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Junior Automation Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Accenture

Mulesoft Sr. Developer / Architect

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49 - $65.25/hr

As data becomes increasingly important for analytics, automation, AI, and business operations ... Serve as a senior technical contributor, conduct code and peer reviews, mentor junior developers ...

Booz Allen Hamilton

DevSecOps Engineer

Peterson, IA

$99K - $225K/yr

Experience mentoring or guiding junior DevSecOps or DevOps engineers * Experience optimizing or improving CI/CD workflows, build automation, or deployment reliability * Experience diagnosing complex ...

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Junior Automation Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$40.4K

$69.9K

$105.2K

How much do junior automation engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior automation engineer in Iowa is $69,926.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $82,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior automation engineer?

A Junior Automation Engineer is an entry-level professional who helps design, develop, and maintain automated systems and processes within industries such as manufacturing, IT, or software development. They typically work under the guidance of senior engineers, assisting with tasks like programming automated equipment, troubleshooting system errors, and ensuring machinery operates efficiently. This role requires a basic understanding of automation technologies, programming languages, and problem-solving skills. Junior Automation Engineers often gain hands-on experience and training to advance their expertise and career within the automation field.

What does a junior automation engineer do?

A junior automation engineer develops processes for sophisticated automation equipment. In this role, you may design technologies for multiple platforms, including manufacturing and production. You set up and troubleshoot sophisticated automation tools and systems. Your responsibilities include procuring new equipment, defining specifications, unit testing, and implementation. Other duties include coding applications that enable physical devices or embed systems and debugging any problems that arise. You create procedures, provide training on related equipment and processes, interface with vendors and technical support on equipment issues and maintenance, and improve new production processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a junior automation engineer?

To thrive as a Junior Automation Engineer, you need a foundation in programming (such as Python or Java), engineering principles, and a relevant degree such as electrical or mechanical engineering. Familiarity with automation tools like PLCs, SCADA systems, and testing frameworks, as well as certifications like ISA CAP, are typically expected. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for developing, testing, and maintaining automated systems efficiently and ensuring smooth operations.

What are typical projects or tasks a junior automation engineer might work on during their first year?

As a Junior Automation Engineer, you'll often support senior engineers by developing and testing automated scripts, maintaining documentation, and assisting with troubleshooting automation issues. You'll likely work on smaller components of larger automation projects, such as configuring test environments or updating automation frameworks. Collaboration with software developers, QA testers, and IT teams is common, as you help integrate automation solutions into existing workflows. Over time, you'll gain exposure to more complex tasks and have opportunities to take on greater responsibility as you build your skills.

What is the difference between Junior Automation Engineer vs Test Automation Engineer?

AspectJunior Automation EngineerTest Automation Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree in computer science or related field; some certifications like ISTQB are commonSimilar credentials; often holds certifications like ISTQB or Certified Test Automation Engineer
Work EnvironmentEntry-level role in software development teams, focusing on automation scripting and basic testingFocuses on designing, developing, and maintaining automated test scripts and frameworks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across software companies, QA teams, and tech firms for automation tasksCommon in software testing firms, IT departments, and development teams emphasizing quality assurance

The main difference is that a Junior Automation Engineer is an entry-level role focusing on learning automation tools and scripting, while a Test Automation Engineer typically has more experience and responsibility for developing comprehensive testing frameworks and strategies.

More about Junior Automation Engineer jobs

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Junior Automation Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Junior Automation Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,926 per year, or $33.6 per hour.

Sr. Automation Engineer Robotics Software

Bayer

Ankeny, IA • On-site

$115K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Bayer rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 70 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

Senior Automation Engineer Robotics Software for Ankeny, IA to build & configure robotics automation applications; investigate mechanical failures & unexpected maintenance problems; install, calibrate, operate & maintain robots; build, configure, test, maintain & deploy robotics solutions for machine control, hardware automation, computer visioning, and machine learning; conduct research on robotic technology to create new robotic systems & system capabilities; troubleshoot & debug robotics software; develop technical documentation for application design; mentor and train junior robotics engineers. Requires Master's in Informatics, Computer Engineering, Robotics Engineering or closely-related quantitative field & 3 yrs experience: developing software to communicate with PLC controlled machines & integrate machine hardware using OPC UA and Modbus; designing & developing Python-based applications to integrate robotics and automation equipment with backend services and databases; developing multi-threading for machine automation & data management; designing & developing HMI applications for machine control and monitoring automation systems using Javascript, Vue and FastAPI; deploying, testing & troubleshooting robotics and automation software; implementing monitoring & logging for automation and robotics systems; and collaborating with engineers to evaluate requirements for robotics hardware, specify and procure hardware, and oversee component integration and validation. Telecommuting permitted up to 2 days per wk from home office location within reasonable commuting distance of Ankeny, IA. Up to 35% US and int'l travel req'd. Salary Range: Employees can expect to be paid a salary between $115,000.00 to $144,000.00. Additional compensation may include a bonus or commission (if relevant). Additional benefits include health care, vision, dental, retirement, PTO, sick leave, etc. The offered salary may vary within this range based on an applicant's location, market data/ranges, an applicant's skills and prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications, and other relevant factors. Mail resume to Cascinda Fischbeck, Bayer Research and Development Services LLC, 800 N. Lindbergh Blvd., E2NE, St. Louis, MO 63167 or email resume to careers_us@bayer.com. Include reference code below with resume.
Bayer Research & Development Services LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans
Bayer Research & Development Services LLC is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its application process for individuals with disabilities and encourages applicants with disabilities to request any needed accommodation(s) using the contact information below.
If you meet the requirements of this unique opportunity, and want to impact our mission Science for a better life, we encourage you to apply now. Job postings will remain open for a minimum of ten business days and are subject to immediate closure thereafter without additional notice. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement: Notice for U.S. Visitors: All information on this site is subject to compliance with local rule and regulations as they may vary from time to time and across different geographies, including, without limitation, U.S. Executive Orders. Division:Crop Science Reference Code879402 Functional Area:Seed Automation Location:Ankeny, IA Employment Type:Regular Position Grade: Contact Us AddressTelephoneCreve Coeur, MO 63167 OR careers_us@bayer.com

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About Bayer

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of healthcare and nutrition. We design our products and services to help people and planet thrive by supporting efforts to address the unprecedented global challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At Bayer, we’re committed to drive sustainable development and generate a positive impact with our businesses. Through bold ideas and unprecedented insights, we’re pioneering new possibilities that advance life for all of us. That means reimagining how we care for ourselves and one another by empowering everyday health, improving approaches to patient care, and finding better ways to nourish our communities around the world.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Whippany, NJ, US

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