Automation Jobs in Iowa

Automation jobs in Iowa are concentrated in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, where manufacturing, agribusiness, and insurance technology operations drive consistent demand for controls engineers, PLC programmers, and systems integration specialists. Employers like John Deere, Pella Corporation, and Principal Financial Group maintain substantial automation workforces across the state, hiring from entry-level technicians through senior engineers and project leads. Iowa's blend of advanced manufacturing and agricultural equipment production makes it one of the more active Midwest markets for automation talent. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.

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Overview

Open roles42
Top employerRinvio
Top cityCedar Rapids, IA
Cities hiring19
Work type60% On-site
Top industryManufacturing

Showing 5 of 42+ Automation jobs

JBS Foods
Automation Tech 2nd Shift (Cb2)
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JBS Foods
Added 1d ago
Automation Tech 2nd Shift (Cb2)
JBS Foods
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Skilled Trades
Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering
10,000+

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JLL
Automation Engineer
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JLL
Added 2d ago
Automation Engineer
JLL
Ankeny, Iowa
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's degree
10,000+

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PepsiCo
MACHINE OPERATOR - AUTOMATION WAREHOUSE - Evenings
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PepsiCo
Added 2d ago
MACHINE OPERATOR - AUTOMATION WAREHOUSE - Evenings
PepsiCo
Urbandale, Iowa
Inventory Control
Logistics & Inventory
Warehouse Operations
10,000+

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Siemens
Senior Project Manager – Building Automation
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Siemens
Added 3d ago
Senior Project Manager – Building Automation
Siemens
Des Moines, Iowa
Business Operations
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Project Management
$84k - $144k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Principal Software Engineer – Digital Engineering AI Enablement and Automation (AEA) (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 6d ago
Principal Software Engineer – Digital Engineering AI Enablement and Automation (AEA) (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Corporate Training
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Teaching & Instruction
$108k - $205k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Automation Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Cedar Rapids
9 jobs
Ankeny
4 jobs
Des Moines
4 jobs
Davenport
3 jobs
Urbandale
3 jobs
Marion
2 jobs
Ottumwa
2 jobs
Hawarden
2 jobs
New Hampton
2 jobs

Automation Job Market in Iowa

A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Rinvio
Rinvio3 open roles
Quest Global
Quest Global3 open roles
The ESCO
The ESCO3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail
  • Automotive
  • Consumer Goods
  • Food & Beverage

What Iowa Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in automation jobs across Iowa.

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechatronics, or a related technical field
  • Hands-on experience programming PLCs such as Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
  • Familiarity with SCADA systems, HMI configuration, and industrial network protocols
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&ID drawings
  • Experience with robotics integration or motion control systems in a manufacturing environment
  • Strong troubleshooting skills for automated production lines and process control equipment

Automation Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a automation in Iowa?

Most automation roles in Iowa require at minimum an associate degree in electronics, mechatronics, or industrial automation technology, with many employers preferring a bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering. Iowa does not issue a state-specific license for automation technicians or engineers, but roles involving electrical work may require an Iowa electrician's license through the Iowa Division of Labor. Building hands-on PLC and controls experience through vocational programs at Iowa community colleges strengthens any application.

Which companies hire automations in Iowa?

Companies currently hiring automations in Iowa include Rinvio, Quest Global, and The ESCO, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's deep manufacturing base, anchored by agricultural equipment and food processing facilities, means automation demand stays consistent across both large corporations and mid-size production operations throughout the state.

Which Iowa cities have the most automation jobs?

Cedar Rapids, Ankeny, and Des Moines account for the largest share of automation openings in Iowa. Des Moines draws demand from financial technology operations and corporate campuses, Cedar Rapids is anchored by food manufacturing and aerospace suppliers like Collins Aerospace, and the Quad Cities area benefits from John Deere's extensive manufacturing presence, which supports a dense cluster of automation and controls roles.

Are there remote automation jobs in Iowa?

Yes, but they're rare. Most automation work requires physical presence on a production floor, equipment room, or client site to program, commission, and troubleshoot machinery. About 40% of automation openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve higher-level systems design, software configuration, or project management rather than hands-on controls work.

How can I get hired as a automation in Iowa with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is completing an industrial automation or mechatronics program at an Iowa community college such as Kirkwood Community College or Iowa Central Community College, which place graduates directly with regional manufacturers. Employers like Rockwell Collins and mid-size Cedar Rapids manufacturers regularly hire graduates into controls technician or maintenance apprentice roles. Building a portfolio of personal PLC projects and pursuing a CompTIA Industrial certification gives candidates a concrete edge when competing for those first positions.

Where can I find and apply to automation jobs in Iowa?

You can find and apply to automation jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the available roles, find the ones that match your experience and location preference, and apply directly to the ones that fit.

See All 42 Automation Jobs in Iowa

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