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Plant Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mintex Technology

Assistant Plant Engineer

Denison, IA · On-site

$115K - $140K/yr

Assistant Plant Engineer * Location : Denison, Iowa * Duration : Full Time / Permanent * Salary up to $115,000 - $140,000 About the Opportunity * We are recruiting for an Assistant Plant Engineer to ...

Poet

Plant Engineer

Hanlontown, IA

The Plant Engineer increases efficiencies of plant operations, maintains plant run time, implements system improvements, troubleshoots process problems, and considers cost factors. This is an on-site ...

POET LLC

Plant Engineer

Hanlontown, IA · On-site

The Plant Engineer increases efficiencies of plant operations, maintains plant run time, implements system improvements, troubleshoots process problems, and considers cost factors. This is an on-site ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to join our Maintenance & Engineering team ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to join our Maintenance & Engineering team ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to join our Maintenance & Engineering team ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to join our Maintenance & Engineering team ...

JBS Imports

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA · On-site

Plant Engineer Location: Council Bluffs, IA Purpose & Scope: JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seeking a valuable Plant Engineer to join our Maintenance & Engineering team ...

JBS USA

PLANT ENGINEER

Council Bluffs, IA

Plant Engineer Location:Council Bluffs, IAPurpose & Scope:JBS USA, the World's leading protein producer, is currently seekingavaluablePlant Engineerto join ourMaintenance & Engineeringteam inCouncil ...

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Senior Plant Engineer You'll lead the charge in developing and implementing cutting-edge maintenance systems, including Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and more, driving our plant to ...

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Senior Plant Engineer You'll lead the charge in developing and implementing cutting-edge maintenance systems, including Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and more, driving our plant to ...

Ethos

Senior Plant Engineer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$88K - $121K/yr

Senior Plant Engineer You'll lead the charge in developing and implementing cutting-edge maintenance systems, including Preventative and Predictive Maintenance, TPM, and more, driving our plant to ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPlant Engineer JobsPlant Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Plant Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$39K

$93.8K

$134.3K

How much do plant engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant engineer in Iowa is $93,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $112,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a plant engineer do?

A plant engineer is responsible for designing, maintaining, and improving manufacturing or processing plant operations. They oversee equipment, ensure safety standards, troubleshoot technical issues, and often use tools like CAD software and diagnostic systems to optimize plant performance.

What is a Plant Engineer?

A Plant Engineer is a professional responsible for overseeing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of manufacturing or industrial plants. They work to ensure that all plant systems, equipment, and processes run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with regulations. Plant Engineers often handle troubleshooting, project management, and the implementation of new technologies to increase productivity. Their role may also involve supervising maintenance staff and coordinating with other departments to optimize plant performance.

What is the difference between Plant Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectPlant EngineerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, certifications like PE or EIT often preferredBachelor's in mechanical engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, power plantsDesign firms, manufacturing, R&D labs, industrial settings
Industry UsageCommonly employed in manufacturing, energy, and processing industriesUsed across various sectors including automotive, aerospace, and energy

While both roles require engineering knowledge, Plant Engineers focus on maintaining and improving plant operations, whereas Mechanical Engineers often work on designing and developing mechanical systems. The roles overlap in credentials and industry settings, but their primary responsibilities differ.

What are some common challenges a Plant Engineer faces during equipment upgrades or maintenance shutdowns?

Plant Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple departments to minimize production downtime, managing tight project schedules, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations during equipment upgrades or maintenance shutdowns. Effective communication and planning are crucial, as these projects often require collaboration with outside contractors, vendors, and internal teams. Additionally, Plant Engineers must anticipate potential technical issues and ensure that all work is completed within budget and to specification.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering often earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and relevant certifications. Executive or managerial engineering roles can also reach or exceed this salary level, particularly in high-demand industries or large organizations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing advanced certifications and expertise in niche areas.

What Do Plant Engineers Do?

As a production plant engineer, you work in a manufacturing facility to ensure that daily operations run smoothly, with a focus on the equipment and machinery. Your responsibilities include designing new systems or equipment, directing plant personnel in proper methods and procedures of these systems and equipment, and executing or overseeing preventive maintenance and repair. Additional job duties may involve planning and supervising engineering projects, designing manufacturing equipment layouts, and checking for safety and environmental compliance. The main qualification for a career in plant engineering is a bachelor’s degree in industrial design or a sub-specialty of engineering, such as chemical, mechanical, nuclear, or electrical engineering. Professional certification, like the certified plant engineer (CPE) designation from the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) prove your skills, and employers may prefer these qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Plant Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC systems, and compliance with industry standards or certifications like PE (Professional Engineer) is typically expected. Strong communication, project management, and teamwork skills help you excel in coordinating with maintenance teams and other departments. These skills ensure efficient plant operations, reduced downtime, and the successful implementation of engineering solutions.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

High-level engineering roles such as petroleum engineers, aerospace engineers, and certain senior roles in software or systems engineering can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, often with bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and specialized skills in high-demand industries or executive-level responsibilities.
More about Plant Engineer jobs
What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Plant Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Plant Engineer jobs in IA? For Plant Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Plant Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Plant Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $93,807 per year, or $45.1 per hour.
Assistant Plant Engineer

Assistant Plant Engineer

Affinity Executive Search

Denison, IA

$115K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Assistant Plant Engineer 1st shiftLocation: Denison, IowaSalary: $115K 140K plus bonusJob Summary of the Assistant Plant Engineer: As the Assistant Plant Engineer, reporting to the Plant Engineer, you?ll take charge of managing the maintenance and engineering operations within the plant, ensuring the building and equipment remain in top condition. Your efforts will minimize mechanical downtime and keep production lines running at peak efficiency. Job Duties & Responsibilities of the Assistant Plant Engineer: Responsible for capital project development and post-approval management, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and with minimal disruption to plant operations. Collaborate closely with the Plant Engineer, to manage project scheduling and execution, ensuring all projects meet safety, food safety, and environmental standards. Lead the Maintenance Department in developing and implementing cutting-edge systems aligned with High-Performing Manufacturing Organizations, including Preventive/Predictive Maintenance, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and more. Optimize resource scheduling to ensure maximum work output while minimizing downtime, reducing costs, and boosting plant capacity to decrease the unscheduled downtime and increase plant efficiency. Lead the maintenance team by delegating tasks, enforcing policies, and ensuring clear work responsibilities are assigned. Act as the champion of plant safety to drive and enforce safety standards through training, procedure implementation, and continuous monitoring. Work with the Plant Engineer to develop and maintain Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and report maintenance performance, including supplier effectiveness, equipment reliability, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Lead a positive employee experience through leadership by way of employee development and coaching.Education & Experience Requirements of the Assistant Plant Engineer: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Engineering or related field and 5+ years of related experience in a manufacturing environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, required. 2+ years' experience in a position of leadership including team development and management, required. PLC and ammonia refrigeration experience is a must have. Food manufacturing background required, meat or kill floor/harvest floor experience a plus. Possess thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and CMMS systems. Possess advanced technical skills in the mechanical and/or electrical fields (e.g. PLCs, instrumentation, mechanical systems, etc). Must be able to lead resource planning and management efforts in a large manufacturing environment. Thorough knowledge of maintenance systems, work order process, preventive/predictive maintenance, TPM, etc. Ability to use exposure monitoring equipment, interpret and communicate results. Capable of communicating and expressing ideas clearly and concisely, in both written and oral formats. Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Strong interpersonal, technical and presentation skills required. May be required to work long hours and weekends.

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