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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Hydrite

Controls Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - CONTROLS ENGINEER The Controls Engineer is an individual contributor ... Identify and implement automation and process improvement opportunities that enhance safety ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · Hybrid

$81K - $105K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves ... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves ... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves ... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ...

KPI Solutions

Controls Engineer Manager

Cincinnati, IA · On-site

$69K - $89K/yr

The Controls Engineer Manager is responsible for end‑to‑end execution of all brownfield ... Proven experience delivering brownfield automation or material handling projects. * Strong ...

TDS Automation Inc

Senior Controls Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

Description The Senior Controls Engineer applies accepted electrical design standard operating ... TDS Automation, Inc., is a leading provider of global engineering and manufacturing solutions for ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design, and PLC systems (i.e ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$82K - $106K/yr

Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across ... logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design, and PLC systems (i.e ...

Socket.dev

Senior Controls Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Description The Senior Controls Engineer applies accepted electrical design standard operating ... TDS Automation, Inc., is a leading provider of global engineering and manufacturing solutions for ...

Doerfer Corporation

Senior Controls Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer applies accepted electrical design standard operating procedures to ... TDS Automation, Inc., is a leading provider of global engineering and manufacturing solutions for ...

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Controls Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Mechanical Controls Engineer As a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will work with a cross ... Exposure to control systems development, machine automation, or robotics. * Experience with MATLAB ...

DOERFER CORPORATION

Senior Controls Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$89K - $118K/yr

The Senior Controls Engineer applies accepted electrical design standard operating procedures to ... TDS Automation, Inc., is a leading provider of global engineering and manufacturing solutions for ...

Saigepartners

Contols Engineer

Muscatine, IA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Controls Engineer Position Overview The Controls Engineer is responsible for leading and supporting the technical execution of plant automation and control systems. This role provides hands‑on ...

Rinvio

Electrical Automation Manager

Wilton, IA

$52 - $62/hr

... controls improvements - Work professionally with operations, maintenance, engineering, and project stakeholders Requirements: - Electrical automation, controls leadership, or industrial electrical ...

Rinvio

Electrical Automation Manager

Davenport, IA · On-site

$52 - $65/hr

Lead or support electrical, controls, and automation work in a manufacturing or industrial ... Work with maintenance technicians, electricians, operations, engineering, vendors, and leadership

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All JobsAutomation Controls Engineer JobsAutomation Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Automation Controls Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$43.2K

$92.2K

$132K

How much do automation controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation controls engineer in Iowa is $92,223.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,400.00 and $103,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation controls engineer?

Automation Controls Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain control systems that automate manufacturing and industrial processes. They typically work with hardware and software such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and robotic systems to ensure efficient and reliable operation of automated equipment. Their responsibilities include programming control systems, troubleshooting electrical and control issues, and collaborating with other engineers to optimize production processes. Automation Controls Engineers play a crucial role in improving productivity, safety, and quality in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and energy.

What does an automation controls engineer do?

Automation controls engineers help create the layout of electrical and mechanical control systems. In this role, you may help program an automation process, modify existing programming when necessary, and help ensure the company is using the safest and most productive system possible for its needs. You may also be responsible for creating training documentation to show employees how to control and adjust their operations. Most automation control engineers work in manufacturing plants and similar companies where physical automation is used to speed up production tasks. This job should not be confused with automation programming outside of the manufacturing sector, such as software programming.

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

To thrive as an Automation Controls Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, control systems, and automation, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI software, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure reliable system integration, efficient troubleshooting, and successful collaboration in complex industrial environments.

What are some common challenges automation controls engineers face when working on new system integrations?

Automation Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as compatibility issues between legacy equipment and new control systems, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams (mechanical, electrical, and software), and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Troubleshooting unforeseen problems during testing phases and maintaining clear documentation are also frequent hurdles. Proactive communication and thorough planning help mitigate these challenges and ensure smooth integration projects.

What is the difference between Automation Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectAutomation Controls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering; certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) are commonRequires a degree in electrical engineering; licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) may be preferred
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily in manufacturing, automation, and control system settingsWorks in various sectors including power, construction, and manufacturing, often focusing on electrical systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed in automation, process control, and manufacturing industriesUsed across power generation, construction, and industrial sectors

Automation Controls Engineers focus on designing, programming, and maintaining control systems for automation processes, while Electrical Engineers have a broader scope involving electrical system design and analysis. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industrial settings, but their primary responsibilities and certifications differ.

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

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For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Automation Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,223 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Controls Engineer

Waterloo, IA • On-site

Hydrite
Chemical Manufacturing • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Hydriteexternal

$82K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Hydrite Chemical rating

5.8

Company rating: 5.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

WHO WE ARE
We are a company where people matter.
We are family driven.
We are financially strong.
And we are looking for problem-solvers to join our growing team.
BENEFITS
  • Up to 10% Retirement Contribution
  • $600 per Year Wellness Incentive
  • Front-loaded Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision - Eligible first day of the month following hire date.

JOIN A TOP WORKPLACE - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nlFHnnfvhk
CONTROLS ENGINEER
The Controls Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for evaluating, designing, programming, commissioning, and sustaining Hydrite's control systems (PLC/DCS/HMI) and related instrumentation. This role executes standards, implements changes through the MOC process, maintains Maximo PM/calibration plans, and ensures reliable data collection and historian integrations to support safe and efficient operations across assigned facilities.
Primary responsibilities include:
  • Design, program, commission, and support plant control systems, including DeltaV, PLCs, SCADA, HMIs, and associated instrumentation.
  • Troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize control systems to improve safety, reliability, and operational performance.
  • Lead and execute control system changes in accordance with Hydrite's Management of Change (MOC) process and applicable regulatory requirements.
  • Develop and maintain control system standards, documentation, cybersecurity practices, and lifecycle support programs.
  • Support capital projects from design through startup, including system configuration, testing, commissioning, and operational handoff.
  • Serve as a technical resource for controls, instrumentation, and automation systems across multiple facilities.
  • Configure and support data historians and automation systems to improve data visibility, reporting, and decision-making.
  • Collaborate with operations, maintenance, engineering, and IT/OT teams to support reliable plant operations.
  • Identify and implement automation and process improvement opportunities that enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity.
  • Provide technical training, mentoring, and support to operations, maintenance, and engineering personnel.

REPORTING STRUCTURE
  • This position reports to the Engineering, Automation, and Controls Manager.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
  • A Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline required
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience with instrumentation and control systems
  • Minimum of 3 years of experience interfacing with contractors
  • Strong computer skills and knowledge of Power Point, Word, and Excel required
  • Must have communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to read, write and speak English

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Ability to sit and/or stand up to 10 hours per day.
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. on an occasional basis.
  • Ability to climb ladders and work at heights up to 40 feet on occasion.
  • Ability to travel overnight, ride in a car and/or plane for up to 6 hrs and travel 25% of time.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
Benefits and perks include 401k and profit sharing, medical/dental/vision/life insurance, paid time off, tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance, legal services insurance, scholarship awards for children of employees, summer picnic, community giving events, free family wellness coaching including nutritionist and fitness coach.
WANT TO STAY CONNECTED? FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
  • LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hydrite-chemical-co-
  • Facebook: facebook.com/hydrite
  • YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs_493NR8RI

Learn more about Hydrite on our website: www.hydrite.com/careers
Privacy Notice for California Residents: https://www.hydrite.com/Legal/Privacy-Notice-for-Employees.htm

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