Automation Job Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Automation Engineer

Job Description

This Automation Engineer role provides critical automation support across Operations, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Production Engineering to ensure the facility operates safely, efficiently, and consistently produces high-quality materials. The position leads and supports facility designs and modifications related to automation and alarm systems, contributes to project design and capital requests, and plays a key role in training and documentation for distributed control systems and standalone PLC systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide automation support to Operations, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Production Engineering to maintain a safe and efficient facility that consistently produces quality materials.
• Lead and assist with facility design and modification projects as they relate to automation and alarm system requirements, including control panel design, network architecture, and computer systems.
• Perform automation and engineering functions to support project-related design work and contribute to project capital requests.
• Provide equipment and instrument troubleshooting support to quickly identify, diagnose, and resolve automation and control issues.
• Train contractors and vendors on appropriate site policies and procedures before they perform work on-site, ensuring safe and compliant execution of tasks.
• Train employees across departments on system changes and updates to ensure proper operation and understanding of distributed control systems (DCS).
• Develop, revise, and maintain loop sheets, system hierarchy documentation, drawings, and sketches for automation and control projects throughout the facility.
• Collaborate with other engineers and cross-functional teams to improve automation reliability, optimize processes, and support new product launches.
• Support and maintain both DCS and standalone PLC systems, ensuring integration, reliability, and alignment with site standards.
• Participate in on-call support rotation and respond to urgent automation issues as needed to minimize downtime and maintain production continuity.

Essential Skills

• 2 or more years of experience with Distributed Control Systems (DCS) and/or plant alarm systems.
• Hands-on experience with DCS systems and standalone PLC systems, including troubleshooting and support.
• Experience with automation, PLC programming, and controls engineering in a production or plant environment.
• Knowledge of instrument control design, installation, and testing.
• Familiarity with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&ID).
• Computer proficiency in a Windows-based environment, including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Strong written and oral communication skills to effectively train staff, work with contractors and vendors, and document systems and changes.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and instrumentation issues in a timely and systematic manner.
• Willingness and ability to participate in a 24/7 on-call rotation and respond to occasional call-ins.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with Siemens DCS systems or other major DCS platforms such as Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, or Rockwell is beneficial.
• Experience with Allen-Bradley PLCs and related automation hardware and software.
• Electrical and instrumentation experience supporting industrial automation systems.
• Experience working in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, or other highly regulated manufacturing environments.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced setting with evolving projects, including new building and product launch activities.
• Interest in long-term growth opportunities within a rapidly expanding organization.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with a focus on biotechnology and pharmaceutical production, including significant growth and expansion projects such as new building and product launches. You will work closely with a small, collaborative engineering team, currently consisting of two on-site engineers, and interact frequently with cross-functional departments, contractors, and vendors. The position requires participation in a 24/7 on-call rotation; while call-ins are expected to be infrequent (approximately once per quarter), you must be willing and able to respond when needed. The facility uses modern automation and control technologies, including distributed control systems (DCS) and standalone PLC systems from vendors such as Siemens, Honeywell, Emerson DeltaV, Yokogawa, Rockwell, and Allen-Bradley. The surrounding area offers a small-town community environment with convenient access to larger nearby cities, providing a balanced lifestyle for those who value both community and accessibility.

Job Type & Location

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

Pay and Benefits

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)

Workplace Type

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

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 3, 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.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.