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Control Systems Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

What You'll Bring to the Table : • Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering ... control systems (e.g. Git). Preferred Qualifications: • Experience developing real-time ...

Electrician II

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs control systems including lighting, programmable controllers, and building heating and cooling system programmable controllers. * Performs preventive ...

Electrician II

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs control systems including lighting, programmable controllers, and building heating and cooling system programmable controllers. * Performs preventive ...

Electrician II

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $33.50/hr

Installs, maintains, troubleshoots and repairs control systems including lighting, programmable controllers, and building heating and cooling system programmable controllers. * Performs preventive ...

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Showing results 1-20

Control Systems Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$57.3K

$102.2K

$164.8K

How much do control systems engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for control systems engineering 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 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 solid background in electrical or mechanical engineering, systems analysis, and process control, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with PLC programming, SCADA systems, MATLAB/Simulink, and industry certifications such as ISA Certified Automation Professional are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and troubleshooting complex systems. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of automated processes in various industries.

How do control systems engineers typically collaborate with other engineering disciplines during a project?

Control systems engineers frequently work alongside mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop integrated solutions for automation and process control. Collaboration usually involves joint design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, and the sharing of documentation to ensure that all system components work cohesively. Effective communication and an understanding of interdisciplinary requirements are key to successfully implementing control strategies and achieving project milestones.

What is control systems engineering?

Control systems engineering is a branch of engineering focused on designing, analyzing, and implementing systems that manage, command, direct, or regulate the behavior of other devices or systems. These systems use sensors, controllers, and actuators to ensure that processes operate efficiently, safely, and within desired parameters. Control systems are widely used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and robotics to automate operations and improve performance.

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

AspectControl Systems EngineeringElectrical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Control Systems, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering; certifications like Control Systems Engineer (CSE)Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning, analyzing, and testing control algorithms in manufacturing, automation, or robotics settingsDesigning electrical systems, circuitry, and power distribution in various industries
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, automation companies, robotics firmsPower companies, electronics manufacturers, telecommunications

Control Systems Engineering focuses on designing and optimizing control algorithms for automation and robotics, while Electrical Engineering covers a broader range of electrical systems and circuitry. Both roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their specific applications and industry focus.

What are popular job titles related to Control Systems Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Control Systems Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Control Systems Engineering jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Control Systems Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Control Systems Engineering job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,169 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Embedded Software Developer C++

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Johnston, IA

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 29 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.

Embedded Software Engineer

RFA Engineering is seeking a C++ Embedded Software Developer to support the development of precision agriculture technology for off-highway equipment. This role involves designing, coding, and testing embedded software using modern C++ for control systems, sensor integration, and real-time applications. The ideal candidate will have experience with embedded systems, communication protocols, and work closely with cross-functional teams to bring advanced ag-tech solutions to market.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and test embedded software components using C++ for agricultural control systems and sensor interfaces.

  • Work closely with systems engineering to define software requirements and architecture.

  • Integrate software on real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal environments for 32-bit microcontrollers and embedded Linux platforms.

  • Implement CAN-based communication protocols (e.g., J1939, ISO 11783) for tractor and implement control.

  • Conduct unit testing, system integration, and validation on bench and field equipment.

  • Participate in code reviews, documentation, and software lifecycle planning in compliance with internal quality standards.

  • Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues in lab and field environments.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical engineers, controls engineers, test engineers, and product managers.

Requirements

  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.

  • 2+ years of experience developing embedded software using modern C++.

  • Proficiency in embedded software development for microcontroller- or processor-based systems.

  • Experience with CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART communication protocols.

  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) or embedded Linux.

  • Experience with version control tools such as Git.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in agriculture, off-highway equipment, or automotive embedded systems.

  • Familiarity with ISOBUS or J1939 communication protocol

  • Experience working in Agile development environments.

  • Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing frameworks.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position

    Pay Range: $75,000-$120,000 – 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