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Process Engineers Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Process Engineer LOCATION: Cedar Rapids, IA REPORTS TO: Lead Process Engineer WORKPLACE: Onsite Ingredion is hiring a Process Engineer who plays a pivotal role in optimizing manufacturing processes ...

Process Engineer POSITION DETAILS: Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Salary FLSA: Exempt Schedule: M-F with rotating on call duty Location: Nevada, IA Travel: No Travel WHAT WE WILL EXPECT FROM YOU ...

Mentors less experienced engineers and identifies individual training needs, providing technical advice Process Engineering: * Demonstrates in-depth understanding of FQT's technologies, engineering ...

Process Engineer POSITION DETAILS: Job Type: Full-Time Pay: Salary FLSA: Exempt Schedule: M-F with rotating on call duty Location: Nevada, IA Travel: No Travel WHAT WE WILL EXPECT FROM YOU ...

As a Process Engineer , you'll play a vital role in developing, implementing, and improving metallurgical and manufacturing processes to support production efficiency and material performance. You ...

Process Engineer

Charles City, IA ยท On-site

$43 - $53/hr

Description - Perform engineering calculations to select and size equipment for manufacturing - Lead process transfer from lab scale to plant operations - Apply chemistry knowledge to evaluate ...

Senior Process Engineer

Sergeant Bluff, IA ยท On-site

$106K - $137K/yr

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 ...

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Process Engineers information

See Iowa salary details

$46.5K

$86.4K

$133.8K

How much do process engineers jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for process engineers 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 the difference between Process Engineers vs Chemical Engineers?

AspectProcess EngineersChemical Engineers
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, often with certifications in process optimizationBachelor's or higher in Chemical Engineering, with licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentManufacturing plants, production facilities, process optimization settingsResearch labs, chemical plants, design firms
Industry UsageManufacturing, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals, food processingPetrochemical, pharmaceuticals, specialty chemicals, energy

Process Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes within production environments. Chemical Engineers have a broader scope, including chemical reactions, process design, and research. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, Process Engineers are more involved in day-to-day process improvements, whereas Chemical Engineers often work on process development and chemical reactions. Both roles are vital in industries like manufacturing and chemicals, but their specific responsibilities and work settings differ.

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 or executive positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

What are some common challenges Process Engineers face when implementing process improvements, and how can they overcome them?

Process Engineers often encounter resistance to change from operators and stakeholders when proposing new process improvements. Additionally, balancing cost constraints with efficiency goals can be challenging, as can ensuring that new processes comply with safety and regulatory standards. To overcome these challenges, Process Engineers typically engage in clear communication, involve cross-functional teams early in the development phase, and use data-driven analyses to demonstrate the benefits of proposed changes. Building strong relationships with team members and remaining adaptable are also key to successfully implementing improvements.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Process engineers typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are more common among executive roles or specialized senior engineers in industries like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, or technology. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. Most process engineers earn significantly less, with top-tier salaries reaching into the high six figures only in rare cases or with additional bonuses and stock options.

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 chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering, often backed by a relevant degree and problem-solving expertise. Familiarity with process simulation software (such as Aspen Plus or HYSYS), Six Sigma certification, and knowledge of process control systems are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help process engineers excel in cross-functional environments. These skills ensure efficient process design, optimization, and safe, cost-effective manufacturing operations.

What are process engineers?

Process engineers are professionals who design, implement, control, and optimize industrial processes, especially in manufacturing industries such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, and oil & gas. Their main goal is to improve the efficiency, safety, and quality of production processes while minimizing costs and environmental impact. They use principles of chemistry, physics, and engineering to develop and refine processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure compliance with regulations. Process engineers often work closely with other engineers, managers, and technicians to achieve production goals and continuous improvement.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior process engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and working in high-demand industries like oil and gas or pharmaceuticals, can earn $200,000 or more annually. Achieving this salary often requires advanced certifications, a strong track record, and working in regions with high living costs or competitive markets.

What exactly does a Process Engineer do?

A Process Engineer designs, develops, and optimizes manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze production data, troubleshoot issues, and implement process improvements often using tools like Six Sigma or Lean methodologies. Their work typically involves collaboration with cross-functional teams and may require knowledge of automation, control systems, and industry standards.
What are popular job titles related to Process Engineers jobs in Iowa? For Process Engineers jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Process Engineers jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Process Engineers jobs in Iowa are:
Process Engineer II

Process Engineer II

Fluid Quip Technologies

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary: The Process Engineer II (PE2) is responsible for executing process engineering activities for FQTโ€™s technologies. This role involves managing engineering tasks, with minimal supervision, from project conception through detailed engineering, commissioning, system start-up, and plant optimization. The PE2 collaborates with senior engineers and cross-functional teams to ensure project success while actively developing advanced technical expertise and problem-solving skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Relationships:

  • Develops and maintains higher-level relationships with clients, managing projects from Operations Studies to FEL1 and beyond
  • Understands the workings of FQT departments and how to leverage them to deliver project excellence. Seeks mentorship and identifies areas for personal growth

Process Engineering:

  • Develops understanding of FQTโ€™s technologies, engineering standards, and specifications, ensuring compliance with technical requirements and industry best practices
  • Develops understanding of FQT Process Engineering deliverables throughout the FEL process, ensuring accurate application in project execution
  • Prepares Design Base Engineering Reports and client presentations, demonstrating proficiency and initiative. Manages complex technical details effectively
  • Presents Process Engineering deliverables to clients, ensuring clear communication. Collaborates with the team to address inquiries and provide solutions
  • Sizes equipment, piping, instrumentation, and valves (manual, automated, relief), demonstrating proficiency in technical calculations
  • Creates Engineering Deliverables: Design Basis, Mass & Energy Balances, Process Flow Diagrams, P&IDs, Equipment Layouts, Engineering Lists, and Project Estimates with minimal support
  • Supports and participates in process startup activities, applying foundational knowledge, utilizing developed troubleshooting skills, while taking responsibility for tasks within startup processes
  • Creates process control philosophies, functional descriptions, SOPs, and training documents under guidance.
  • Performs process calculations and modeling in Excel and ChemCAD under guidance.
  • Gains understanding of Engineering practices (Geotechnical, Civil, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation & Controls, Permit) required to take an FQT project through the FEL stages
  • Performs plant trials, incorporate findings into engineering deliverables, to develop FQT technologies

Safety and Quality:

  • Participates in Process Hazards Analysis (PHA) and Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) to identify potential hazards in design
  • Develops proficiency in delivering quality engineering outputs, adhering to FQTโ€™s QA/QC processes

Project Management:

  • Demonstrates knowledge of engineering costs, gaining insights into project budgeting and estimating
  • Manages personal project timelines, contributing to the overall project schedule
  • Builds strong working relationships within the process engineering and project team, fostering collaboration throughout FQT

Qualifications:

Skills:

  • Utilizes problem solving skills to identify challenges, generating solutions and implement solutions
  • Clearly conveys ideas and is an active listener to feedback or concerns. Has built trust with teammates and clients
  • Has a win/win attitude with the team. Is accountable, trustworthy and can collaborate effectively to achieve shared goals
  • Developing strong leadership skills of Communication, Influence, Integrity, Decision-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
  • Consistently brings enthusiasm, vigor and focus to the workplace, can maintain momentum and is adaptable, even during challenging times
  • Dedicated to accomplishing goals with consistency, attention to detail and perseverance. Is accountable for action and results, whether they are successes or failures
  • Consistently demonstrates initiative and eagerness to learn; actively seeks out opportunities to contribute

Technical Requirements:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in chemical engineering or a related field
  • Passed FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) and working to pass PE (Professional Engineering)
  • 4-10 years of practical engineering experience
  • Proficiency in 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 pre-employment drug screening and background check prior to employment.ย 

Green Plains and Fluid Quip do not provide immigration-related employment sponsorship for new hires (for example, H-1B, F-1 OPT, TN, or other work visas). Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be able to maintain ongoing work authorization without employer sponsorship now or in the future.

Equal Opportunity Employerย 

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.ย ย 

Company Descriptionย ย 

Fluid Quip Technologiesยฎ (Fluid Quip) provides custom technologies and engineering services to the biofuel and biochemical industries worldwide. Fluid Quip has commercialized multiple technologies to enhance the base corn-to-ethanol dry grind process, create new and novel alternative feed products, and supply the growing need for carbohydrate feedstocks into the biochemical market. Green Plains Inc., Ospraie Management, and funds and accounts managed by BlackRock hold a majority interest in Fluid Quip.ย