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Mechanical Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa (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 ...

Invio Automation

Controls Engineer

Eldridge, IA

$67K - $87K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Controls Engineers can apply electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic theory and related ... Work with mechanical design team to create new or modify existing controls systems. * Must be able ...

Invio Automation

Controls Engineer

Eldridge, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

DESCRIPTION A Controls Engineers can apply electrical/pneumatic/hydraulic theory and related ... Work with mechanical design team to create new or modify existing controls systems. * Must be able ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · Hybrid

$81K - $105K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Experience Three to five years' experience in areas below ... and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP ...

Wunderlich-Malec

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Experience Three to five years' experience in areas below ... and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP ...

The Williams Company

Controls Engineer (IA)

Ames, IA · On-site

$81K - $105K/yr

We are conducting a search for a Controls Engineer for a large food/beverage manufacturerin Iowa ... Candidate must have a strong mechanical and reasonable electrical/PLC background. For those living ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ... Debug electrical and mechanical systems during machine build, startup, and commissioning * Ensure ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ... Debug electrical and mechanical systems during machine build, startup, and commissioning * Ensure ...

Lincoln Electric

Controls Engineer

Bettendorf, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $33/hr

... is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and ... Debug electrical and mechanical systems during machine build, startup, and commissioning * Ensure ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Experience: 3+ years of experience in the areas below: * An in ... controls design, and PLC systems (i.e., Allen Bradley, Schneider Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) is ...

Automationtechies

Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

... Mechanical Engineering is preferred. Experience: 3+ years of experience in the areas below: * An in ... controls design, and PLC systems (i.e., Allen Bradley, Schneider Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) is ...

Loenbro

Project Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Job Title: Project Controls Engineer Company: Loenbro, LLC Business Unit/Department: Midwest ... Our service offerings include Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection ...

Loenbro

Project Controls Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Job Title: Project Controls Engineer Company: Loenbro, LLC Business Unit/Department: Midwest ... Our service offerings include Critical Electrical, Mechanical & Structural, Soft Crafts, Inspection ...

MARSHALLTOWN

Automation & Controls Engineer

Marshalltown, IA · On-site

$77K - $102K/yr

The Automation and Controls Engineer is responsible for designing, testing, and troubleshooting ... Bachelor's degree in mechanical or electrical engineering from accredited university * 5+ years of ...

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All JobsMechanical Controls Engineer JobsMechanical Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Mechanical Controls Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$42.7K

$96.6K

$156.4K

How much do mechanical controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for mechanical controls engineer in Iowa is $96,630.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mechanical controls engineer?

A Mechanical Controls Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, and maintains control systems that manage the behavior of machines and mechanical systems. They integrate sensors, actuators, and control algorithms to ensure optimal performance, safety, and reliability of equipment in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Their work often involves programming, system modeling, and troubleshooting to improve automation and efficiency. Mechanical Controls Engineers collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to implement solutions that meet specific engineering requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mechanical controls engineer?

To thrive as a Mechanical Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering principles, control systems, and automation, generally supported by a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Proficiency with tools like PLC programming, HMI development, AutoCAD, and simulation software, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects. These skills ensure reliable system design, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project outcomes in dynamic engineering environments.

What are some typical challenges a mechanical controls engineer faces when integrating new automation systems into existing manufacturing lines?

Mechanical Controls Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new automation controls and legacy equipment, minimizing production downtime during integration, and addressing unforeseen issues with system communication protocols. Successful integration requires close collaboration with electrical engineers, software developers, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot problems and optimize system performance. Flexibility, strong problem-solving skills, and a proactive approach to documentation are key to overcoming these challenges while maintaining safety and efficiency standards.

What is the difference between Mechanical Controls Engineer vs Mechanical Design Engineer?

AspectMechanical Controls EngineerMechanical Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, control systems certificationsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, CAD certifications
Work EnvironmentIndustrial settings, automation, control systemsDesign offices, product development, CAD labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, roboticsProduct design, machinery, consumer products

Mechanical Controls Engineers focus on designing and implementing control systems for machinery and automation, often working with electrical components and control software. Mechanical Design Engineers primarily develop mechanical components and systems using CAD tools. While both roles require mechanical engineering knowledge, Controls Engineers emphasize control systems and automation, whereas Design Engineers concentrate on product development and mechanical design.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Mechanical Controls Engineer job openings:

Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Controls Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $96,630 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Mechanical Controls Engineer

Dubuque, IA • On-site

RFA Engineering
Engineering Professional Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about RFA Engineeringexternal

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 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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