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Associate Automation Engineer Jobs in Dubuque, IA

... Associate Progressive Processing, LLC- A Hormel Company Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Sunnycrest ... Factory Automation Engineer John Deere TEAM LEADER/PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR -- NIGHTS Progressive ...

Lead the installation, commissioning, programming, and expansion of building automation systems ... Associate's degree in industrial technologies, electronics, or a related field; alternatively ...

Lead the installation, commissioning, programming, and expansion of building automation systems ... Associate's degree in industrial technologies, electronics, or a related field; alternatively ...

Associate Automation Engineer information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

$18

$27

$31

How much do associate automation engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate automation engineer in Dubuque, IA is $27.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.23 and $30.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects can an associate automation engineer expect to work on in their first year?

As an Associate Automation Engineer, you can expect to contribute to a variety of projects focused on improving and automating business processes or manufacturing systems. Typical responsibilities include assisting in the design, development, and testing of automated systems, collaborating with senior engineers, and troubleshooting automation equipment. You'll often work closely with cross-functional teams such as production, quality assurance, and IT to support the deployment and maintenance of automation solutions. This hands-on experience provides a strong foundation for understanding automation workflows and prepares you for more complex projects as you gain experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate automation engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Associate Automation Engineer, a strong understanding of programming languages (such as Python, Java, or C#), automation frameworks, and a relevant engineering degree are essential. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, and version control systems, as well as knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for developing reliable automated solutions, ensuring software quality, and collaborating efficiently within engineering teams.

What is an associate automation engineer?

An Associate Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who helps design, develop, test, and maintain automated systems or processes within an organization. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers to implement automation solutions that improve efficiency and reduce manual work. Their responsibilities may include writing scripts, maintaining automation tools, troubleshooting issues, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to optimize workflows. This role is common in industries such as manufacturing, software development, and IT.

What cities near Dubuque, IA are hiring for Associate Automation Engineer jobs?

Cities near Dubuque, IA with the most Associate Automation Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Associate Automation Engineer job openings in Dubuque, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,856 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

$69K - $88K/yr

Full-time, Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Manufacturing Engineer

The Manufacturing Engineer will focus on improving processes related to profile processing, including laser and plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, and part kitting. The ideal candidate will enjoy working hands-on with production teams, identifying opportunities for improvement, and implementing practical solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Support and improve manufacturing processes related to laser and plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, and kitting.
  • Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance.
  • Lead or support projects involving new equipment installation and integration into existing manufacturing processes.
  • Work with production and engineering teams to implement automation and process improvements.
  • Develop and improve part nesting and organizational layouts to optimize material and production flow.
  • Troubleshoot manufacturing issues and develop effective corrective actions.
  • Assist with equipment, tooling, and process improvements within the production area.
  • Communicate project status, recommendations, and results to cross-functional teams.

Requirements

  • Applicable manufacturing engineering experience.
  • Demonstrates a strong mechanical aptitude through work experience or hobbies.
  • Problem solving skills and attention to detail.
  • Familiar with Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing tools and methodologies.
  • Must be a self-starter, good communication skills, able to thrive in a collaborative environment.
  • Must have a valid Driver’s License.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
  • Experience in a manufacturing or production environment is preferred.
  • Experience with laser or plasma cutting, blasting, forming, CNC press operations, or kitting is highly desirable.
  • Experience with manufacturing automation and equipment integration is preferred.
  • Project management experience is desired.
  • Experience nesting parts for laser cutting and developing part organizational layouts is a plus.
  • Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively with production personnel, engineers, and other cross-functional teams.

Work Schedule

This position supports first shift, typically from 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with flexibility to occasionally support the beginning of second shift. The expected time commitment is approximately 40–45 hours per week.

Salary Range Commensurate with experience $50,000-$80,000

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

About RFA Engineering

RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits

  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

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