Sr Controls Engineer Jobs in Waterloo, IA (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready to kickstart your career with a leading global company? 
We are looking for ambitious individuals seeking real-world Electrical & Automation experience in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. 

At Nestle USA, we're modernizing how food gets made-safely, sustainably, and at scale. Our E&A Engineer Development Program is a two-year, hands-on program designed to develop the next generation of E&A Engineers who will power the factory of the future and support our bold digital ambition. 

Program Overview 

Program Design: 

• Approximately 24 months at a designated Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence (COE) factory (one primary location for the duration of the program) 

• Structured curriculum, mentorship, and development experiences-including regular connection with corporate E&A SMEs 

• Upon successful completion, participants transition into a full-time Electrical & Automation Engineer position at one of our U.S. factories or distribution centers 

What You'll Do (Core Responsibilities) 

Make an impact from day one by: 

Technical & HandsOn Learning 

• Building foundational E&A skills through hands-on work, structured training, and guided practice with experienced E&A leaders 

• Supporting process improvements by gathering data, documenting findings, and assisting senior engineers with quality, safety, and efficiency initiatives 

• Assisting daily operations & maintenance of electrical power, instrumentation, and control systems-including early exposure to digital tools that improve reliability 

Compliance, Documentation & Sustainability 

• Helping maintain accurate electrical and automation documentation and supporting change control processes 

• Supporting energy and water saving initiatives and assisting in tracking results 

• Learning asset management fundamentals, including equipment condition, lifecycle, and capital planning support 

Capital Projects & Digital Exposure 

• Contributing to capital investment projects-from scoping and vendor support to commissioning, testing, and documentation 

• Gaining real-world exposure to industrial automation & controls (PLCs/SCADA, instrumentation, industrial networking) 

• Learning how data drives predictive/automated decision making 

Additional Program Experience 

You will support the design, implementation, and maintenance of electrical, automation, MES, and digital systems. Activities may include: 

• Troubleshooting control systems and supporting project execution 

• Assisting with technical documentation, specifications, procurement, programming support, assembly, and commissioning 

• Providing technical support and training to operators and technicians 

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to support organizational goals 

Program Timeline 

Phase 1-First ~4 months: Foundational Manufacturing & Nestle Understanding  

You'll build a strong technical and business foundation through: 

• Immersive learning and cross-functional rotations 

• Shadowing and hands-on exposure to Engineering & Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, Industrial Performance, SH&E, Quality, and Production 

• Leading meaningful projects that deliver real value 

Phase 2-Last ~20 months: Deeper E&A Technical Skill-Building 

You'll transition into more advanced Electrical & Automation skill-building and leadership development, including: 

• Mentorship and networking with senior leaders 

• Scenario-based leadership training and Nestle leadership practices 

• Deep E&A skill development in areas such as:  

• Power distribution 

• Motor & power controls 

• Factory automation standards 

• Electrical safety & arc flash 

• Instrumentation and calibration 

• MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems) 

• Advanced process controls 

• Robotics, IIoT, and digital technologies 

• Data analytics 

Program Completion 

You'll transition into a fulltime Electrical & Automation Engineer role at a Nestle USA factory or distribution center-ready to make a significant impact. 

Eligibility Requirements 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or other related engineering discipline (completed or expected by June 2027). 

• Preferred cumulative GPA: 3.0+ 

Experience (Preferred) 

• Electrical & Automation internship or coop 

• Leadership experience (student orgs, athletics, community) 

• Manufacturing experience 

• Demonstrated problem solving experience 

Additional Requirements 

• Available to start June 21, 2027 

• Ability to relocate to one of our Electrical & Automation Center of Excellence factory locations across Nestle USA for the approximately two-year program 

• • Available locations are: Jonesboro, AR and Waverly, IA 

• Ability to be placed in one of our Nestle USA factories or Distribution Centers at the end of the program into an Electrical & Automation Engineer position 

• Limited travel for training events 

• Willingness to work any shift which may include first, second, third, weekends, holidays, extended shifts (e.g., 10-hour or 12-hour schedules), as required throughout the program 

• Ability to work in ambient conditions that may be cold, wet, or warm 

• Strong communication, analytical, and leadership potential 

• Team-oriented mindset, resilience, adaptability, and willingness to "fail forward" 

• Ability to connect the dots across complex systems and think end-to-end 

• Comfortable leading in a factory environment 

• Comfortable with ambiguous situations and challenging assignments 

Why Nestle 

Join a company committed to your growth. At Nestle, you'll be part of an inclusive, supportive culture that: 

• Encourages innovation and continuous learning 

• Celebrates achievements 

• Invests in your development through mentorship, on-the-job learning, and leadership exposure 

• Provides exposure to global standards, digital tools, and next generation factory modernization 

• Provides opportunities to grow your career across the world's largest food and beverage company 

Perks: 

At Nestle, we value our employees and offer a range of benefits to support their well-being and professional growth, including: 

• Relocation package (for eligible candidates) 

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, mental wellness programs, and financial health benefits 

• Immersion into a dynamic and inclusive work culture 

• Mentorship and professional coaching from experienced leaders 

• As an influential industry leader in consumer-packaged goods, Nestle offers you the chance to make a difference in the community through engaging in community service events 

The pay rate for this position is $92,000. Please note that the pay rate provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including but not limited to knowledge, skills and abilities as well as geographic location. Nestle offers performance-based incentives and a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k with Company match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Incentives and/or benefit packages may vary depending on the position. Learn more at About Us | Making an Impact | Nestle Careers