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Trainee Production Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Silgan

Production Management Trainee

Burlington, IA · On-site

Production Management Trainee, Burlington, IA Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Silgan

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Dodge, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Silgan

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

MSCCN

IA · On-site

Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee in Fort Madison, IA Join ... Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related ...

Soap Creek Resources

Production Supervisor

Oskaloosa, IA · On-site

$71K - $73K/yr

Prior experience as a lead person, leadership trainee, supervisor, or similar leadership role ... Pro Company Description This is a fast-growing staffing and engineering services firm. With strong ...

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All JobsProduction Engineer JobsTrainee Production Engineer JobsTrainee Production Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Trainee Production Engineer information

What does a trainee production engineer do?

A Trainee Production Engineer works under the supervision of senior engineers to learn about the processes and equipment used in manufacturing and production environments. Their responsibilities typically include assisting with process optimization, troubleshooting machinery, ensuring quality standards are met, and maintaining safety protocols. They also participate in training sessions, document production reports, and collaborate with different departments to support efficient production flow. This entry-level role is designed to provide practical experience and technical skills necessary for a career in production engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trainee production engineer?

To thrive as a Trainee Production Engineer, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree such as mechanical or industrial engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, manufacturing systems, and safety protocols is typically required, and certifications like Six Sigma can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and teamwork skills help you adapt to fast-paced production environments. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient production processes, minimizing errors, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.

What are the most common challenges faced by a trainee production engineer during the first year, and how can they be overcome?

As a Trainee Production Engineer, one of the most common challenges is adapting to fast-paced manufacturing environments while learning complex processes and machinery. New trainees often need to quickly understand safety protocols, production workflows, and troubleshooting techniques. Building strong relationships with experienced engineers and production staff is key—don't hesitate to ask questions or seek feedback. Staying organized and proactive in tracking your tasks and progress will also help you adjust smoothly and demonstrate your eagerness to learn.

What is the difference between Trainee Production Engineer vs Production Engineer?

AspectTrainee Production EngineerProduction Engineer
QualificationsTypically a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field; some internships or training programsBachelor's degree in engineering; often requires some experience or professional certification
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised training in manufacturing or production facilitiesResponsible for overseeing production processes, troubleshooting, and optimizing operations
ResponsibilitiesLearning production processes, assisting senior engineers, gaining practical skillsManaging production lines, improving efficiency, ensuring quality standards

The main difference is that a Trainee Production Engineer is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and experience under supervision, while a Production Engineer is a fully responsible professional managing production operations independently.

What training is required for a Trainee Production Engineer?

A Trainee Production Engineer typically needs a bachelor's degree in engineering, such as mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. On-the-job training, technical skills development, and familiarity with production tools and safety protocols are also essential components of their training process.

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Production Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Trainee Production Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Trainee Production Engineer job openings:

Trainee Production Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Production Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Production Management Trainee

Silgan

Burlington, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Silgan Holdings rating

5.5

Company rating: 5.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

111th of 120 rated packaging manufacturers

Job description

Production Management Trainee, Burlington, IA
Silgan Containers is seeking a Production Management Development Trainee. Join Silgan's Production Management Development Program at our Burlington, IA plant and gain the skills and experience you need to excel in operations management at one of the largest metal food container manufacturing companies in the food packaging industry.
This program offers comprehensive technical training to prepare you for key roles in production management, ensuring you have a strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, machinery, plant operations, and supervisory roles.
Why Silgan:
  • Excellent pay with annual merit increases.

  • Career growth with continuing education and opportunities for advancement into key positions like operations supervisory roles, manufacturing management positions, and plant management.

  • A stable and reliable company that prioritizes sustainability and cares about the health of the environment and its employees.

  • A comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, and 401k retirement savings with a company match.

  • Paid time off and paid holidays.

  • Additional benefits include pet insurance, telemedicine, and health programs for weight loss, diabetes, hypertension management, and more.

  • Multiple plant locations across the US offer flexibility and opportunities to grow your career in different regions at union and nonunion plants.

What You Will Do as a Production Management Trainee:
  • Build your skills through our structured training program, which runs for approximately eight to ten months and develops your expertise in supervising production, managing daily production processes, and working with a range of machinery in union and nonunion plants.

  • Assist plant management with daily plant operations, including staff supervision, production planning, and equipment management.

  • Apply statistical process methods and gain experience using basic quality tools like diagrams, flow charts, run charts, and control charts to optimize production.

  • Manage production throughput, ensuring efficient use of equipment and materials while adhering to safety procedures.

  • Enforce standard operating procedures and assist with training and developing plant staff.

  • Oversee teams in various locations, administering labor contracts and fostering positive workplace relations.

What You Bring:
  • High school diploma or GED required; Associate or Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred.

  • Two or more years of experience in manufacturing or production operations, including setup, troubleshooting, and maintenance of machinery and equipment.

  • One or more years of supervisory or leadership experience in a manufacturing or production environment, with a track record of improving team performance and meeting production goals.

  • Strong mechanical aptitude, technical problem-solving ability, and commitment to safety, quality, and efficiency.

  • Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills, with the ability to coach and motivate production teams.

  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment, multitasking while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Who We Are:
  • Silgan Containers is the largest subsidiary of Silgan Holdings and America's foremost metal food packaging producer.

  • We are rethinking how to make the metal food can through increased recycled content, modern process overhauls, renewable energy procurement, and other innovative practices.

Apply now to launch your manufacturing career with one of the largest producers of metal food containers in the United States!
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.
Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
Silgan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or the presence of a disability, which would not prevent the performance of essential job duties with, or without reasonable accommodation of any other protective status.
Silgan is a drug-free workplace.

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