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Controls Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Collabera

Embedded Software Controls Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

As an Embedded Software Controls Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and document embedded software for electromechanical/electrohydraulic subsystems for agricultural equipment projects. In ...

IPG Photonics

Sr Software Engineer-C#

Davenport, IA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for the planning and development of ... controls, investigating issues. * Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder while working in the ...

IPG Photonics

Sr Software Engineer-C#

Davenport, IA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

JOB SUMMARY The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for the planning and development of ... controls, investigating issues. * Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder while working in the ...

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... software from Citect, Intellution, Wonderware, or Rockwell software and experience working with ...

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... software from Citect, Intellution, Wonderware, or Rockwell software and experience working with ...

Tri-City Group

Controls Engineer

Davenport, IA

$74K - $95K/yr

The controls engineer will be responsible for consulting, gathering design information, meeting ... software from Citect, Intellution, Wonderware, or Rockwell software and experience working with ...

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA

$75K - $97K/yr

Stryten Energy is hiring a Sr. Process Controls Engineer for our growing corporate automation ... Experience with all Rockwell software packages, including but not limited to RS Logix 5, 500, and ...

Invio Automation

Controls Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Controls Engineers can apply electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic theory and related ... Working knowledge of personal computer, keyboard, and software programs. * Working knowledge of ...

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

Stryten Energy is hiring a Sr. Process Controls Engineer for our growing corporate automation ... Experience with all Rockwell software packages, including but not limited to RS Logix 5, 500, and ...

Invio Automation

Controls Engineer

Eldridge, IA

$67K - $87K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Controls Engineers can apply electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic theory and related ... Working knowledge of personal computer, keyboard, and software programs. * Working knowledge of ...

Stryten Energy

Controls Engineer

Manchester, IA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

Stryten Energy is hiring a Sr. Process Controls Engineer for our growing corporate automation ... Experience with all Rockwell software packages, including but not limited to RS Logix 5, 500, and ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · Hybrid

$81K - $105K/yr

Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process ... programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen ...

Hydrite

Controls Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... software updates, backups, calibration, and preventive maintenance execution. * Execute control ... Provide controls engineering support for capital projects, including procurement support, system ...

Hydrite

Controls Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... software updates, backups, calibration, and preventive maintenance execution. * Execute control ... Provide controls engineering support for capital projects, including procurement support, system ...

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All JobsControls Software Engineer JobsControls Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Controls Software Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$18

$45

$62

How much do controls software engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for controls software engineer in Iowa is $45.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.87 and $52.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Controls Software Engineer vs Automation Engineer?

AspectControls Software EngineerAutomation Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Software Engineering; often requires experience in control systemsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering; may require certifications in automation systems
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing control software for machinery and industrial systemsDesigning, implementing, and maintaining automated processes and systems
Industry UsageManufacturing, robotics, process controlManufacturing, process industries, robotics

Controls Software Engineers focus on developing control algorithms and software for machinery, while Automation Engineers design and optimize automated processes. Both roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope: controls software is more software development-centric, whereas automation emphasizes process improvement and system integration.

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

To thrive as a Controls Software Engineer, you need a strong background in control systems theory, programming (such as C/C++ or PLC languages), and a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with tools like MATLAB/Simulink, SCADA systems, and industry-specific automation platforms is typically required, along with certifications like Certified Automation Professional (CAP) being advantageous. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you effectively collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and address complex system challenges. These skills and qualifications are crucial for designing, implementing, and maintaining reliable and efficient automated control systems in industrial settings.

What are Controls Software Engineers?

Controls Software Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement software used to control machines, industrial processes, or automated systems. They work at the intersection of hardware and software, creating programs that direct how machinery operates in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, and robotics. Their responsibilities often include writing control algorithms, configuring programmable logic controllers (PLCs), troubleshooting system issues, and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Controls Software Engineers collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, and process engineers to deliver integrated solutions. This role requires strong programming skills, an understanding of control theory, and familiarity with industrial automation tools.

How does a Controls Software Engineer typically collaborate with hardware and mechanical teams during a project?

As a Controls Software Engineer, collaboration with hardware and mechanical teams is integral throughout the project lifecycle. You will frequently participate in cross-functional meetings to align software controls with hardware specifications and system requirements. This may involve reviewing electrical schematics, discussing sensor integration, and conducting joint troubleshooting sessions during system commissioning. Open communication and a willingness to adapt your code based on physical system feedback are key to ensuring seamless system performance and successful project delivery.
What are popular job titles related to Controls Software Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Controls Software Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Controls Software Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Controls Software Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Controls Software Engineer jobs in IA? For Controls Software Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Controls Software Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Controls Software Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,291 per year, or $45.8 per hour.
Embedded Software Controls Engineer

Embedded Software Controls Engineer

Collabera

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$129K - $170K/yr

Contractor

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Company Description

Established in 1991, Collabera has been a leader in IT staffing for over 22 years and is one of the largest diversity IT staffing firms in the industry. As a half a billion dollar IT company, with more than 9,000 professionals across 30+ offices, Collabera offers comprehensive, cost-effective IT staffing & IT Services. We provide services to Fortune 500 and mid-size companies to meet their talent needs with high quality IT resources through Staff Augmentation, Global Talent Management, Value Added Services through CLASS (Competency Leveraged Advanced Staffing & Solutions) Permanent Placement Services and Vendor Management Programs. 


Collabera recognizes true potential of human capital and provides people the right opportunities for growth and professional excellence.

Job Description

Description:

As an Embedded Software Controls Engineer, you will design, develop, test, and document embedded software for electromechanical/electrohydraulic subsystems for agricultural equipment projects. 

In addition, you will: 

- Create and develop software per the client's Embedded Software Development Process. 

- Participate in control system design and analysis. 

- Participate functional/subsystem design/test requirement reviews and document results. 

- Verify that subsystem meets requirements, through a combination of virtual and hardware based testing including; desktop, bench, vehicle simulator testing. 

- Analyze current production/experimental issues, develop an understanding of the root cause and create appropriate action plans to resolve these issues. 

- Provide technical support during system field-testing activities on an as needed basis. 

- Provide necessary design documentation to support development of service publications. 


Qualifications

What It Takes: 

We need an excellent communicator, both verbal and written, who thrives on solving problems and working in a team environment. Ideally, you will have a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Ag Engineering or equivalent experience in a related career field. 

We also require: 

- Experience working in mechatronics; this includes a solid understanding of electrical and electronics, hydraulics, and mechanical systems. 

- Subsystem design, software development, and electronic circuit design and analysis experience.

 - Experience with C/C++ programming language and software development tools for embedded microcontrollers in mobile applications. 

- Control system experience preferably related to propulsion systems. 

- Experience working with Model Based Software Design (MBSD) and/or system simulation. 


A strong candidate will also have: 

- Technical experience relating to design/diagnostics of mechanical/electrical/hydraulic systems. 

- Experience with control systems design and analysis. 

- Some product engineering experience


Additional Information

To discuss about this opportunity, please contact me:

Jeff Demaala
973-606-3249

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