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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cambrex

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA

$94K - $121K/yr

The senior engineer oversees multi-step, multi-year programs that define the cGMP manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They are an engineering expert, interfacing with ...

Cambrex

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

The senior engineer oversees multi-step, multi-year programs that define the cGMP manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They are an engineering expert, interfacing with ...

Cambrex

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

The senior engineer oversees multi-step, multi-year programs that define the cGMP manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They are an engineering expert, interfacing with ...

Tessenderlo Group

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

PB Leiner

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

Tessenderlo Group

Process Engineer

Davenport, IA

Bachelor's degree in chemical or food engineering or related field preferred. * 3+ years of experience in process engineering or production optimization in a chemical, food, or pharmaceutical ...

BSI Engineering LLC

Senior Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

Senior Process Engineer Your Role at BSI Our Process Engineers are responsible for designing safe ... food & beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer products. We design manufacturing process for ...

Elanco

Process Engineer

Fort Dodge, IA

Process Engineer The Process Team Engineer is responsible for the technical support for Production ... Experience in a regulated industry such as animal health or human pharmaceutical. * Working ...

Cambrex

Process Engineer II

Charles City, IA · On-site

Job Overview As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while ... with pharmaceutical clients worldwide and to work on multiple processes each year. This position ...

Cambrex

Process Engineer II

Charles City, IA

Overview: As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while ... with pharmaceutical clients worldwide and to work on multiple processes each year. This position ...

Cambrex

Process Engineer II

Charles City, IA · On-site

Job Overview As a Process Engineer II, you'll build on your chemical engineering experience while ... Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, is preferred.

Iff

Process design engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

Experience in food, ingredients, chemical, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing ... Gain hands-on experience across process engineering, automation, commissioning, and capital ...

FuseGlobal

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA

$76/hr

Project Management and/or Process Engineering experience within the food, dairy, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or consumer products industry is a plus. * Strong leadership and technical skills. * Project ...

FuseGlobal

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA

$76/hr

Project Management and/or Process Engineering experience within the food, dairy, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, or consumer products industry is a plus. * Strong leadership and technical skills. * Project ...

Cambrex

Production Engineer

Charles City, IA

Troubleshooting, investigating process problems and deviations, and preparing appropriate reports ... pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Mentis Systems

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

... Process Engineering experience withing the food & dairy, cosmetic, pharmaceutical or consumer products industry is a plus. • Supervisory experience in managing internal and external project team ...

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All JobsPharmaceutical Process Engineer JobsPharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Pharmaceutical Process Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$28

$33

$36

How much do pharmaceutical process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for pharmaceutical process engineer in Iowa is $33.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.15 and $35.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pharmaceutical Process Engineer vs Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician?

AspectPharmaceutical Process EngineerPharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or related field; often includes certifications in process validationHigh school diploma or associate degree; on-the-job training or technical certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign, optimize, and oversee manufacturing processes in labs or production facilitiesOperate equipment, monitor production lines, and ensure quality in manufacturing settings
Employer & Industry UsagePharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, contract manufacturing organizationsPharmaceutical manufacturing plants, biotech production facilities

The main difference is that Pharmaceutical Process Engineers focus on designing and improving manufacturing processes, requiring higher technical credentials, while Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technicians handle day-to-day production tasks and equipment operation. Both roles are essential in pharmaceutical production but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What Does a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Do?

A pharmaceutical process engineer reviews the requirement to produce a pharmaceutical product and develops a process for manufacturing. In this career, your duties vary from employer to employer but usually include tasks such as providing technical specifications for machinery and equipment, working to estimate costs for production, and undertaking a negotiation for the procurement of necessary materials and ingredients. Your responsibilities as a process engineer may include providing analysis of the process to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance with relevant regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer, you need a strong background in chemical or process engineering, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and regulatory compliance, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus), GMP standards, and quality management systems is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for optimizing processes and ensuring product quality. These competencies are vital for developing efficient, safe, and compliant pharmaceutical manufacturing processes that meet industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by Pharmaceutical Process Engineers when scaling up production from laboratory to manufacturing scale?

Pharmaceutical Process Engineers often encounter challenges when translating lab-scale processes to full-scale manufacturing, such as maintaining product quality, ensuring process consistency, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Controlling variables like temperature, pressure, and mixing at a larger scale can introduce unforeseen issues that require innovative problem-solving. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including quality assurance, validation, and production staff—is essential to address these challenges efficiently. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial in ensuring a smooth and compliant scale-up process.

What does a Pharmaceutical Process Engineer do?

A Pharmaceutical Process Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and optimizing processes used in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products. They ensure that production methods are efficient, safe, and compliant with regulatory standards. Their work involves troubleshooting process problems, implementing new technologies, and collaborating with other departments to improve product quality and production efficiency. They play a critical role in scaling up laboratory processes to full-scale manufacturing while maintaining product integrity and safety.
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What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in IA? For Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Process Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,857 per year, or $33.1 per hour.
Associate Process Engineer

Associate Process Engineer

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

263rd of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Description
The Associate Process Engineer works with engineering, facilities, manufacturing operations, and quality control staff to support University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals (UIP) facility and its ongoing operations. Responsibilities include supporting the day-to-day manufacturing activities to optimize processes and resolve equipment issues across sterile and non-sterile production units. Major areas of focus include authoring and executing equipment and process qualifications; and operating and troubleshooting control systems (SCADA, Metasys, etc.); supporting and preforming equipment calibration and preventive maintenance (PM) programs.
About the University of Iowa Pharmaceuticals
UI Pharmaceuticals (UIP) is an FDA-registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility within the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. With more than 50 years of expertise in contract pharmaceutical manufacturing and testing, UIP plays a vital role in advancing life saving medications from early development through clinical trials and into commercial markets. As part of a major academic medical center, UI Pharmaceuticals combines scientific innovation with a commitment to quality and patient impact. Its mission-driven work supports partners across the globe in delivering safe, effective therapies to those who need them most.
Key Areas of Responsibility
Analysis
  • Support Engineering and Manufacturing teams across multiple manufacturing lines.
  • Perform root cause analysis and troubleshoot facilities, manufacturing process and equipment issues in collaboration with Engineering, Facilities, and Manufacturing.
  • Review and redline of Piping and Instrument Diagram during service, validation, and preventive maintenance, and ensuing all changes are documented in accordance with current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Collaborative with the Engineering and Production teams and vendors to coordinate required services and identify critical supplier-based replacement parts.

Engineering Project Management
  • Manage department level projects with potential organization-wide impact.
  • Maintain the engineering change control process and perform equipment assessments.
  • Perform hands-on process improvement and validation for pharmaceutical process equipment.
  • Support equipment lifecycle validation by authoring or reviewing validation master plans, User Requirement Specifications (URSs), Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT), Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), Performance Qualification (PQ), and engineering studies.

Compliance
  • Review and evaluate completed work to ensure it meets all applicable specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Initiate, implement, or review new policies and programs to ensure compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requirements to ensure and current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP).
  • Collaborate with Engineering and Quality Assurance to develop and deliver GMP, process, equipment training for new and existing facilities.
  • Initiate, develop, and implement process improvement projects to achieve regulatory compliance, reduce costs, and improve quality.

Planning
  • Plan and develop project scope for locally controlled initiatives.
  • Collaborate with Production and Quality Assurance on cross-functional projects to ensure timely and efficient use of staff and resources.
  • Coordinate with Engineering and Facilities to review preventive maintenance (PM) programs and implementation plans, manage PM schedules and communicate timelines with Quality Assurance and Production teams to minimize impact on manufacturing.
  • Manage equipment lists and calibration schedules.

Application of Technical Knowledge
  • Determine root causes of basis problems; develop recommendations for corrective actions, and follow-up to ensure completion.
  • Manage validation for off-the-shelf equipment including authoring and executing SAT, IQ, OQ protocols.
  • Serve as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Johnson Controls and Metasys control systems; oversee change control and lead validation activities, as needed.
  • Serve as SME to train staff on equipment operation and production line processes.

Financial
  • Manage project and departmental budgets and assist in developing budget estimates.

Leadership
  • Provide functional and/or administrative supervision of staff, as assigned.
  • Provide direction, assignments, feedback, coaching and guidance to coworkers to ensure successful project outcomes.
  • Manage the completion of locally scoped projects within budget, on schedule and in compliance with engineering and regulatory requirements.
  • Design, evaluate, and coordinate employee training on new equipment and processes.

To obtain the full job description including key areas of responsibility, technical competencies, and desirable qualifications, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.
Qualifications
Education Requirement
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering.

Experience Required
  • Minimum three (3) years post-degree engineering experience in a manufacturing environment, including:
    • Experience with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs).
    • Process mapping and/or project management.
    • Equipment preventive maintenance (PM), sensor calibration, troubleshooting in a manufacturing setting.
  • Ability to read and interpret automated control system Piping and Instrument Diagram (P&ID).
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders, including strong technical writing skills.
  • Experience developing and maintaining technical documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), validation documents, deviations, investigations, change controls, and CAPA's.
  • Ability to work effectively on multi-disciplinary teams with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.

Desirable Qualifications
  • Knowledge of qualification and operation of automated enclosures, isolators, or laboratory equipment.
  • Experience supporting pharmaceutical manufacturing or quality related projects.
  • Knowledge of pharmaceutical regulations and industry standards, such as Food and Drug Administration (FDA), current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP), European Union (EU), International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) guidelines.
  • Experience with Rockwell Automation Studio 5000.
  • Experience with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Human Machine Interfaces (HMI), environmental monitoring and control systems, and Variable Frequency Drives (VFD).

Application and Position Details
  • In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
    • Resume
    • Cover Letter
  • Job openings are posted for a minimum of 14 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. For additional questions, please contact Libby Kleppe at libby-kleppe@uiowa.edu.

Benefits Highlights
  • Regular salaried position. Pay level 4B . Located in Iowa City, Iowa.
  • Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • For more information about Why Iowa? Click here .

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.
Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance.
Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.

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