Automation Engineer Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

The Automation Engineer provides critical automation support across Operations, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Production Engineering to ensure a safe, efficient facility that consistently produces high-quality materials. This role leads and assists with facility designs and modifications related to automation and alarm systems, including control panel design, network architecture, and computer systems. The Automation Engineer performs engineering functions to support project design work and capital requests, delivers equipment and instrument troubleshooting, and trains contractors, vendors, and employees on system changes and updates to ensure proper operation of Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and related automation infrastructure.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive automation support to Operations, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Production Engineering to maintain a safe and efficient production facility.
• Lead and assist in facility design and modification projects as they relate to automation and plant alarm system needs, ensuring alignment with operational and safety requirements.
• Design and refine control panels, network architecture, and computer systems that support automated processes and plant-wide control systems.
• Perform automation and engineering functions to support project-related design work, including preparing inputs for project capital requests.
• Deliver equipment and instrument troubleshooting support, quickly diagnosing and resolving automation-related issues to minimize downtime.
• Train contractors and vendors on site policies, procedures, and automation system requirements before they perform work within the facility.
• Train employees across departments on system changes and updates to ensure proper operation and understanding of DCS systems and standalone PLC systems.
• Develop, revise, and maintain loop sheets, system hierarchy documentation, drawings, and sketches for automation projects throughout the facility.
• Collaborate with controls engineering and other technical teams to optimize system performance and reliability.
• Support implementation and maintenance of DCS systems and standalone PLC systems, including Rockwell-based platforms and other control technologies.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives by identifying opportunities to enhance automation, alarm management, and control strategies.
• Communicate effectively in writing and verbally to document work, explain technical concepts, and coordinate with cross-functional teams.

Essential Skills

• 2 or more years of experience working with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and/or plant alarm systems.
• Hands-on experience with DCS systems and standalone PLC systems, including the ability to provide specific examples of past projects and troubleshooting efforts.
• Proficiency in automation and controls engineering, including PLC programming and control system configuration.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for equipment, instruments, and automation systems in a production environment.
• Knowledge of instrument control design, installation, and testing (preferred).
• Familiarity with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID) and the ability to interpret and use them in design and troubleshooting (preferred).
• Computer proficiency in a Windows-based environment, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively train, document, and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Ability and willingness to participate in an on-call rotation and respond to occasional off-hours support needs.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens-based DCS systems is beneficial, although not required.
• Experience with Rockwell automation platforms and related control technologies.
• Experience in electrical and instrumentation disciplines supporting industrial automation.
• Experience working in a fast-paced production or biotechnology environment.
• Ability to develop and maintain detailed loop sheets, system hierarchies, drawings, and sketches.
• Comfort working with cross-functional stakeholders across Operations, Quality Assurance, IT, Maintenance, and Engineering.
• Demonstrated ability to train contractors, vendors, and employees on technical systems and procedures.
• Interest in supporting growth initiatives, such as new building projects and product launches.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced production environment with a small, focused engineering team currently consisting of two engineers on site. The Automation Engineer works with modern control technologies, including DCS and PLC systems, Rockwell platforms, and networked computer systems in a Windows-based environment. The position requires the ability to be on call 24/7, with the expectation of only occasional call-ins, such as roughly once per quarter, while remaining willing to respond when needed. The surrounding community offers a small-town feel with access to nearby urban areas, supporting a balanced lifestyle. The work setting emphasizes collaboration, technical excellence, and support for ongoing growth initiatives, including new building projects and product launches.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Charles City, IA.

The pay range for this position is $46.65 - $64.90/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Charles City,IA.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 20, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

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