Entry Level Automation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Are you a construction-minded professional with a passion for building and making a lasting impact in the industry? At EFCO, we don't just build concrete structures, we build careers, partnerships, and opportunities. Established in 1934, we deliver innovative, cost-effective solutions that make construction safer and more efficient.
Headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, EFCO is a growing, people-focused company committed to Quality, Integrity, Innovation, and Super Service. From engineering and design to manufacturing and field support, we help customers turn vision into reality while achieving the Lowest In-Place Concrete Cost (LIPCC).
Internship/Co-op Highlights
100% onsite internship/co-op in Des Moines, IA
Spring 2027 through Summer 2027 internship/co-op
Open to students pursuing Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, and related degrees
Competitive pay
Mentorship, networking, and professional development opportunities
Opportunity for future full-time employment consideration
Why this internship/co-op may be a great fit:

• Gain hands-on experience supporting industrial engineering and continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Analyze manufacturing and quality data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Participate in time studies, process flow analysis, and workflow optimization projects.
• Work directly with engineers and cross-functional teams to improve safety, quality, and operational performance.
• Develop standard work instructions and support process documentation that drives consistency and efficiency.
• Contribute to real projects focused on problem-solving, quality improvement, and manufacturing excellence.
• Build technical, analytical, and professional skills that support long-term career growth in engineering and operations.

Don't meet every qualification listed? We still encourage you to apply! At EFCO, we're looking for motivated students who are eager to learn, think critically, and contribute to process improvement efforts.
If you enjoy analyzing data, solving complex problems, and finding ways to improve quality, efficiency, and performance, we'd love to hear from you!
Overview
The Industrial Engineering Internship/Co-op role will ensure safety, quality, service, and cost in industrial engineering and continuous improvement processes.
This internship/co-op role will provide entry-level support for projects and normal workloads while working closely with Industrial Engineers, Quality, Environmental, and Safety Departments to solve problems by investigating root causes and researching off-the-shelf and custom solutions.
Please note, this application is for our Industrial Engineering Internship/Co-op opening in Des Moines, IA, which is expected to run from Spring 2027 through Summer 2027.
Key Responsibilities
Safety & Compliance (20%)

• Ensure all safety regulations are followed within industrial engineering and continuous improvement activities.
• Identify and mitigate potential safety hazards in equipment, processes, and workspaces.
• Report or correct unsafe equipment, acts, material revisions, and product deviations immediately.

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement (35%)

• Assist in evaluating and improving manufacturing and business processes through time studies and process flow analysis.
• Identify inefficiencies and develop recommendations for workflow enhancements, automation, and material handling improvements.
• Support kaizen events and workshops and collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement Lean methodologies.

Quality & Data Analysis (35%)

• Collect, analyze, and interpret quality data.
• Develop and document Standard Work Instructions for Production Employees.
• Identify trends and root causes of quality defects using statistical analysis.
• Support the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing and non-manufacturing areas.
• Conduct Engineering Drawing Reviews as part of the Manufacturing Review Team and recommend process improvements.

EFCO Core Values & Team Contribution (10%)

• Demonstrate EFCO Core Values by acting with integrity, executing quality processes, embracing innovation, and delivering superior service through collaboration and accountability.

Additional duties may be assigned to meet organizational goals and priorities. Duties and responsibilities, as required by business necessity, may be added, deleted, or changed at any time at the discretion of management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing, to meet organizational goals and priorities.
Qualifications

• Education: Must be pursuing a manufacturing-relevant four-year degree including, but not limited to: Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Industrial Technology.
• Experience: Internship, co-op, or academic project experience preferred.
• Leadership: Ability to work collaboratively with engineers, production teams, and support departments.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and data visualization tools required.
• Other Requirements:
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints and technical instructions.
  • High mechanical aptitude with the ability to complete moderate-level mathematical calculations.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Must be comfortable working in a factory shop floor environment.
  • No travel required.

Core Competencies

• Technical Skills - Proficiently uses job-specific tools, systems, and procedures to perform tasks effectively.
• Analysis - Breaks down complex information to identify patterns, relationships, and root causes.
• Mathematics - Applies basic and advanced math skills accurately in job-related functions.
• Collaboration - Works well with others toward shared goals, contributing constructively to team efforts.
• Adaptability - Adjusts quickly and effectively to changing circumstances, priorities, and feedback.

Working Arrangement

• This internship/co-op opening will work 100% onsite at our Des Moines, IA headquarters.

EFCO Culture and Safety
Act with INTEGRITY by demonstrating honesty, responsibility, trustworthiness, and respect in all actions. Strive for QUALITY through continuous improvement and data-driven decision-making. Embrace INNOVATION by being self-aware, collaborative, and curious. Deliver SUPER SERVICE by creating value and consistently exceeding customer expectations.
At EFCO, the health and safety of our team members, visitors, and contractors is an overriding priority and EFCO is committed to promoting a safe and healthy work environment by requiring all team members to participate in environmental, safety, and health program activities. This includes always wearing required personal protective equipment; participating in safety training; engaging in and supporting safety activities including reporting hazards, unsafe work practices & near misses, incidents involving property damage, and any/all injuries - no matter how minor - immediately to their supervisor or manager.
EFCO is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants for employment will receive consideration for employment 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.
The company reserves the right to modify, update, change and/or make corrections to this job description, at the sole discretion of senior leadership, at any time during the employee's employment term, at the sole discretion of management.
Quality | Integrity | Innovation | Super Service