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Control Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Vermeer Corporation

Engineer I - Systems

Pella, IA · On-site

... control systems? In this role you will identify stakeholder needs, derive requirements, conduct ... We're looking for a strong leader to work across a range of engineering disciplines to create ...

Auxiant

Network Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

The Network and Systems Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for the design, implementation, automation, and operational support of enterprise network and systems infrastructure. This ...

Auxiant

Network Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

The Network and Systems Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for the design, implementation, automation, and operational support of enterprise network and systems infrastructure. This ...

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All JobsControl Systems Engineer JobsControl Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Control Systems Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$57.3K

$102.2K

$164.8K

How much do control systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineer in Iowa is $102,169.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,900.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What engineering jobs pay $500,000?

Control Systems Engineers in senior or specialized roles, especially in industries like aerospace, defense, or oil and gas, can earn $500,000 or more annually with experience, bonuses, and stock options. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and extensive expertise in automation, programming, and system integration.

What are some common challenges faced by Control Systems Engineers in fast-paced industrial environments?

Control Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting unexpected system faults under tight deadlines, integrating new automation technologies with legacy equipment, and ensuring minimal downtime during system upgrades. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including process engineers, IT specialists, and maintenance staff—is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying current with evolving industry standards and cybersecurity practices also plays a critical role in maintaining reliable and safe control systems.

What does a control systems engineer do?

A control systems engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machinery and processes. They analyze system requirements, create control algorithms, and use tools like MATLAB or PLCs to ensure systems operate efficiently and safely. This role often involves testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing automation systems in manufacturing, aerospace, or industrial environments.

What is the difference between Control Systems Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControl Systems EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Control Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test control systems in manufacturing, automation, or robotics industriesDesign, develop, and test electrical systems in power, electronics, or communication sectors
Industry UsageCommon in automation, robotics, manufacturing, and process controlWidespread across power generation, electronics, telecommunications, and industrial sectors

Control Systems Engineers focus on designing and maintaining automated control systems, while Electrical Engineers work on broader electrical systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and certifications, but their industry applications and daily tasks differ.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Control Systems Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical, mechanical, or automation engineering along with expertise in control theory and system dynamics. Familiarity with PLCs, SCADA systems, industrial networking, and programming languages such as ladder logic or MATLAB/Simulink is typically required, and certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the design, implementation, and optimization of safe, efficient, and reliable automated systems in industrial environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and work in high-demand industries like aerospace, defense, or large-scale manufacturing. Senior engineers with specialized skills in automation, robotics, or software integration often reach this salary level.

What are control systems engineers?

Control systems engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain systems that control and automate the operation of equipment or processes. They use principles from engineering, mathematics, and computer science to ensure that machinery and processes operate efficiently, safely, and reliably. Control systems engineers work in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and automotive, where automated control and precision are essential. Their responsibilities often include creating and testing control algorithms, integrating sensors and actuators, and troubleshooting system issues.

What Is a Control Systems Engineer?

A control systems engineer’s duties include designing, building and maintaining instrumentation, monitors, and other equipment used to control complex systems. Some examples of these control systems include navigation networks, production machinery gauges, and computer system monitors. It is the control systems engineer’s job to maintain safe and efficient field operation of the equipment and to ensure the safety of those utilizing the equipment. These skilled engineers are typically well versed in mechanical, chemical, and electrical engineering concepts and design.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Control Systems Engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, or leadership roles in industries like aerospace, defense, or high-tech manufacturing. Salaries vary based on location, specialization, and company size, with senior engineers and those in managerial positions often reaching this level.
More about Control Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Control Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Control Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineer jobs in IA? For Control Systems Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Control Systems Engineer jobs near you

Senior Embedded Systems Verification Engineer

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

New

Job description

We don't just build technology-we engineer the future. From next-gen aerospace to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the limits of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and big thinkers thrive.
Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Verification Engineer to support a mission-critical effort focused on advancing assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing capabilities for military platforms. This role will focus on requirements management, systems verification, technical documentation, and test procedure development for complex embedded and mission-critical systems.
In this position, you will help ensure system requirements are clearly defined, properly traced, and fully verified across key engineering artifacts. You will work with Systems Verification Documents, Interface Control Documents, System/Subsystem Design Documents, and related technical documentation while partnering with cross-functional engineering teams to support system integrity, interface validation, and verification readiness.
The ideal candidate has strong experience working in Jama, understands requirements traceability, and can operate comfortably across systems, software, and hardware interfaces. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys bringing structure to complex engineering programs, improving verification processes, and helping teams move from requirements through successful system validation.
This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. U.S. citizenship is required.
This is a temporary hourly position with the potential for extension or conversion to a regular full-time salaried position based on business needs, performance, and available opportunities. Conversion is not guaranteed.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Develop, update, and maintain systems engineering documentation, including Systems Verification Documents, Interface Control Documents, System/Subsystem Design Documents, and related technical artifacts.
  • Assess system requirements and maintain traceability across program artifacts using Jama.
  • Review requirements for clarity, completeness, testability, and alignment with verification objectives.
  • Develop, automate, and execute test procedures to validate system functionality, interfaces, and overall system integrity.
  • Support verification activities by analyzing test coverage, identifying gaps, and improving verification efficiency.
  • Support interface verification involving serial interfaces, digital I/O, and related system integrations.
  • Collaborate with systems, software, hardware, integration, and test teams to ensure requirements are properly documented, traced, validated, and verified.
  • Communicate verification status, risks, gaps, and technical findings to internal teams and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
  • U.S. citizenship is required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related STEM field.
  • 7+ years of relevant experience in systems engineering, systems verification, requirements management, test engineering, or a related technical engineering role.
  • Strong experience with requirements management, traceability, and documentation using Jama.
  • Experience assessing, updating, and maintaining technical engineering artifacts such as requirements documents, verification documentation, ICDs, SSDDs, SVDs, or similar system-level documentation.
  • Experience developing, executing, or supporting test procedures for system verification and validation.
  • Familiarity with serial interfaces, digital I/O, interface integration, or related system communication protocols.
  • Ability to work onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to collaborate across systems, software, hardware, integration, and test teams.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Master's degree in Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related STEM field.
  • Experience supporting defense, aerospace, avionics, navigation, or mission-critical systems.
  • Knowledge of Positioning, Navigation, and Timing - Distributed systems or related navigation/GPS technologies.
  • Experience with interface protocols such as MIL-STD-1553, I2C, serial interfaces, or related communication standards.
  • Experience with GUI tools or frameworks such as Qt, XAML, or similar technologies.
  • Experience with test automation, scripting, or process improvement to support system verification activities.
  • Familiarity with system integration, hardware/software interface verification, or lab-based test environments.
  • Experience working in structured requirements and verification environments with cross-functional engineering teams.

The QDSS Advantage:
At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future.
What You'll Find Here
  • Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact.
  • Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement.
  • A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued.

Benefits Include
  • Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace.

Full compensation package is based on candidate experience and certifications
Pay Ranges
$52-$91 USD
At Quest Defense Systems and Solutions, we don't just build technology - we engineer the future. From next-generation aerospace solutions to cutting-edge defense systems, we tackle the toughest, mission-critical challenges that keep people safe and push the boundaries of innovation. This is where problem-solvers, innovators, and visionary thinkers come together to shape the future. With over 25 years of aerospace and defense engineering expertise, our commitment to delivering high-quality, transformative solutions sets us apart - not just as an industry leader, but as a driving force for impactful change. Together, we're not just leading the industry - we're revolutionizing it.
Quest Defense provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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