Automation Engineering Manager Jobs in Waterloo, IA

2027 Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program 2027 Electrical & Automation (E&A) Engineer Development Program

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Are you ready to kickstart your career with a leading global company?

We are looking for ambitious individuals seeking real-world Electrical & Automation experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

At Nestlé USA, we’re modernizing how food gets made—safely, sustainably, and at scale. Our E&A Engineer Development Program is a two‑year, hands‑on programdesigned to develop the next generation of E&A Engineers who will power the factory of the future and support our bold digital ambition.

Program Overview Program Design: Approximately 24 months

at a designated Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence (COE) factory (one primary location for the duration of the program)

Structured curriculum, mentorship, and development experiences—including regular connection with corporate E&A SMEs

Upon successful completion, participants transition into a full‑‑time Electrical & Automation Engineer position at one of our U.S. factories or distribution centers

What You’ll Do (Core Responsibilities) Make an impact from day one by: Technical & Hands‑On Learning

Building foundational E&A skills through hands‑on‑ work, structured training, and guided practice with experienced E&A leaders

Supporting process improvements by gathering data, documenting findings, and assisting senior engineers with quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives

Assisting daily operations & maintenance of electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems—including early exposure to digital tools that improve reliability

Compliance, Documentation & Sustainability

Helping maintain accurate electrical and automation documentation and supporting change control processes

Supporting energy and water saving initiatives and assisting in tracking results

Learning asset management fundamentals, including equipment condition, lifecycle, and capital planning support

Capital Projects & Digital Exposure

Contributing to capital investment projects—from scoping and vendor support to commissioning, testing, and documentation

Gaining real‑world exposure to industrial automation & controls (PLCs/SCADA, instrumentation, industrial networking)

Learning how data drives predictive/automated decision making

Additional Program Experience

You will support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems. Activities may include:

Troubleshooting control systems and supporting project execution

Assisting with technical documentation, specifications, procurement, programming support, assembly, and commissioning

Providing technical support and training to operators and technicians

Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support organizational goals

Program Timeline

You’ll build a strong technical and business foundation through:

Immersive learning and cross‑functional rotations

Shadowing and hands‑on exposure to Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Performance, SH&E, Quality, and Production

Leading meaningful projects that deliver real value

Phase 2—Last ~20 months: Deeper E&A Technical Skill‑Building

You’ll transition into more advanced Electrical & Automation skill‑building and leadership development, including:

Mentorship and networking with senior leaders

Deep E&A skill development in areas such as:

Factory automation standards

Electrical safety & arc flash

Instrumentation and calibration

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Advanced process controls

Robotics, IIoT, and digital technologies

Data analytics

Program Completion

You’ll transition into a full‑time Electrical & Automation Engineer role at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center—ready to make a significant impact.

Eligibility Requirements Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or other related engineering discipline (completed or expected by June 2027).

Preferred cumulative GPA: 3.0+

Experience (Preferred)

Electrical & Automation internship or co‑op

Leadership experience (student orgs, athletics, community)

Manufacturing experience

Demonstrated problem‑solving experience

Additional Requirements Available to start June 21, 2027

Ability to relocate to one of our Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence factory locations across Nestlé USA for the approximately two‑year program

Available locations are: Jonesboro, AR and Waverly, IA

Ability to be placed in one of our Nestlé USA factories or Distribution Centers at the end of the program into an Electrical & Automation Engineer position

Limited travel for training events

Willingness to work any shift which may include first, second, third, weekends, holidays, extended shifts (e.g., 10‑hour or 12‑hour schedules), as required throughout the program

Ability to work in ambient conditions that may be cold, wet, or warm

Strong communication, analytical, and leadership potential

Team‑oriented mindset, resilience, adaptability, and willingness to “fail forward”

Ability to connect the dots across complex systems and think end‑to‑‑end

Comfortable leading in a factory environment

Comfortable with ambiguous situations and challenging assignments

Join a company committed to your growth. At Nestlé, you’ll be part of an inclusive, supportive culture that:

Encourages innovation and continuous learning

Celebrates achievements

Invests in your development through mentorship, on‑the‑job learning, and leadership exposure

Provides exposure to global standards, digital tools, and next‑generation factory modernization

Provides opportunities to grow your career across the world’s largest food and beverage company

At Nestlé, we value our employees and offer a range of benefits to support their well‑being and professional growth, including:

Relocation package (for eligible candidates)

Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, mental wellness programs, and financial health benefits

Immersion into a dynamic and inclusive work culture

Mentorship and professional coaching from experienced leaders

As an influential industry leader in consumer‑packaged goods, Nestlé offers you the chance to make a difference in the community through engaging in community service events

The pay rate for this position is $92,000. Please note that the pay rate provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. Nestlé offers performance‑based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Making an Impact |Nestle Careers

It is our business imperative to remain a very inclusive workplace.

To our veterans and separated service members, you're at the forefront of our minds as we recruit top talent to join Nestlé. The skills you've gained while serving our country, such as flexibility, agility, and leadership, are much like the skills that will make you successful in this role. In addition, with our commitment to an inclusive work environment, we recognize the exceptional engagement and innovation displayed by individuals with disabilities. Nestlé seeks such skilled and qualified individuals to share our mission where you’ll join a cohort of others who have chosen to call Nestlé home.

The Nestlé Companies are equal employment opportunity employers. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Prior to the next step in the recruiting process, we welcome you to inform us confidentially if you may require any special accommodations in order to participate fully in our recruitment experience. Contact us at accommodations@nestle.com or please dial 711 and provide this number to the operator: 1-800-321-6467.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Foods you love. Brands you trust. And a career that empowers you to grow. At Nestlé USA, we’re all working towards the same goal – to delight and deliver for our consumers. With a rich portfolio of beloved brands, including DiGiorno, Toll House, and Coffee mate, in 97% of U.S. households, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to be there for every moment in our consumers’ lives.

Joining Nestlé means becoming part of an inclusive workplace that inspires innovation, encourages strategic thinking and creativity, and celebrates your achievements. No matter where you work within the organization, you are empowered to challenge the status quo, embrace risk‑taking, and pioneer new ideas. Our supportive and collaborative environment encourages bold ambitions and continuous learning so that everyone can grow and thrive.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

Are you ready to kickstart your career with a leading global company?

We are looking for ambitious individuals seeking real-world Electrical & Automation experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

At Nestlé USA, we’re modernizing how food gets made—safely, sustainably, and at scale. Our E&A Engineer Development Program is a two‑year, hands‑on programdesigned to develop the next generation of E&A Engineers who will power the factory of the future and support our bold digital ambition.

Program Overview Program Design: Approximately 24 months

at a designated Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence (COE) factory (one primary location for the duration of the program)

Structured curriculum, mentorship, and development experiences—including regular connection with corporate E&A SMEs

Upon successful completion, participants transition into a full‑‑time Electrical & Automation Engineer position at one of our U.S. factories or distribution centers

What You’ll Do (Core Responsibilities) Make an impact from day one by: Technical & Hands‑On Learning

Building foundational E&A skills through hands‑on‑ work, structured training, and guided practice with experienced E&A leaders

Supporting process improvements by gathering data, documenting findings, and assisting senior engineers with quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives

Assisting daily operations & maintenance of electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems—including early exposure to digital tools that improve reliability

Compliance, Documentation & Sustainability

Helping maintain accurate electrical and automation documentation and supporting change control processes

Supporting energy and water saving initiatives and assisting in tracking results

Learning asset management fundamentals, including equipment condition, lifecycle, and capital planning support

Capital Projects & Digital Exposure

Contributing to capital investment projects—from scoping and vendor support to commissioning, testing, and documentation

Gaining real‑world exposure to industrial automation & controls (PLCs/SCADA, instrumentation, industrial networking)

Learning how data drives predictive/automated decision making

Additional Program Experience

You will support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems. Activities may include:

Troubleshooting control systems and supporting project execution

Assisting with technical documentation, specifications, procurement, programming support, assembly, and commissioning

Providing technical support and training to operators and technicians

Collaborating with cross‑functional teams to support organizational goals

Program Timeline

You’ll build a strong technical and business foundation through:

Immersive learning and cross‑functional rotations

Shadowing and hands‑on exposure to Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Performance, SH&E, Quality, and Production

Leading meaningful projects that deliver real value

Phase 2—Last ~20 months: Deeper E&A Technical Skill‑Building

You’ll transition into more advanced Electrical & Automation skill‑building and leadership development, including:

Mentorship and networking with senior leaders

Deep E&A skill development in areas such as:

Factory automation standards

Electrical safety & arc flash

Instrumentation and calibration

MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)

Advanced process controls

Robotics, IIoT, and digital technologies

Data analytics

Program Completion

You’ll transition into a full‑time Electrical & Automation Engineer role at a Nestlé USA factory or distribution center—ready to make a significant impact.

Eligibility Requirements Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or other related engineering discipline (completed or expected by June 2027).

Preferred cumulative GPA: 3.