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Process Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Engineering and Engineering Services Job Summary: Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly ...

Minimum 3 years of process engineering experience in an industrial setting PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Must wear and maintain company required Personal Protective Equipment including, but not limited to: FR ...

Minimum 3 years of process engineering experience in an industrial setting PHYSICAL DEMANDS: * Must wear and maintain company required Personal Protective Equipment including, but not limited to: FR ...

As a Process Engineer , you'll play a vital role in developing, implementing, and improving ... You will work closely with cross-functional teams-engineering, quality, operations, and maintenance ...

Requirements Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field) required 4-7 years of hands-on manufacturing or process engineering experience in a production ...

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Decorah, IA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Requirements · Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field) required · 4-7 years of hands-on manufacturing or process engineering experience in a ...

Manufacturing Process Engineer

Decorah, IA · On-site

$68K - $90K/yr

Requirements • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (Manufacturing, Industrial, Mechanical, or related field) required • 4-7 years of hands-on manufacturing or process engineering experience in a ...

This position leads process improvement initiatives, supports engineering projects, and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. Key Responsibilities: Process Optimization ...

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Showing results 1-20

Process Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$86.4K

$133.8K

How much do process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for process engineering in Iowa is $86,429.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $96,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is process engineering?

Process engineering is a field of engineering focused on designing, implementing, controlling, and optimizing industrial processes, particularly in manufacturing and chemical production. Process engineers work to develop efficient systems for transforming raw materials into finished products, ensuring safety, quality, and cost-effectiveness. They apply principles from chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve production problems and improve processes. Process engineering is essential in industries such as oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and energy.

What is the difference between Process Engineering vs Chemical Engineering?

AspectProcess EngineeringChemical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Chemical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; often certifications like Six SigmaBachelor's or higher in Chemical Engineering; professional engineer (PE) license may be preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, process facilities, industrial settingsResearch labs, chemical plants, design offices
Industry UsageFocuses on optimizing manufacturing processes and production efficiencyDesigns chemical processes, develops new chemicals, and research

Process Engineering primarily concentrates on improving and maintaining manufacturing processes within industrial settings, while Chemical Engineering involves designing chemical processes and developing new chemical products. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and often overlap in industry applications, but their core focus areas differ.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior process engineers, petroleum engineers, and certain aerospace engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or working in high-paying industries. These roles often require specialized skills, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership or managerial responsibilities.

What jobs do process engineers do?

Process engineers design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, and quality. They analyze production systems, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements using tools like process flow diagrams and statistical analysis. Their work often involves collaboration with production teams and requires knowledge of engineering principles and industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by process engineers when implementing process improvements in a manufacturing environment?

Process engineers often encounter challenges such as resistance to change from operators and staff, integrating new technologies with legacy systems, and ensuring that improvements do not disrupt ongoing production. Balancing cost-effectiveness with quality and safety standards can also be demanding. Successful process engineers collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, provide clear communication, and use data-driven approaches to overcome these obstacles and drive continuous improvement.

Is process engineering well paid?

Process engineering is generally a well-paying profession, with salaries often above the national average for engineering roles. Compensation varies based on experience, industry, location, and certifications such as Six Sigma or process simulation tools, but it typically offers competitive wages and benefits.

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

To thrive as a Process Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, process optimization, and problem-solving, typically supported by a degree in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Familiarity with process simulation software (like Aspen Plus or AutoCAD), Six Sigma certification, and experience with quality management systems are often required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork are essential soft skills to excel in cross-functional projects and drive continuous improvement. These skills ensure efficient production processes, cost reduction, and consistent product quality within manufacturing or industrial environments.
What are popular job titles related to Process Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Process Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Process Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Process Engineering job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 75% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,429 per year, or $41.6 per hour.
Senior Process Engineer

Senior Process Engineer

CF Industries

Sergeant Bluff, IA

$106K - $137K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


CF Industries rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

19th of 92 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

At CF Industries, our mission is to provide clean energy to feed and fuel the world sustainably. Our employees are focused on safe and reliable operations, environmental stewardship, and disciplined capital and corporate management. By joining CF, you will be part of a team that brings their varied experiences, wide-ranging knowledge and diverse talents together to deliver important work and you'll be able to pursue complex, exciting opportunities that help you continue to grow and achieve your potential in different areas. You'll take pride in working for a company that lives its values and where you can be yourself at work, as part of an authentic team that encourages you to share your views and opinions. Our eight manufacturing complexes in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, an unparalleled storage, transportation and distribution network in North America, and logistics capabilities enabling a global reach underpin our strategy to leverage our unique capabilities to accelerate the world's transition to clean energy.
Function:
Engineering and Engineering Services
Job Summary:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Job Description:
Provides process engineering expertise in a collaborative environment to enhance the safe, efficient, reliable, and environmentally friendly operations of the nitrogen fertilizer plants. As the process technical expert, works with other engineering disciplines as well as operations, maintenance, and EHS to ensure solutions meet overall business objectives.
Key Job Elements:
  • As holistic system thinkers, monitor and report on operational performance process units and key variables impacting plant efficiency, capacity, catalyst performance, emissions, and process safety.
  • Proactively evaluate process and equipment performance to reduce plant upsets and generate solutions to resolve problems with process chemistry and equipment including pumps, compressors, turbines, heat exchangers, absorbers, strippers, boilers, combustion equipment, reactors, and high pressure steam systems.
  • Optimize process performance through troubleshooting, process modeling, data analysis, process tests, and technical support to the operations organization.
  • Complete process engineering studies and provide comprehensive process engineering support during collaborative design of new installations and processes.
  • Help prioritize the development of projects to increase production capacity, improve energy efficiency, and enhance EHS performance.
  • Prepare and review documents including PFDs, P&IDs, scopes of work, and equipment specifications to support the capital process.
  • Review and approve new operational procedures and equipment operating limits. Develop and conduct training for operations and other groups to address significant changes and for annual refresher training.
  • Participate in MOCs, PHAs, LOPA studies, and incident investigations to identify and implement process safety and other EHS solutions.
  • Assist Maintenance and Operations during turnarounds by providing pre-turnaround process engineering recommendations, assisting in planning specialty work, performing equipment inspections related to process issues, coordinating catalyst replacements, and participating in plant restarts.
  • Maintain excellent communication and a professional working relationships with all departments and plant personnel.

Position Requirements:
  • BS degree in Chemical Engineering from an ABET or IchemE accredited university is required.
  • A minimum of 5 years of process engineering experience is required. Experience required working for an operating company in the chemical manufacturing, refining, or oil and gas industry.
  • Strong communication skills (written and verbal) required. Must be able to effectively communicate and interact with personnel throughout the organization.
  • Ability and willingness to collect field data, enter process equipment for inspections, and otherwise perform routine field engineering work in an operating chemical facility environment.
  • Ability and willingness to work alternative schedules on a short term basis to support 24 hour/7 day per week operations, particularly during process unit startups, shutdowns, upsets, and catalyst reductions.

FMLA:
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf
Employee Polygraph Protection Act
https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf
  • Employees in Canada can learn more about their rights by viewing the "Canadian Human Rights Act".

Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Recruitment Process
As part of our recruitment process, CF Industries may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence ("AI") and machine learning technologies, to assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing candidates whose qualifications align with job-related criteria, including information provided during the application process such as resumes, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions. These tools support but do not replace human decision-making, and all final employment decisions are made by our Talent Acquisition team and/or hiring managers exercising independent judgment.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at CF Industries, need reasonable accommodation with the application process, or have questions about our use of AI, please call 847-405-2400 or contact us at talentacquisition@cfindustries.com .
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