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Mechanical Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 · 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 ...

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

$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 ...

The Williams Company

Controls Engineer (IA)

Ames, IA

$120K - $150K/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 ...

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

$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 ...

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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Showing results 1-20

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 3, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mechanical Controls Engineer, and why are they important?

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 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 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.
Mechanical Controls Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mechanical Controls Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 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.

Controls Engineer

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering, Inc

Cedar Rapids, IA • Hybrid

$81K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Wunderlich-Malec Engineering (WM) is a 100% employee-owned ESOP and one of the largest and most well-established engineering companies in the United States. When you join WM you become part of a company that is:

  • 100% employee-owned with 40+ years of industry history
  • ENR (Engineering News Record) Top 500 firm
  • Rated as a top System Integrator Giant

We have a Controls Engineer position in Cedar Rapids, IA. This position is responsible for controls engineering project requirements involving control system design, control panel design, PLC programming, instrumentation, check out support and start-up assistance.

Please Note: This position is not eligible for employer-sponsored work authorization, including H-1B sponsorship.

    • Designs, develops, and implements control system (logic software and hardware) to meet process system requirements
    • Develops schematics detailing control system configuration and wiring, and design equipment panel layouts on AutoCAD software
    • Develop Sequence of Operation document detailing control strategies for the process under control. Lead design reviews with customer for review and approval of design documents
    • Work at customer site to perform the system checkout and start-up of the integrated control system
    • Develop the final record system documentation and provide system training to the customer
    • Individual will be working on automation and control system integration projects for clients across multiple industries including both manufacturing production lines and data center building automation
    • Will act as technical lead on projects and guide lower level engineers and technicians
    • Will act as Project Manager on smaller projects ranging from $50K to $250K. This includes but not limited to:
      • Develops and executes implementation plans for the project
      • Assigns work to meet overall project deadlines
      • Ensures that all project team members clearly understand the scope of W-M responsibilities
      • Develops schedules for W-M and customer requirements
      • Evaluates progress on project and details changes
      • Responsible for all purchasing and subcontractor requirements
      • Responsible for development of costs and proposal of change orders to contract scope

    Minimum Requirements

    Education BS in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering is preferred.

    Experience Three to five years’ experience in areas below:

    • An in-depth understanding of control systems, components, logic programming, experience with instrumentation and controls design and PLC systems (i.e. Allen Bradley, Schnieder Modicon, Siemens, GE-IP) required. Experience with AutoCAD is also desired
    • Strong inter-personnel skills. Ability to communicate and work with both team members, subcontractors and clients
    • Ability to travel up to 50%

    Physical Demands of Position Seeing, color perception, hearing, clear speech, dexterity in hands, driving, lifting, climbing, and ability to mount and dismount equipment, pushing, and pulling.

    Working Environment Standard office environment, diverse industrial environments, frequent PC usage, facsimile/copy machines, phones.

    Wunderlich-Malec is proud to offer a comprehensive employee-owner benefit package. Full-time employees may be eligible for the following benefits: Medical • Dental • Vision • Basic and Supplemental Life and AD&D • Long Term Disability • Voluntary Short Term Disability • Healthcare & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts • Health Savings Account • Paid Time Off (PTO) • Paid Holidays • Tuition Reimbursement • Referral Bonus Program • 401(k)/Profit Sharing • 100% ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) • Employee Assistance Program • Will Preparation Resources • Worldwide Travel Assistance

    #LI-Hybrid

    #LI-WM1