • Ensure the implementation of maintenance and operator training for new equipment and systems installed on assigned projects.
  • Keep abreast of new technological developments through professional study and review, and initiate uses within the plant.
  • Manage multiple projects of varying complexity and varying priorities at the same time. 
  • Manage small to intermediate and complex projects and annual project budgets up to $5.0MM.
  • Advise and coach co-workers in areas of experience and in general matters, including food safety.
  • Suggest innovative and creative new and improved methods.
  • Take initiative and provide leadership on all work assignments.

Compensation and Benefits:

  • The expected compensation range for this position is between $93,500 - $156,450.
  • Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
  • Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 12% of annual salary paid out annually.
  • Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
  • In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
Qualifications
  • B.S. Engineering Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent 
  • 5 years of Project Management experience 
  • 5 to 7 years of mechanical engineering design experience
  • Experience with design, maintainability, and operation of dust collection systems, pneumatic conveying, grain milling and bulk material handling.
  • Strong understanding of plant facilities such as roofing, air compressors, sprinkler systems, natural gas, and steam. 
  • Experience with packaging and processing equipment including mixing, scaling, primary packaging, secondary packaging, case packing, conveying, palletizing, metal detection, check weighing.
  • Knowledge of Combustible Food Ingredients (CFI) risk mediation and reduction and general Dust Risk Mitigation (DRM) hazard analysis and mediation.
  • Familiar with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Quality, Food Safety, and Sanitation principles. 
  • Understanding of applying Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) considerations into design and execution of projects..
  • Familiar with basics of finance, product cost accounting, statistical process control, and Total Productive Manufacturing (TPM).
  • Fundamental background with PLC's and process controls.
  • Familiar with principles of building and utilities technologies.
  • Familiar with the application of operation and maintenance principles in all work assignments.
  • Strong leadership skills with the ability to deliver results.
  • Exceptional "people skills", oral and written communication skills.  Strong motivational skills.
  • High degree of commitment to the "team" approach to managing projects and/or solving manufacturing problems using Early Management Tools and Processes.
  • Travel 5-10%.
  • The position will be filled at L7, L8 or L9 depending on the candidates' current level within the SCL Career Model.
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Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy. Please view our Pay Transparency Statement

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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About PepsiCo

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers more than one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated $86 billion in net revenue in 2022, driven by a complementary beverage and convenient foods portfolio that includes Lay's, Doritos, Cheetos, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Mountain Dew, Quaker, and SodaStream. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including many iconic brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

Industry

Food and drink manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Purchase, NY, US

Year founded

1965