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Senior Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

IA · On-site

$99K - $117K/yr

Job Summary We are looking for a Sr. Electrical & Controls Engineer to serve as the site's primary technical authority for electrical systems and power distribution. You will partner with a high ...

... senior PLC/controls experience - Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms - Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O ...

... senior PLC/controls experience - Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms - Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O ...

... senior PLC/controls experience - Experience with PLC/HMI systems such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or comparable platforms - Strong understanding of instrumentation, controls networks, VFDs, I/O ...

Showing results 21-40

Senior Controls Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$67.6K

$107.8K

$144.6K

How much do senior controls engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior controls engineer in Iowa is $107,757.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $120,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior controls engineer?

Senior Controls Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and implement control systems for manufacturing processes, machinery, or automation equipment. They are responsible for programming controllers (such as PLCs), troubleshooting control system issues, and ensuring optimal system performance and safety. Senior Controls Engineers often lead project teams, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate with other departments to integrate new technologies. Their expertise is crucial for streamlining production, reducing downtime, and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

What are the typical responsibilities of a senior controls engineer in a manufacturing environment?

As a Senior Controls Engineer in a manufacturing setting, you can expect to lead the design, programming, and troubleshooting of automation systems such as PLCs, HMIs, and SCADA. Your responsibilities often include overseeing control system upgrades, optimizing equipment for efficiency, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. You will regularly collaborate with cross-functional teams—including maintenance, production, and IT—to implement solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives. Managing complex projects and mentoring junior engineers are also common aspects of the role.

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

To thrive as a Senior Controls Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, automation, and control systems, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree and several years of experience in industrial automation. Expertise in PLC programming, SCADA systems, HMI development, and knowledge of industry standards and certifications like ISA or PE are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, project management, and excellent communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies ensure the effective design, implementation, and troubleshooting of complex control systems, which are critical for operational safety, efficiency, and project success.

What is the difference between Senior Controls Engineer vs Controls Engineer?

AspectSenior Controls EngineerControls Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, experience, possibly certifications like Certified Control Systems Technician (CCST)Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, troubleshooting, project leadership in industrial or manufacturing settingsImplementing control systems, programming, testing, and maintenance in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, automation, process control companiesSimilar industries, often as entry to mid-level roles within the same sectors

The main difference is experience level and responsibility. Senior Controls Engineers typically lead projects, design complex systems, and mentor junior staff, while Controls Engineers focus on implementing and maintaining control systems. Both roles require similar credentials and work in comparable environments, but the senior role involves more leadership and advanced technical skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Controls Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,757 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer

Des Moines, IA • On-site, Remote

$139K - $185K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Evaluate existing control and instrumentation systems and participate in their design for various industrial applications.

  • Develop detailed project documentation, drawings, and technical specifications related to control systems.

  • Participate in client communications, project coordination, and maintain thorough project documentation.


Job description

Stanley Consultants is an award-winning and industry-leading global consulting engineering firm, with an unmatched commitment to culture, values, and ethics. We are dedicated to client experience and solve the most complex challenges to create a sustainable, connected, and enriched world for all. As the world changes, Stanley strategically evolves with it, integrating the latest technology, innovation, and resiliency practices.
 
With over a century of experience serving the energy, federal government, transportation, and water sectors, we have helped improve lives and shape the infrastructure systems that connect us. As an employee-owned organization with a People First approach, we stand apart from other engineering consulting and services firms. At Stanley, your voice counts, your growth matters, and your success is our success.
 
Stanley Consultants offers flexible work options, competitive pay and great benefits, a strong sense of community, and the chance to build a meaningful, long-term career!

Job title - Senior Instrumentation & Controls Engineer
Job location - Austin, TX \u007C Chicago, IL \u007C Denver, CO (Centennial) \u007C Des Moines, IA \u007C or Minneapolis, MN
Job type - Hybrid
Requisition ID - 11187
 
Stanley Consultants is seeking a Control Systems Engineer with 10+ years direct experience. Opportunities include developing and leading process instrumentation and control systems tasks on: municipal water/wastewater management systems, power plants, industrial automation systems, microgrid control systems, combined heat and power (CHP) systems for utilities, universities and campuses as well as industrial facilities.
 
Technical responsibilities include: evaluation of existing systems and participation in the design of plant control and instrumentation systems for a variety of industrial applications. Plant control systems include Distributed Control Systems as well as Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs). Will work with P&IDs, I/O lists, instrument data sheets, cable schedules and procurement specifications; logic and SAMA diagrams; bid evaluation, construction support and work closely with the site engineering group during the installation and commissioning of the designed control systems.
 
 
 
What You Will Be Doing:
  • Technical Design & Analysis
  • Collect, interpret, and analyze data from various sources including reports, drawings, and tests to support comprehensive project planning and design development
  • Prepare and review design computations and quantity estimates in accordance with project requirements, ensuring accuracy and compliance with engineering standards
  • Prepare detailed project documentation, drawings, and technical specifications
  • Direct designers and technicians in converting engineering designs into working drawings, ensuring technical accuracy
  • Evaluate design alternatives and make appropriate recommendations based on technical analysis, cost-effectiveness, and project requirements
  • Client Relations & Project Coordination
  • Participate actively in client communications and attend both onsite and offsite meetings to discuss project specifics, technical requirements, and deliverable status
  • Contribute to the development of probable design cost estimates and assist in the preparation of detailed project budgets aligned with scope
  • Respond to client inquiries and requests for information in a timely and professional manner
  • Documentation & Reporting
  • Maintain thorough project documentation including calculations, correspondence, meeting minutes, and technical memoranda
  • Maintain adherence to Stanley Consultants quality assurance and quality control standards as outlined in the quality manual
Required Qualifications:
  • Education & Licensure
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from ABET accredited college or university required – BSEE preferred
  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam taken and passed
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) preferred but not required
  • Must be able to attain PE license
  • Experience
  • Minimum of 8+ years of progressive experience in engineering discipline
  • Demonstrated experience with engineering design, analysis, and construction administration
  • Experience with project coordination and multi-disciplinary team collaboration
(Salary range for CO, IL, and MN locations)
Stanley Consultants is committed to maintaining transparency in our hiring process, including providing information about compensation. The starting salary for the successful candidate in this position is competitive and will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications and experience, geographic location, internal equity, company policy and practices. In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are disclosed for positions and locations where required.
Work-Life Balance
We realize there’s more to life than just work. We help you meet the demands of work, family and personal life through several flexible options.
 
What we offer:
Member-Owned. Member-ownership is at the heart of our culture, aligning client satisfaction, company performance, and personal reward.
Paid Time Away. Stanley Consultants offers numerous paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and professional development leave.
Health Insurance. We provide a comprehensive insurance package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Doctor On Demand, wellness reimbursement, and mental health resources.
Financial Health. We offer life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, identity theft protection, and many other benefits.
Professional Growth. When your skills grow, so do we, which is why we offer tuition assistance, professional society membership, and more.
Financial Rewards. We share our prosperity with members through company stock ownership, a generous 401K match, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing contributions to retirement 401K plans.
Click Here: A Great Place To Work  
 
Learn more about Stanley Consultants in this short video:  Working at Stanley Consultants
 
Stanley Consultants does not welcome unsolicited resumes from staffing and recruiting agencies. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to Stanley Consultants, including but not limited to resumes submitted directly to Stanley Consultants members, or any of our representatives, will be deemed the property of Stanley Consultants.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
 
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)
 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.