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Instrument And Control Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of instrument control systems, installation, testing, and maintenance practices preferred ... Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering ...

Job Overview As part of the Engineering Department, the Automation Technician will support and ... instrument control systems, installation, testing, and maintenance practices preferred. · ...

Coordinate with engineers, project managers, and clients. * Organize and plan survey logistics ... Help establish and recover survey control points and benchmarks. * Verify measurements and assist ...

Job Overview Leaders in this position (Electrical, Mechanical, Instrument & Control or Support) are ... Bachelor's - Engineering * SRO License - Active, Inactive or Prior * Nuclear Senior Reactor ...

Job Overview Leaders in this position (Electrical, Mechanical, Instrument & Control or Support) are ... Bachelor's - Engineering * SRO License - Active, Inactive or Prior * Nuclear Senior Reactor ...

Lead Engineer, Process Automation Project Team - Des Moines, IA This is a full time, exempt-level ... Control including instrumentation, AC/DC Electrical systems, Piping & Instrument Diagrams * Ability ...

I&E Maintenance Technician

Spencer, IA · On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

Engineering and Engineering Services Job Summary: The I&E Maintenance Technician provides technical ... Hands-On experience with control panel and field wiring, instrument calibration with 4-20 MA and 3 ...

I&E Maintenance Technician

Garner, IA · On-site

$75K - $99K/yr

Engineering and Engineering Services Job Summary: The I&E Maintenance Technician provides technical ... Hands-On experience with control panel and field wiring, instrument calibration with 4-20 MA and 3 ...

... instrument maintenance, and testing. * Collaborates with control room operators, shift supervisors, managers, and corporate engineers to analyze problems and improve operations. * Other duties may be ...

Controls Engineer - Ethanol Plant

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$81K - $95K/yr

As a Controls Engineer you will provide process control support for ethanol plant operations and ... control narratives, alarm documentation/ rationalization, cyber security controls, and instrument ...

As a Controls Engineer you will provide process control support for ethanol plant operations and ... control narratives, alarm documentation/ rationalization, cyber security controls, and instrument ...

Senior Advanced AI Research Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

... control planes, and long-horizon task reliability. The specific focus areas evolve with client ... Instrument research prototypes with observability from the start - distributed tracing, cost ...

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Instrument And Control Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$26

$51

$76

How much do instrument and control engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for instrument and control engineer in Iowa is $51.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.95 and $58.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an instrument and control engineer do?

An Instrument and Control Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, installing, managing, and maintaining equipment used to monitor and control engineering systems, machinery, and processes. They ensure that instruments and control systems are reliable, efficient, and operate safely within industrial facilities such as power plants, manufacturing plants, and oil & gas refineries. Their work involves selecting appropriate instruments, integrating control systems, troubleshooting faults, and optimizing processes for performance and safety.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an instrument and control engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Instrument and Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical or instrumentation engineering, strong analytical skills, and typically a bachelor's degree in a related field. Proficiency with PLCs, DCS systems, SCADA software, and industry standards like ISA is essential, and certifications such as Certified Automation Professional (CAP) can be advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of industrial processes and support ongoing technological advancements.

What are some typical challenges faced by instrument and control engineers when working on multidisciplinary project teams?

Instrument and Control Engineers often collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and process engineering teams. A common challenge is ensuring that control systems are seamlessly integrated with other engineering disciplines, which requires clear communication and a deep understanding of project specifications. Additionally, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements and managing tight deadlines while maintaining safety and compliance standards can be demanding. Building strong working relationships and proactively addressing potential integration issues early in the design phase helps to mitigate these challenges.

What is the difference between Instrument And Control Engineer vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectInstrument And Control EngineerElectrical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Electronics, or Control Engineering; certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering; similar certifications in electrical systems
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilities, process industriesPower plants, electrical design firms, manufacturing
Industry UsageProcess control, automation, instrumentation systemsPower systems, electrical equipment, circuit design
Job FocusDesign, install, and maintain control systems and instrumentationDesign and develop electrical systems and components

While both roles require a background in electrical engineering and similar certifications, the Instrument And Control Engineer specializes in automation, control systems, and instrumentation within industrial settings. In contrast, the Electrical Engineer focuses more broadly on electrical systems, power distribution, and circuit design. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What can I do with instrument and control engineering?

Instrument and control engineers design, develop, and maintain systems that monitor and regulate industrial processes, such as manufacturing, energy production, and chemical processing. They work with control systems, sensors, and automation tools, often using programming languages like PLC or DCS, to ensure efficient and safe operation of equipment. This field offers opportunities in industries like oil and gas, power generation, and pharmaceuticals, requiring technical skills and knowledge of industry standards.
Infographic showing various Instrument And Control Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,537 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Automation Engineer

Cambrex

Charles City, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago


Cambrex rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

38th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Information

You Matter to Cambrex.

Cambrex is a leading global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) that provides drug substance development and manufacturing across the entire drug lifecycle, as well as comprehensive analytical and IND enabling services. 

With over 40 years of experience and a team of 2,000 experts servicing global clients from North America and Europe, Cambrex offers a range of specialized drug substance technologies and capabilities, including continuous flow, controlled substances, liquid-phase peptide synthesis, solid-state science, material characterization, and highly potent APIs.

Your Work Matters.

At Cambrex, we strive to build a culture where all colleagues have the opportunity to:

  • engage in work that matters to our customers and the patients they serve
  • learn new skills and enjoy new experiences in an engaging and safe environment
  • strengthen connections with coworkers and the community

We're committed to attracting and nurturing a passionate team of valued professionals in our fast-paced and growing company.  We offer a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare, life insurance, planning for retirement, and more!

Your Future Matters.

Known for our customer-focused scientific and manufacturing excellence, as well as our strong commitment to quality and safety, we offer a range of career and growth opportunities across our global network of locations. Together with our customers, we aim to improve the quality of life for patients around the world. Start a career where You Matter by applying today!

Overview:

As part of the Engineering Department, the Automation Technician will support and maintain the plant-wide Distributed Control System (DCS), standalone PLCs, and plant alarm systems. This role is primarily focused on hands-on implementation, operational troubleshooting, and day-to-day production support to ensure reliable system performance. The Automation Technician will work closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Engineering to identify and resolve automation-related issues, support system modifications, and assist with maintaining automation documentation.

Responsibilities:

Provide day-to-day automation support for Operations, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, Maintenance, and Production Engineering to ensure safe and efficient production operations.

Troubleshoot and resolve issues related to DCS, PLC, alarm systems, and associated instrumentation.

Assist with the implementation and testing of automation system modifications and upgrades under the guidance of engineering leadership.

Support startup activities, system commissioning, and validation efforts related to automation systems.

Maintain and update loop sheets, system hierarchy documentation, drawings, and related records to ensure accurate system documentation.

Coordinate with contractors and vendors performing automation-related work onsite and ensure compliance with applicable policies and procedures.

Train end users on system updates and changes to support proper operation of DCS and related systems.

Provide ongoing production support to minimize downtime and improve system reliability.

Support capital projects by assisting with automation-related implementation activities as needed.

All employees are required to adhere to DEA, EPA, FDA and cGMP regulations as they relate to the operation of the Company; and to adhere to all company safety rules and procedures. All employees are expected to report to work regularly and promptly. Other duties relating to departmental mission, not specifically detailed in this section may be assigned.

Qualifications / Skills:

Experience with equipment and instrumentation troubleshooting in a manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge of instrument control systems, installation, testing, and maintenance practices preferred.

Familiarity with Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) preferred.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other computer-based systems.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge of cGMP and FDA regulated environments is beneficial.

Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements: (Text Only) Associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Instrumentation Technology, Automation Technology, Computer Engineering Technology, or a related technical discipline preferred. Candidates with other relevant educational backgrounds, technical training, military experience, or demonstrated automation competencies will be considered based on applicable experience and technical knowledge. Two (2) or more years of experience supporting Distributed Control Systems (DCS), PLC systems, industrial automation systems, and/or plant alarm systems preferred.  Employment Type: FULL_TIME

What Cambrex employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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About Cambrex

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

East Rutherford, NJ, US

Year founded

1981

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