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Pharmaceutical Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

Education: Ph.D. in Microbiology, Virology, Biochemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering ... Minimum of 2-3 years of experience supporting vaccine, biologics, biotechnology, or pharmaceutical ...

Sales Engineer Location: Midwest Metro Areas (Multiple Locations Available) Company: Tuttle AAG ... processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we specialize in ...

Sales Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Sales Engineer Location: Midwest Metro Areas (Multiple Locations Available) Company: Tuttle AAG ... processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we specialize in ...

Sales Engineer

Sioux City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Sales Engineer Location: Midwest Metro Areas (Multiple Locations Available) Company: Tuttle AAG ... processing, pharmaceuticals, and pet food. With over 50 years of excellence, we specialize in ...

Mechanical Engineer

Iowa City, IA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... process systems. * Work in a team setting, collaborating with other disciplines to perform the ... Provide direction to less experienced engineers and designers assisting with project work.

Mechanical Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... work on pharmaceutical, education, commercial, and government projects.: * You will lead the ... process systems. * Work in a team setting, collaborating with other disciplines to perform the ...

Mechanical Engineer

Iowa City, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... work on pharmaceutical, education, commercial, and government projects.: * You will lead the ... process systems. * Work in a team setting, collaborating with other disciplines to perform the ...

Mechanical Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... process systems. * Work in a team setting, collaborating with other disciplines to perform the ... Provide direction to less experienced engineers and designers assisting with project work.

Showing results 21-40

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.

Production Engineer

Cambrex

Charles City, IA

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 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

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services. 

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

  • engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
  • learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
  • strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We’re committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company.  We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!


Job Overview

The Production Engineer will be a Operations technical expert and responsible for reviewing documentation for Operations to implement projects for the manufacture of APIs, bulk intermediates, and other products from development through piloting and/or commercial production.


Responsibilities
  • Writing batch records and cleaning records for commercial products or simple revisions, campaign reports, as needed to support production operations.
  • Initiate SOPs and investigations/deviation reports/CAPAs for production operations and commercial products.
  • Reviewing and approving documentation (batch records, cleaning records, supplements, etc) for Operations as the area technical expert.
  • Troubleshoot equipment and coordinate with maintenance to monitor equipment for efficiency improvement.
  • Assist Process Engineers and Chemical Development teams when new processes are transferred into the area workcenter.
  • Work with Validation Engineering and Maintenance departments on developing and maintaining IQ, OQ and PQ documents and protocols. Ownership of equipment and facility change controls in their assigned area workcenter.
  • Generate product setups and cleaning memos as needed.
  • Troubleshooting, investigating process problems and deviations, and preparing appropriate reports on findings.
  • Participating in HAZOPs and providing guidance on corrective actions when needed.
  • Completing CAPAs and audit action items as assigned.
  • Train Operators or Technicians on equipment and process operations as needed to ensure safe and efficient manufacturing.
  • Additional job duties as assigned.

All employees are required to adhere to DEA, EPA, FDA and cGMP regulations as they relate to the operation of the Company; and to adhere to all company safety rules and procedures. All employees are expected to report to work regularly and promptly. Other duties relating to departmental mission, not specifically detailed in this section may be assigned.


Qualifications/Skills
  • Knowledge of and/or direct experience in a cGMP environment is preferred
  • General knowledge of chemical operations equipment and manufacturing operations

Education, Experience & Licensing Requirements
  • BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 – 3 years of experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience

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 consist of several components including but not limited to a drug test, 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 (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or 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.

Qualifications:
  • BS in Chemical Engineering or similar field, plus 1 – 3 years of experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in pharmaceutical manufacture; or equivalent education/experience
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

What Cambrex employees say

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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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