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Actuator Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Support the long-term development of Emerson's electric actuation portfolio Who You Are: You ... Strong programming skills in C and C++ * Experience working with embedded systems and ...

Support the long-term development of Emerson's electric actuation portfolio Who You Are: You ... Strong programming skills in C and C++ * Experience working with embedded systems and ...

Support the long-term development of Emerson's electric actuation portfolio Who You Are: You ... Strong programming skills in C and C++ * Experience working with embedded systems and ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

... actuators, mechanical systems, and operator interfaces.Develop new automation concepts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related fieldBring at least 5 years of ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

... actuators, mechanical systems, and operator interfaces. * Develop new automation concepts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years ...

Hawarden Mechanical Design Engineer

Hawarden, IA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

... actuators, mechanical systems, and operator interfaces. * Develop new automation concepts ... Possess a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field * Bring at least 5 years ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Senior Automation Engineer Department: Automation FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt PURPOSE The Senior ... actuators, transducers, and associated components. * Point-to-point checkout of wiring and ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

... actuators, transducers, and associated components. * Point-to-point checkout of wiring and ... Bachelor's degree in engineering related field or equivalent work experience * 7+ years of ...

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control ... DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, transducers, and associated components * Understand ...

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control ... DDC controllers, sensors, actuators, transducers, and associated components * Understand ...

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Actuator Engineer information

What does an actuator engineer do?

An Actuator Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and testing actuators, which are devices that convert energy into motion in mechanical systems. They work on selecting appropriate actuator types (such as electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic), ensuring the devices meet technical requirements, and integrating them into larger systems. Actuator Engineers often collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to optimize performance, reliability, and efficiency of the actuators in applications like robotics, automotive, aerospace, and industrial automation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an actuator engineer?

To thrive as an Actuator Engineer, you generally need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, with expertise in electromechanical systems and motion control. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools (such as MATLAB/Simulink), and industry certifications in automation or mechatronics is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help an actuator engineer excel in both design and troubleshooting contexts. These competencies ensure the reliable development and integration of actuators, which are critical for the performance and safety of automated systems.

What are the typical challenges actuator engineers face when integrating actuators into complex systems?

Actuator Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring compatibility between actuators and the mechanical, electrical, or control systems they interact with. Common issues include managing space constraints, meeting strict performance requirements, mitigating unwanted vibrations, and ensuring reliable communication with control units. Successful Actuator Engineers collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical designers, software developers, and system integrators, to address these challenges and optimize actuator performance within the overall system.

What is the difference between Actuator Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectActuator EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering; often certifications in control systemsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; may include certifications in CAD or project management
Work EnvironmentDesigning and testing actuators, working in R&D labs or manufacturing facilitiesDesigning mechanical systems, working in design offices, manufacturing plants, or field sites
Industry UsageAutomotive, aerospace, robotics, industrial automationAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing, product design

While both roles involve engineering principles, Actuator Engineers focus specifically on designing and developing actuators used in automation and robotics, whereas Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, working on various mechanical systems and components across industries.

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

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

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Actuator Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Actuator Engineer job openings:

Firmware Engineer

Marshalltown, IA • On-site


Emerson

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

271st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks


Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

hackajob is collaborating with Emerson to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

Description

Are you an Embedded Software Engineer or Firmware Engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges? Join Emerson's New Product Development team in Marshalltown, Iowa and help design innovative electric actuation platforms.

In this role, you will develop embedded software from concept through production, working closely with cross-functional engineering teams to create innovative products used in critical industrial applications worldwide, including process automation and control systems.

Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates.

In This Role, Your Responsibilities Will Be:

  • Uphold Safety as our #1 Value in all that we do
  • Design, develop, test, and debug firmware in C and C++ for microcontroller-based embedded systems, including low-level hardware interaction
  • Collaborate with hardware, mechanical, and manufacturing, and engineering teams
  • Develop solutions and requirements that satisfy customer needs for high reliability industrial applications while staying withing challenging constraints such as low power
  • Perform code reviews and support software quality initiatives
  • Troubleshoot and resolve firmware and embedded system issues
  • Support product validation, verification, and production readiness activities
  • Research and evaluate emerging embedded technologies and industry trends
  • Participate in project planning, estimation, and continuous improvement initiatives
  • Support the long-term development of Emerson's electric actuation portfolio 

Who You Are:
You identify and seize new opportunities and consistently look for ways to improve processes and outcomes. You are innovative and bring strong attention to detail when solving complex technical challenges. You collaborate effectively across teams, openly ask questions, and communicate clearly to ensure successful completion of projects. You adapt to changing priorities and take ownership in delivering high-quality results.

For This Role, You Will Need:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical discipline
  • Professional experience developing embedded software or firmware for microcontroller-based systems
  • Strong programming skills in C and C++
  • Experience working with embedded systems and microcontroller-based products
  • Ability to read schematics and component datasheets
  • Strong problem-solving and debugging skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future

Preferred Qualifications That Set You Apart:

  • 5+ years of firmware or embedded software development experience
  • Experience with real-time operating systems (RTOS)
  • Experience debugging embedded hardware and software systems
  • Familiarity with source control, defect tracking, and software development lifecycle processes
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus and HART
  • Experience with object-oriented design methodologies and UML
  • Experience with C#
  • Experience supporting products from concept through production release

Our Culture & Commitment to You:

At Emerson, we prioritize a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to grow. We foster an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and diverse perspectives because we know that great ideas come from great teams. Our commitment to ongoing career development and growing an inclusive culture ensures you have the support to thrive. Whether through mentorship, training, or leadership opportunities, we invest in your success so you can make a lasting impact. We believe diverse teams, working together are key to driving growth and delivering business results. 

We recognize the importance of employee wellbeing and know that to do your best you must have flexible, competitive benefits plans to meet you and your family’s physical, mental, financial, and social needs. We provide, a variety of medical insurance plans, with dental and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Program, profit sharing retirement, tuition reimbursement, employee resource groups, recognition, and much more. Our culture prioritizes work-life balance and offers flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave (maternal and paternal), vacation and holiday leave. 

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