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Automation Test Engineer Contract Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

AI Test Automation Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

AI Test Automation Engineer We are seeking multiple AI Test Automation Engineers to help transform and modernize software testing through the use of artificial intelligence, intelligent automation ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

Test Engineer

Peterson, IA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Test Engineer The Opportunity : When an Air Force or Navy user tries new software, they expect it ... as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected ...

Xoriant Corporation

Lab Test Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Cedar Rapids, IA (onsite) Duration: 12 months contract Description: * Read and understand carrier interoperability test-plan requirements with required technical details. * Carefully perform 4G/5G ...

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Automation Test Engineer Contract information

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How much do automation test engineer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for automation test engineer contract in Iowa is $48.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.54 and $54.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Automation Test Engineer Contract vs QA Tester Contract?

AspectAutomation Test Engineer ContractQA Tester Contract
Required CredentialsCertifications in automation tools (e.g., Selenium, QTP), programming skillsBasic testing certifications (e.g., ISTQB), testing methodologies
Work EnvironmentFocus on automation frameworks, scripting, and tool developmentManual testing, test case execution, defect reporting
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in software development, IT, and tech companies for automated testingCommon across various industries for manual quality assurance

Automation Test Engineer Contract roles typically require automation tool expertise and scripting skills, focusing on developing automated tests. QA Tester Contract roles mainly involve manual testing and test case execution. Both roles are essential in quality assurance but differ in technical focus and responsibilities.

What are Automation Test Engineer contracts?

Automation Test Engineer contracts are temporary work agreements where professionals are hired to design, develop, and execute automated tests for software applications. These contracts typically span a set period and focus on improving software quality, efficiency, and reliability by automating repetitive testing tasks. Contractors may work with various tools and frameworks, collaborate with development teams, and create detailed test reports. Such roles are ideal for companies seeking specialized testing expertise without committing to permanent hires.

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

To thrive as an Automation Test Engineer on contract, you typically need strong programming skills (such as in Java, Python, or JavaScript), experience with testing frameworks, and a background in software quality assurance. Familiarity with tools like Selenium, Jenkins, JUnit, and CI/CD systems, as well as relevant certifications (e.g., ISTQB), is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication help contractors quickly integrate into teams and address changing project needs. These skills ensure efficient, high-quality test automation solutions that meet fast-paced project requirements.

What are some common challenges Automation Test Engineers face when working on contract assignments?

As a contract Automation Test Engineer, you may encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams, tools, and project requirements. Contract roles often require you to become productive in a short time frame, so strong communication and self-management skills are important. Additionally, you might need to work with varied automation frameworks and integrate your work with existing systems, which can present technical and organizational hurdles. Building rapport with permanent staff and demonstrating your expertise early on can help you overcome these challenges and succeed in the role.
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Automation Test Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Automation Test Engineer Contract job openings:
Automation Test Engineer Contract jobs near you
AI Test Automation Engineer

AI Test Automation Engineer

RFA Engineering

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
AI Test Automation Engineer
We are seeking multiple AI Test Automation Engineers to help transform and modernize software testing through the use of artificial intelligence, intelligent automation, and advanced data-driven tools. This team will focus on creating smarter, faster, and more scalable approaches to software validation by leveraging AI-assisted workflows, automation technologies, intelligent agents, and advanced analytics.
This role is ideal for engineers who enjoy solving complex problems, building innovative tools, and applying AI technologies to real-world engineering and operational challenges.
Job Responsibilities
  • Develop AI-assisted tools and workflows that improve software testing efficiency and productivity
  • Design and implement intelligent automation solutions for regression testing and validation activities
  • Create AI-enabled systems for anomaly detection, issue identification, and automated analysis
  • Build tools that assist with test planning, test execution, reporting, and diagnostics
  • Develop scripts, utilities, dashboards, and integrations that automate repetitive engineering tasks
  • Leverage machine learning, agentic AI, large language models, or intelligent agents to improve engineering workflows
  • Analyze testing data and system behavior to identify trends, inefficiencies, and optimization opportunities
  • Integrate automation tools with APIs, databases, cloud services, and existing engineering platforms
  • Collaborate with engineering, software, and test teams to understand pain points and develop scalable solutions
  • Rapidly prototype and evaluate proof-of-concept AI solutions
  • Contribute to long-term strategies focused on transforming software testing and engineering operations
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on smarter and more autonomous testing processes

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field
  • Experience with software development, automation, or engineering tool development
  • Experience programming in Python, JavaScript, C++, or similar languages
  • Strong understanding of automation concepts, scripting, and workflow optimization
  • Experience working with APIs, data processing, or systems integration
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies
  • Strong communication and collaboration skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with AI/ML technologies, large language models, or agentic AI systems
  • Experience building intelligent automation tools or AI-assisted workflows
  • Familiarity with machine learning frameworks, data analytics, or anomaly detection techniques
  • Experience with cloud platforms, databases, or distributed systems
  • Experience integrating with engineering or testing platforms
  • Familiarity with software testing, validation, or DevOps workflows
  • Experience with telemetry, logging, or real-time data analysis tools
  • Understanding of CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks
  • Experience using AI coding assistants or AI-enhanced development tools

Desired Attributes
  • Passion for AI, automation, and emerging technologies
  • Creative mindset focused on solving problems in new ways
  • Strong curiosity and willingness to experiment with new tools and approaches
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work independently on ambiguous challenges
  • Interest in transforming traditional engineering processes through intelligent automation
  • Ability to balance rapid innovation with practical engineering solutions

Pay Range: $90,000-$150,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • TelaDoc Healthiest You
  • Supplemental Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Short-term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • HSA for Medical Expenses
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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