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Engineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Dubuque, IA (NOW HIRING)

RFA Engineering

Mechanical Controls Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Mechanical Controls Engineer As a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine systems that improve performance ...

Rite-Hite

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA

Develop, modify, analyze, document, and validate electrical systems and controls to meet customer ... Provide electrical engineering support for existing products, including production issues, customer ...

Rite Hite

Electrical Design Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

Develop, modify, analyze, document, and validate electrical systems and controls to meet customer ... Provide electrical engineering support for existing products, including production issues, customer ...

RFA Engineering

UX Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$80K - $130K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with engineering, product management, and development teams to enhance operator interfaces, displays, controls, and in-cab systems. You will apply user-centered ...

RFA Engineering

Software Engineer - Displays

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Implement features, graphical interfaces, and system controls using C++, and Qt/QML. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, systems, and test engineers to define software ...

RFA Engineering

Control Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Experience with embedded software development or controls integration. * Knowledge of hydraulic ... Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque ...

RFA Engineering

Entry Level Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $90K/yr

... controls machine operations and functions. Various development roles are available that require use of C, C++, Python or Simulink MBSD programming languages. Testing methods include bench testing ...

RFA Engineering

Software Engineer - Displays

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $95K/yr

Implement features, graphical interfaces, and system controls using C++, and Qt/QML. * Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical, systems, and test engineers to define software ...

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of Back-end embedded software that controls machine operations and functions. Development methods include C ...

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$70K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of Back-end embedded software that controls machine operations and functions. Development methods include C ...

RFA Engineering

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Embedded Software Engineer This position is associated with the design and development of Back-end embedded software that controls machine operations and functions. Development methods include C ...

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

UX Engineer

Dubuque, IA

$80K - $130K/yr

In this role, you will work closely with engineering, product management, and development teams to enhance operator interfaces, displays, controls, and in-cab systems. You will apply user-centered ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsEngineer Controls Engineer JobsEngineer Controls Engineer Jobs in Dubuque, IA

Engineer Controls Engineer information

See Dubuque, IA salary details

$51.9K

$91.1K

$123.5K

How much do engineer controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for engineer controls engineer in Dubuque, IA is $91,067.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,700.00 and $101,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Engineer Controls Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectControls EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or Controls Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferred
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, manufacturing plants, automation facilitiesPower plants, electronics, telecommunications, industrial facilities
Industry UsageAutomation, manufacturing, process controlPower systems, electronics, telecommunications

Controls Engineers focus on designing, developing, and maintaining control systems for automation and manufacturing processes, while Electrical Engineers work on electrical systems, power distribution, and electronic devices. Both roles require similar credentials and often overlap in industrial environments, but their primary responsibilities and areas of expertise differ.

How much do controls engineers get paid?

Controls engineers typically earn a median annual salary between $70,000 and $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $60,000, while experienced professionals with specialized skills or certifications can earn over $110,000. Salaries can also vary based on the complexity of control systems and the use of programming tools like PLCs and SCADA systems.

What does a controls engineer do?

A controls engineer designs, develops, and maintains control systems used to operate machinery and processes in manufacturing, automation, and industrial settings. They work with programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, and software to ensure systems function efficiently and safely, often requiring knowledge of electrical, mechanical, and software engineering. Controls engineers also troubleshoot issues, optimize system performance, and may hold certifications in automation or control systems.

What cities near Dubuque, IA are hiring for Engineer Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities near Dubuque, IA with the most Engineer Controls Engineer job openings:

Engineer Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Engineer Controls Engineer job openings in Dubuque, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 90% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,067 per year, or $43.8 per hour.

Mechanical Controls Engineer

RFA Engineering

Dubuque, IA • On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facility.
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.
Mechanical Controls Engineer
As a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine systems that improve performance, productivity, efficiency, and operator experience. This role combines mechanical engineering principles with machine controls, allowing engineers to work directly with hydraulic systems, powertrains, vehicle dynamics, and off-highway equipment. You will participate in machine development activities from concept through production, using modeling, simulation, testing, and data analysis to create innovative solutions for advanced machine systems.
Responsibilities
  • Develop and validate control strategies for electro-hydraulic systems, powertrain systems, drivetrain systems, and machine implements.
  • Evaluate machine performance through testing, analysis, and system optimization.
  • Create and maintain mechanical and controls models using MATLAB, Simulink, and related engineering tools.
  • Conduct machine testing, troubleshooting, calibration, and performance tuning on prototype and production equipment.
  • Analyze hydraulic, powertrain, and machine operational data to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, reliability, and durability.
  • Support development of machine architecture, system requirements, and performance specifications.
  • Work closely with mechanical design, software, and test engineers to integrate and validate machine systems.
  • Investigate and resolve machine performance issues through root cause analysis and engineering problem-solving techniques.
  • Translate customer, operator, and field feedback into measurable product improvements.
  • Support product development efforts from concept, prototyping, and validation through production launch.
  • Create engineering documentation, test reports, validation plans, and system performance summaries .

Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
  • Understanding of machine systems including hydraulics, powertrains, drivetrains, thermodynamics, or vehicle dynamics.
  • Experience through internships, co-ops, academic projects, or professional engineering roles involving mechanical systems, testing, or product development.
  • Familiarity with engineering analysis, modeling, and simulation tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, ANSYS, Amesim, or similar platforms.
  • Experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting engineering test data.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and mechanical problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts and work effectively within multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Desired Attributes
  • Experience developing or validating mobile equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, automotive systems, or other off-highway machinery.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic system design, performance analysis, and troubleshooting.
  • Familiarity with powertrain systems, vehicle dynamics, transmission systems, or machine implement controls.
  • Experience conducting laboratory, field, or vehicle testing.
  • Proficiency with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, sensors, and machine diagnostics.
  • Exposure to control systems development, machine automation, or robotics.
  • Experience with MATLAB/Simulink, Simscape, Amesim, CANalyzer, CANape, or similar engineering tools.
  • Hands-on experience operating, testing, or evaluating heavy equipment and machinery.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 - 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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