Senior Optical Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

*This is a remote position with travel - including day and overnight travel within Iowa and periodic overnight travel throughout the Midwest*
COMPANY SUMMARY
Automatic Systems Company is an industry-leading provider of water, wastewater, and industrial control systems. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service to our clients. With a focus on excellence and continuous improvement, we strive to make a significant impact in the field of automation and control systems.
POSITION SUMMARY
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Control Systems Engineer to provide advanced programming services for Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), primarily supporting municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. This role is responsible for leading control system development, startup, commissioning, and customer coordination for large-scale SCADA projects.
The ideal candidate will have strong technical expertise in PLC/HMI platforms, experience commissioning complex control systems, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
This position offers the opportunity to work on critical infrastructure projects supporting municipal water and wastewater systems and industrial control systems while helping shape secure and modern control systems for essential public utilities.
KEY DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Develop and write PLC and HMI programs for medium and large-scale, complex municipal water and wastewater SCADA systems.
• Assist with performing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) to validate PLC and HMI programs ensuring they meet safety and quality standards. Design and perform simulations to verify the logic and functionality of the control systems.
• Perform full project startup and control system commissioning, including instrumentation, motor control devices, and related equipment.
• Serve as technical lead on assigned projects, providing guidance to engineers, technicians, and subcontractors.
• Commission and troubleshoot communications networks including fiber optic systems, radio telemetry, broadband, and other associated technologies. Primary communication protocols include EtherNet/IP, Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, OPC UA, and MQTT.
• Support implementation of industrial cybersecurity best practices including network segmentation, user access management, secure remote access, and backup strategies.
• Develop, review, and manage all project documentation in accordance with company standards and project-specific requirements.
• Communicate effectively with customers throughout design, construction, startup, and aftermarket support phases.
• Provide advanced troubleshooting and problem resolution during system integration and post-installation.
• Support proposal development, scope definition, and technical review when required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• None
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Automation Engineering, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience and/or an Associate degree in an automation-related field. 10+ years of relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive programming experience in industrial automation and control systems, including:
o PLC programming such as Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, RSLogix 500, Modicon, Siemens S7, GE PACSystems, or similar platforms.
o HMI programming such as Wonderware, FactoryTalk View SE, Ignition, VT SCADA, Cimplicity, Intellution, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated experience leading large-scale municipal water and wastewater SCADA projects.
• Strong knowledge of instrumentation, motor control systems, process control strategies, and system integration.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with field personnel, engineers, contractors, management, and municipal clients.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn and implement new technologies and industry best practices.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel within assigned territory
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Information Technology experience (industrial networking, cybersecurity, system architecture) is a plus.
Travel Requirements
• Expected travel is approximately 30-45% overall, including day and overnight travel within Iowa and periodic overnight travel throughout the Midwest.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This position includes both office-based engineering and field-based commissioning activities at municipal water and wastewater treatment facilities. Candidates should be comfortable working in industrial environments and performing hands-on startup, testing, and troubleshooting. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee frequently is required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles. The noise level in the work environment is minimal.]
Benefits:

• Health insurance
• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
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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.