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Automation Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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

Contract Responsibilities: - Lead or support electrical, controls, and automation work in a ... operations, engineering, vendors, and leadership - Support plant safety, uptime, documentation ...

Contract Responsibilities: - Lead or support electrical, controls, and automation work in a ... operations, engineering, vendors, and leadership - Support plant safety, uptime, documentation ...

Contract Responsibilities: - Lead or support electrical, controls, and automation work in a ... operations, engineering, vendors, and leadership - Support plant safety, uptime, documentation ...

Rinvio is hiring a PLC Automation Programmer for PLC, controls, and manufacturing automation support in the Davenport, IA area. Pay: $40-$55/hour, based on experience Location: Davenport, IA Schedule ...

Rinvio is hiring a PLC Automation Programmer for PLC, controls, and manufacturing automation support in the Iowa City, IA area. Pay: $40-$55/hour, based on experience Location: Iowa City, IA Schedule ...

Rinvio is hiring a PLC Automation Programmer for PLC, controls, and manufacturing automation support in the Cedar Rapids, IA area. Pay: $40-$55/hour, based on experience Location: Cedar Rapids, IA ...

Automation Engineer The Automation Engineer provides critical automation support across Operations ... Collaborate with controls engineering and other technical teams to optimize system performance and ...

Automation Engineer The Automation Engineer provides critical automation support across Operations ... Collaborate with controls engineering and other technical teams to optimize system performance and ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jul 13, 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 are Automation Controls Engineers?

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.

What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Automation Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Automation Controls Engineer jobs in IA? For Automation Controls Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Automation Controls Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,223 per year, or $44.3 per hour.
Electrical Automation Manager

Electrical Automation Manager

Rinvio

Wilton, IA

$52 - $62/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Rinvio is hiring an Electrical Automation Manager for industrial controls leadership, automation strategy, electrical systems support, and reliability improvement work in the Wilton, Iowa area.


Pay: $52-$62/hour, based on experience

Location: Wilton, IA

Schedule: Full-time industrial leadership/project support work; schedule may vary by site needs

Type: Contract


Responsibilities:

- Lead plant-wide automation architecture, controls strategy, and electrical systems support

- Manage or coordinate teams supporting PLCs, drives, instrumentation, SCADA systems, and electrical reliability

- Oversee capital projects, upgrades, commissioning, controls standardization, and system improvement efforts

- Troubleshoot complex electrical and automation failures and support root cause analysis

- Drive reliability through predictive maintenance, system optimization, and practical controls improvements

- Work professionally with operations, maintenance, engineering, and project stakeholders


Requirements:

- Electrical automation, controls leadership, or industrial electrical management experience

- Strong background with PLCs, drives, instrumentation, SCADA systems, and industrial electrical systems

- Experience supporting capital projects, upgrades, commissioning, and controls standardization

- Ability to troubleshoot complex system failures and lead root cause analysis

- Reliability-focused mindset with experience improving uptime, maintenance practices, or system performance

- Reliable transportation to the Wilton, IA area

- Must be professional, safety-minded, and able to complete any site onboarding requirements


Why this role:

- $52-$62/hour pay range plus possible per diem for qualified candidates

- Industrial automation leadership opportunity

- Opportunity to support reliability, controls strategy, and system improvements

- Professional recruiting support from Rinvio


Learn more about Rinvio: https://www.rinvio.com


Apply today and a Rinvio recruiter will follow up with qualified candidates quickly.

Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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About Rinvio

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Internet and it

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Huntington Beach, CA, US

Year founded

2018