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Process Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA ยท On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 21-40

Process Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$86.4K

$133.8K

How much do process engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 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 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.

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 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.

Are process engineers in demand?

Process engineers are in high demand across manufacturing, chemical, and energy industries due to their role in optimizing production processes and improving efficiency. Strong skills in process simulation, automation, and safety standards increase employability, and the field offers steady job growth with opportunities for advancement.

How much does a process engineer get paid?

The average salary for a process engineer varies by location and experience but typically ranges from $70,000 to $110,000 annually. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher wages, especially in industries like manufacturing or chemical processing.

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.
Infographic showing various Process Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 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.

Process Engineer III

Fluid Quip Technologies

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Job description

Summary: The Process Engineer 3 (PE3) independently executes process engineering activities for FQTโ€™s technologies. This role encompasses managing engineering tasks from project conception through detailed engineering, commissioning, system start-up, and plant optimization. The PE3 is expected to demonstrate advanced engineering expertise and play a critical role in ensuring the successful execution of FQTโ€™s engineering projects and technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Relationships

  • Initiates and develops longโ€‘term client partnerships, gathering feedback from current clients and laying the groundwork for lasting relationships
  • Demonstrates a strong understanding of FQT departments, leveraging them to deliver excellence. Mentors less experienced engineers and identifies individual training needs, providing technical advice

Process Engineering:

  • Demonstrates in-depth understanding of FQTโ€™s technologies, engineering standards, and specifications, ensuring strict adherence to technical requirements and best practices
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of FQT Process Engineering deliverables across the FEL process, ensuring alignment with project needs
  • Prepares Design Base Engineering Reports and client presentations, demonstrating technical expertise, attention to detail, and highโ€‘quality work
  • Leads client presentations of engineering deliverables, communicating technical details clearly. Works within the team to resolve complex issues
  • Independently sizes equipment, piping, instrumentation, and valves (manual, automated, relief), ensuring precise technical specifications of high quality
  • Independently prepares Engineering Deliverables: Design Basis, Mass & Energy Balances, Process Flow Diagrams, P&IDs, Equipment Layouts, Engineering Lists, and Project Estimates.
  • Independently contributes to process startโ€‘up, demonstrating proficiency in startup procedures, troubleshooting skills, and ensuring accurate execution of startup tasks.
  • Accurately prepares process control philosophies, functional descriptions, SOPs, and training documents, maintaining high quality and speed.
  • Precisely performs process calculations and modeling in Excel and ChemCAD for largeโ€‘scale projects, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
  • Demonstrates proficiency in integrating Engineering practices into FQT projects, ensuring smooth progression through the FEL stages
  • Develops plant trials, incorporate findings into engineering deliverables, including patents, to progress FQT technologies and validate new solutions

Safety and Quality:

  • Demonstrates the ability to lead while participating in Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) to identify potential hazards in design
  • Demonstrates commitment to quality, ensuring deliverables meet QA/QC standards

Project Management:

  • Manages cost estimation and budgeting for engineering tasks with accuracy
  • Independently manages deliverable timelines, ensuring adherence to project schedules
  • Manages team interactions effectively, providing informal guidance to junior team members

Qualifications:

Skills:

  • Utilizes problem solving skills to identify challenges, generating solutions and implement solutions
  • Is trusted by the team and has the knowledge and confidence to clearly conveys ideas and more importantly concerns to keep projects on track
  • Brings the team together to win. Is highly accountable, trustworthy and can collaborate effectively to support FQTs strategy
  • Demonstrates strong leadership skills of Communication, Influence, Integrity, Decisionโ€‘Making, Empathy, and Adaptability within the engineering team and FQT

Characteristics:

  • Consistently demonstrates an optimistic view for good in every situation, is open to new ideas and feedback, and has the resilience to bounce back from setbacks. Appreciates others' viewpoints and is confident in your own abilities
  • Brings enthusiastic, vigor and focus to the workplace every day, maintains momentum and is highly adaptable, especially during challenging times
  • Consistently accomplishes complex goals with attention to detail an perseverance. Is highly accountable for individual and team results, whether they are successes or failures
  • Consistently demonstrates high initiative and eagerness to learn; actively seeks out opportunities to contribute to the team

Technical Requirements:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in chemical engineering or a related field
  • Passed FE and PE (Professional Engineering) preferred
  • 6-15 years of practical engineering experience
  • Strong understanding of process engineering principles, mass and energy balances, and system/equipment sizing

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

  • Travel requirements vary significantly by project. While the average travel expectation is roughly 30%, certain projects may require up to 100% travel and could involve shift work
  • Valid driverโ€™s license required

Fluid Quip Technologiesยฎ offers competitive pay: a generous benefit package including business casual work environment, health, dental, vision, life insurance, paid holidays, Paid Time Off (PTO) and a 401(k)-retirement plan with immediate vesting and company safe harbor matching. All potential employees of Green Plains Inc. will be required to successfully pass a preโ€‘employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.

Equal Opportunity Employer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned.

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