Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Location: Iowa, 18600 S John Deere Rd, Dubuque, IA 52001, USA

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.

As a Control Systems Engineer, you will work with a cross‑functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine control algorithms that improve machine performance, productivity, automation, and operator experience.

• Develop and implement control systems for electro‑hydraulic, powertrain, drivetrain, and machine implement systems.
• Create and maintain control system models using MATLAB and Simulink.
• Perform simulations and virtual testing to evaluate system performance.
• Conduct machine testing, troubleshooting, and control system tuning.
• Analyze machine and sensor data to improve system performance and reliability.
• Work with design, software, and test engineers to develop and validate control system solutions.
• Translate customer and operator feedback into measurable product improvements.
• Support product development activities from concept through production.
• Create and maintain technical documentation related to control system development and testing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Robotics, or a related engineering field.
• Understanding of control systems, hydraulics, powertrain systems, robotics, or vehicle dynamics.
• Experience through internships, co‑ops, academic projects, or professional engineering roles.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Simulink, or similar modeling tools.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.

• Proficiency with MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape, or similar modeling and simulation tools.
• Experience with embedded software development or controls integration.
• Knowledge of hydraulic systems, powertrain systems, robotics, or autonomous machine technologies.
• Experience operating, testing, or developing construction, agricultural, mining, or other off‑highway equipment.
• Familiarity with data acquisition systems, sensor technologies, and machine diagnostics.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.

Pay Range: $70,000-$100,000 – Commensurate with experience

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.

• 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
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• Education Assistance

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.