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Automation Engineer Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Salary: AUTOMATION ENGINEER - Altoona Location ESCO Groups vision is to be a leader in our ... Perform delegated work onsite at the direction of the Project Manager or Project Lead. Travel to ...

AUTOMATION ENGINEER - Altoona Location ESCO Group's vision is to be a leader in our marketplace as ... Project Manager or Project Lead. • Travel to client sites and perform physical duties to ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

... manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs • Ability to interpret Sequence of Operations (SOO ... programming • Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs • Ability to lead ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$98K - $129K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$101K - $133K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Possess ability to skillfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and succeed in an environment ... or Automation Engineering is preferred * Experience with distributed control systems; Emerson ...

Understand construction schedules and manage QA/QC checklists and commissioning logs * Ability to ... programming * Mentor, training, and oversee Automation Technician I and IIs * Ability to lead ...

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Automation Engineer Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$34.8K

$100.6K

$153.1K

How much do automation engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for automation engineer manager in Iowa is $100,620.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,200.00 and $116,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Automation Engineer Managers face when leading automation projects?

Automation Engineer Managers often encounter challenges such as aligning project goals with business objectives, managing cross-functional teams with varying technical backgrounds, and ensuring clear communication between stakeholders. Balancing the need for innovative automation solutions with budget constraints and tight deadlines is also a frequent hurdle. Successful managers proactively address these challenges by fostering collaboration, setting clear expectations, and continuously monitoring project progress to adapt as needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Automation Engineer Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Automation Engineer Manager, you need a solid background in automation engineering principles, project management, and leadership, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, robotics, industrial control software, and certifications like PMP or Six Sigma is highly valuable. Outstanding communication, problem-solving, and team-building abilities help drive project success and foster effective collaboration across departments. These skills and qualifications are essential for delivering efficient automation solutions, ensuring project quality, and leading high-performing engineering teams.

What is the difference between Automation Engineer Manager vs Automation Engineer?

AspectAutomation Engineer ManagerAutomation Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees automation projects, manages teams, and aligns automation strategies with business goals.Designs, develops, and implements automation solutions; focuses on technical tasks.
Required SkillsLeadership, project management, automation tools, programming, and system integration.Technical skills in automation tools, scripting, and software development.
CertificationsOften includes certifications like PMP, automation-specific certifications, or management credentials.Certifications in automation tools, programming, or industry standards.
Work EnvironmentTypically in managerial settings, coordinating teams and projects.Hands-on technical work in labs, manufacturing, or software environments.

The Automation Engineer Manager focuses on leading automation teams and strategic planning, while the Automation Engineer concentrates on technical development and implementation. Both roles require technical skills, but the manager also needs leadership and project management expertise.

What does an Automation Engineer Manager do?

An Automation Engineer Manager oversees teams responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining automated systems within an organization. They coordinate projects, manage resources, and ensure that automation initiatives align with business goals. Their role involves both technical leadership—such as guiding the selection of automation tools and methodologies—and managerial duties, including training, performance evaluations, and cross-department collaboration. Ultimately, they work to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve process reliability through effective automation strategies.
What are the most commonly searched types of Automation Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Automation Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Automation Engineer Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Automation Engineer Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Automation Engineer Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,620 per year, or $48.4 per hour.
Automation Engineer - Altoona

Automation Engineer - Altoona

ESCO Group

Altoona, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Salary:

Job Description


AUTOMATION ENGINEER - Altoona Location


ESCO Groups 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 dont just work FOR the company; you OWN the company. Youll 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.