1

Automation Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

AUTOMATION ENGINEER - Altoona Location ESCO Group's vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as valued by our key stakeholders: our clients, employees, suppliers, community, and shareholders. The ...

Sr. Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$97K - $127K/yr

Automation FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt PURPOSE The Senior Automation Engineer provides technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Manufacturing Control Systems.

Sr. Automation Engineer

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$98K - $129K/yr

Senior Automation Engineer Department: Automation FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt PURPOSE The Senior Automation Engineer provides technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and ...

We are looking for a Automation Engineer to join our team. The prime objective of the Automation Engineer is to program all Proportional, Integral and Derivative (PID) control loops to fully automate ...

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control Systems. Maintain and grow the "Client for Life" concept for existing and new customers. Performs ...

Process Automation Engineer - Cedar Rapids, IA This is a full time, exempt position The Process Automation Engineer will provide support for the industrial control systems across the ADM Cedar Rapids ...

Automation & Controls Engineer

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

Marshalltown, IA 50158 Automation and Controls Engineer at MARSHALLTOWN - responsible for designing, testing, and troubleshooting electrical control systems in the production facility. Manage ...

PURPOSE Provide technical start-up, checkout and programming for Building Automation and Control Systems. Maintain and grow the "Client for Life" concept for existing and new customers. Performs ...

About Automation Engineering Roles at Danaher Are you energized by solving technical problems, building automation systems, and making a real impact in the life sciences space? As an Automation ...

Showing results 21-40

Automation Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$48

$76

How much do automation developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation developer in Iowa is $48.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.93 and $56.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an automation developer?

Automation Developers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software solutions to automate repetitive or complex tasks within a business process. They use programming languages, automation tools, and frameworks to streamline operations, reduce manual intervention, and increase efficiency. Automation Developers often collaborate with other IT and business teams to identify automation opportunities, create workflows, and maintain automated systems. Their work spans various industries, including manufacturing, finance, and information technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an automation developer?

To thrive as an Automation Developer, you need strong programming skills (such as Python, Java, or C#), a solid understanding of automation frameworks, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, Docker, and relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB Test Automation Engineer) are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating efficient, reliable automation solutions that enhance productivity and software quality.

How does an automation developer typically collaborate with other teams, such as QA and operations, during a project?

Automation Developers frequently work closely with QA teams to understand testing requirements, design automation scripts, and ensure seamless integration with existing test frameworks. They also interact with operations and DevOps teams to deploy, monitor, and maintain automation solutions within the production environment. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as these teams rely on the Automation Developer to ensure that automated processes align with business needs and technical constraints.

What is the difference between Automation Developer vs Software Engineer?

AspectAutomation DeveloperSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in CS or related field, certifications in automation toolsBachelor's in CS or related field, programming certifications
Work EnvironmentFocus on automation tools, scripting, testing environmentsDeveloping software applications, coding, system design
Employer & Industry UsageIT, manufacturing, software testing companiesTech companies, software firms, startups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for automation roles, testing, and scripting tasksBroader software development roles, coding focus

The Automation Developer primarily focuses on creating and maintaining automation scripts and tools to streamline processes, often working closely with testing and QA teams. In contrast, a Software Engineer develops full software applications, involving system design, coding, and deployment. While both roles require programming skills and a background in computer science, Automation Developers specialize in automation frameworks, whereas Software Engineers have a broader scope in software development.

How much do automation developers make?

Automation developers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $110,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Professionals with skills in scripting, testing tools, and programming languages like Python or Java often command higher salaries, especially in tech-centric environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Developer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Automation Developer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Developer jobs in Iowa?

For Automation Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Automation Developer jobs in IA?

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

Infographic showing various Automation Developer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,734 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Automation Engineer - Altoona

Altoona, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Job Description
AUTOMATION ENGINEER - Altoona Location
ESCO Group's vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as valued by our key stakeholders: our clients, employees,
suppliers, community, and shareholders.
The position of Automation Engineer will be part of the Automation team at ESCO Group. This position is a
contributing technical resource for client projects and should have a basic understanding of PLC and HMI
processes as well as IT/OT Networking. This position will be working alongside multi-disciplined engineers.
OBJECTIVES YOU WILL MEET
As the Automation Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical services alongside a highly technical
team. Objectives include:
• Assist with the design and implementation of industrial automation projects that improve operational
efficiency, productivity, and quality.
• Assist with the design, program, and configuration of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-
machine interface (HMI) systems to control and monitor industrial processes.
• Ability to learn IT/OT Networking and System Security.
• Perform modifications on existing display objects and templates.
• Learn and understand the flow of industrial processes.
HOW YOU WILL MEET THOSE OBJECTIVES
• Collaborate with a diverse team of individuals to understand how client industrial processes work.
• Collaborate with multi-disciplined team members to understand automation requirements.
• Perform necessary modifications on existing programs.
• Identify and bring potential conflicts to the appropriate resource to resolve.
• Perform delegated work onsite at the direction of the Project Manager or Project Lead.
• Travel to client sites and perform physical duties to implement, test, and commission automation systems.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We welcome and embrace a host of different backgrounds, perspectives, and approaches to work. We also
understand the importance of being transparent with our expectations. We do not expect candidates to "check-
the-box" on all below:
• Possesses basic aptitude with technology and/or industrial environments.
• Shows dedication to keeping up with new technologies, tools, and methodologies. You enjoy interacting
with and learning about new technologies.
• Demonstrates strong documentation and organization skills.
• Able to adapt to changing details and circumstances.
• Looking for ways to better themselves and others.
• Ability to demonstrate proper self-management (i.e., strategic planning, goal setting, evaluation of
progress, prioritizing responsibilities, knowledge of personal strengths).
HOW WE INVEST IN YOU
Your Health: We offer a comprehensive health insurance package, annual biometric screenings, employee
assistance program (EAP), and company-paid disability insurance for eligible employees.
Your Financial Goals: Beyond our 401k offering, you may be eligible to join our ESOP with its
tax-deferred retirement benefits.
Your Ownership: You don't just work FOR the company; you OWN the company. You'll join other
employee-owners along our ESOP journey and receive the intangible and tangible benefits that ownership
provides.
Your Work-Life Balance: We offer paid time off, flexible scheduling, parental leave, hybrid work
(depending on position), and encourage our Employee Owners to give back to their communities.
Your Career Development: We offer tuition assistance and have a dedicated Learning and Development
program to grow and develop you in your career.