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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Overview As an expert in their field, the Senior Process Engineer leads technical teams responsible for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The senior engineer oversees ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA

$94K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Senior Process Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

$94K - $121K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Senior Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $132K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Process Engineer

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Process Engineer II

Charles City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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 ...

Process Engineer II

Charles City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

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.

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 ...

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

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 ...

Project Engineer

Waverly, IA

$76/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

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

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

... 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 ...

Production Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Troubleshooting, investigating process problems and deviations, and preparing appropriate reports ... pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience Cambrex is committed to providing a ...

Production Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Troubleshooting, investigating process problems and deviations, and preparing appropriate reports ... pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience Cambrex is committed to providing a ...

Production Engineer

Charles City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Troubleshooting, investigating process problems and deviations, and preparing appropriate reports ... pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience Cambrex is committed to providing a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Pharmaceutical Process Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$28

$33

$36

How much do pharmaceutical process engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 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.

What are popular job titles related to Pharmaceutical Process Engineer jobs in Iowa?

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

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

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

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:

Infographic showing various Pharmaceutical Process Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,857 per year, or $33.1 per hour.

Senior Process Engineer

Cambrex Corp.

Charles City, IA • On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Other

Re-posted 18 days ago


Cambrex rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Job Overview

As an expert in their field, the Senior Process Engineer leads technical teams responsible for the manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. The senior engineer oversees multi‑step, multi‑year programs that define the cGMP manufacturing process for active pharmaceutical ingredients. They serve as an engineering expert, interface with internal leadership and external clients to solve complex technical problems and ensure high‑quality manufacturing.

In this role, you will serve as a senior member of our engineering team, taking a leading role in advancing the development and manufacture of active pharmaceutical ingredients. You will guide large, multi‑year projects that bring complex new medicines from the laboratory to full‑scale batch manufacturing, while introducing innovative technologies that enhance our operations.

As a Senior Process Engineer, you will mentor and develop junior engineers, shape the next generation of talent, and prepare for senior leadership opportunities. You will collaborate with clients worldwide, tackle technical challenges across diverse processes and unit operations, and make a lasting impact on the success of both our company and the patients who depend on our work.

Responsibilities
  • Lead multi‑step, multi‑year technical programs for the development of the manufacturing process for an API from the initial pilot batches to full commercialization.
  • Oversee the conceptual process design for complete API programs including scaling calculations for unit operations, equipment selection, production planning, and determination of operating parameters.
  • Lead process reviews for operability, safety, and quality.
  • Operate as a subject‑matter expert for external clients and internal stakeholders.
  • Mentor junior engineers and scientists.
  • Initiate improvements through ideation, process modelling and analysis of production and laboratory data.
  • Lead complex quality investigations and corrective action/preventative action implementation.
  • Identify, oversee, and conduct process improvement projects to reduce cycle time, increase yield, and improve quality.
  • Coordinate the drafting of manufacturing documents: process flow diagrams, batch records, validation protocols, standard operating procedures, quality investigations, campaign reports.
  • Optional: Lead a team of 2‑5 engineers as direct reports, overseeing career development and project assignments.
Qualifications / Skills
  • Applied Math and Science: complete understanding of core chemical engineering fundamentals and intuitive application to real‑world problems.
  • Data Analysis, Visualization, Troubleshooting: ability to analyze data from various sources to identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and improve efficiency.
  • Process Simulation and Modeling: advanced use of software (spreadsheets, programming, simulators) to model chemical unit operations and processes.
  • Process Safety and Risk Management: instinctively assess and manage risks associated with chemical processes, ensuring safety of personnel and environment.
  • Process Scale‑Up & Equipment Knowledge: assess equipment capability of key processing equipment and propose alternatives that align with business objectives and optimize resource use.
  • Problem‑Solving: lead discussions and ideation to identify, analyze, and solve complex problems related to chemical processes and plant operations.
  • Technical Writing & Communication: explain technical concepts clearly and accurately to technical and non‑technical audiences.
  • Attention to Detail: meticulously review documents and work of others to ensure accuracy and quality.
  • Adaptability: adapt to changing priorities, new technologies, and unexpected challenges; assist others with change management.
  • Project Management, Leadership & Mentoring: manage assignments, delegate, support others, manage projects including timelines, resources, and budgets; lead teams and mentor junior engineers; ensure projects meet deadlines.
Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements
  • B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering or related field.
  • 7‑15 years of experience in chemical development, chemical manufacturing, chemical engineering design, or equivalent.
  • Experience in a chemical manufacturing environment, particularly pharmaceutical, is preferred.
Equal Opportunity Statement

Cambrex is committed to providing a safe and productive work environment. All offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a comprehensive pre‑employment screen. The pre‑employment screen may include drug testing, criminal record check, identity verification, reference checks, education and employment verification, and may vary based on federal, state, and local laws. Refusal to submit to testing will result in disqualification of further employment consideration.

All requirements are subject to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Cambrex Corporation is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, ancestry, national origin, place of birth, age, marital status, disability/handicap, genetic information, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by federal, state, and/or local law.

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About Cambrex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

East Rutherford, NJ, US

Year founded

1981

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