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Senior Manufacturing Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Do As a Manufacturing Engineer I, you will work under the guidance of senior manufacturing engineers and the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support both engineering and the ...

What You'll Do As a Manufacturing Engineer I, you will work under the guidance of senior manufacturing engineers and the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support both engineering and the ...

What You'll Do As a Manufacturing Engineer I, you will work under the guidance of senior manufacturing engineers and the Manufacturing Engineering Manager to support both engineering and the ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Van-Am Defense Systems is seeking an experienced Manufacturing Engineer to join our engineering team in Waverly, Iowa. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on the manufacturing of high ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Sioux Center, IA

$69K - $89K/yr

The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for improving manufacturing processes, increasing production efficiency, and supporting the development of innovative solutions across our manufacturing ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$40 - $43/hr

Manufacturing Engineer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Waterloo, IA 50701 Duration: 24 Months (Possible extension/conversion) Shift: 2nd (3:30 PM - 12:00 AM) OR 3rd (10:30 PM ...

Manufacturing Engineer Client: Heavy Machine Manufacturing Company Location: Davenport, IA 52809 Duration: 12 Months (Possible Extension/Conversion) Shift: 1st Shift (6:00 AM - 2:30 PM, OT 5-8 hrs as ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Manufacturing Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$61.5K

$101.8K

$139.5K

How much do senior manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior manufacturing engineer in Iowa is $101,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,500.00 and $116,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a senior manufacturing engineer do?

A senior manufacturing engineer designs, develops, and improves manufacturing processes to increase efficiency, quality, and safety. They analyze production workflows, troubleshoot issues, and implement solutions using tools like CAD and Lean methodologies. They often oversee production teams and collaborate with other departments to meet operational goals.

What is the difference between Senior Manufacturing Engineer vs Manufacturing Engineer?

AspectSenior Manufacturing EngineerManufacturing Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, often with 3+ years experienceBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentLeading projects, mentoring, process optimizationSupporting manufacturing processes, implementing improvements
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing sectors for experienced rolesEntry to mid-level manufacturing roles

The main difference is experience level and responsibilities. Senior Manufacturing Engineers typically lead projects and mentor teams, while Manufacturing Engineers focus on supporting and improving manufacturing processes. Both roles require similar credentials and are common in manufacturing industries.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Manufacturing Engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Senior Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as integrating new technologies into existing production lines, maintaining high-quality standards while increasing efficiency, and managing cross-functional project teams. To address these challenges, effective communication, continuous process improvement, and staying current with industry advancements are crucial. Collaborating closely with design, quality, and operations teams helps ensure smooth implementation and quick resolution of production issues.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Manufacturing Engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially in high-demand industries or companies. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, expertise in automation or process optimization, and working in competitive or high-cost regions.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

Senior manufacturing engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and leadership roles can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in high-cost regions or within large corporations. Achieving this level often requires advanced certifications, expertise in automation or process optimization, and managerial responsibilities.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Senior Manufacturing Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in automation and process optimization, and working in high-demand industries. Compensation varies based on location, company size, and certifications such as Six Sigma or PMP.

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

To thrive as a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you need expertise in process optimization, production systems, and a degree in engineering or a related field, often with several years of manufacturing experience. Proficiency with CAD software, Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing certifications, and familiarity with ERP/MES systems are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you lead cross-functional teams and drive improvements. These skills and qualities are essential for ensuring efficient production processes, high product quality, and continuous operational improvement.
What are the most commonly searched types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Manufacturing Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Manufacturing Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Manufacturing Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $101,814 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

$85K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Donaldson is committed to solving the world's most complex filtration challenges. Together, we make cool things. As an established technology and innovation leader, we are continuously evolving to meet the filtration needs of our changing world. Join a culture of collaboration and innovation that matters and a chance to learn, effect change, and make meaningful contributions at work and in communities.
As a Senior Manufacturing Engineer, you provide key expertise in a dynamic engineering team that leads processes for development, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement of manufacturing processes through engineering analysis and tools. This position works closely and collaboratively with cross-functional teams to safely, efficiently, and effectively deliver our products to our customers. Qualified candidates must be able to work an on-site schedule at our Cresco, IA facility.
Role Responsibilities:
  • Leads engineering projects through all phases. Improves current production methods, standards, tooling, procedures, equipment, and plant layout as a basis for improving safety and quality, increasing production, and reducing cost.
  • Resolves problems and discusses solutions with all appropriate personnel, champions cost reduction and quality improvement projects.
  • Develops best practice methods and communicates these methods to all appropriate plant personnel.
  • Manages daily line issues as it relates to equipment, tooling and work instructions.
  • Maintains skills regarding new or improved designs, methods, techniques, materials and other advances in engineering technology to enhance Donaldson's competitive advantage.
  • Research and recognize reliable technologies which can be successfully applied to unique filter manufacturing challenges. Monitor equipment design and build, conduct equipment acceptance testing, and be a central part of factory installation and debugging.
  • Demonstrate problem solving methodologies and champion knowledge transfer and training on new processes and equipment.
  • Utilize basic knowledge of Ergonomics, Safety procedures and machine-operator interaction to create an environment with minimal risk.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • A Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or closely related field.
  • 5+ years of applicable professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 7+ years prior experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • 3+ years of experience with injection mold processes.
  • Proven ability to independently troubleshoot mechanical/electrical and controls systems in an operational environment and provide plans for resolution and improvement.
  • Proven project management skills including delivery of results on time and within budget through dynamic and creative thinking.
  • Excellent communication and analytical skills and proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams at all levels of the organization.
  • Proven knowledge in Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques
  • Experience with AutoCAD and/or SolidWorks
  • Working knowledge of Allen Bradley PLC's and their programming
  • Leadership skills with the ability to direct, motivate, and provide clear direction in a production work environment

Immigration Sponsorship Not Available:
  • Applicants for this position must be currently and legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship (e.g., H-1B, J-1, F-1, CPT, OPT, etc.).
  • Donaldson will not offer immigration sponsorship or assume sponsorship of an employment visa for this position.
  • International relocation or remote work arrangements outside of the U.S. will not be considered.

Key Words: Lean, Manufacturing, Engineering
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veterans
Employment opportunities for positions in the United States may require use of information which is subject to the export control regulations of the United States. Hiring decisions for such positions are required by law to be made in compliance with these regulations. Applicants for employment opportunities in other countries must be able to meet the comparable export control requirements of that country and of the United States.
Donaldson Company has been made aware that there are several recruiting scams that are targeting job seekers. These scams have attempted to solicit money for job applications and/or collect confidential information, Donaldson will never solicit money during the application or recruiting process. Donaldson only accepts online applications through our Careers | Donaldson Company, Inc. website and any communication from a Donaldson recruiter would be sent using a donaldson.com email address. If you have any questions about the legitimacy of an employment opportunity, please reach out to talentacquisition@donaldson.com to verify that the communication is from Donaldson.
Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law.