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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Description
We have an opportunity for you on our 2nd shift Maintenance team at JBS Prepared Foods in Council Bluffs, IA.
Wages starting at $30.85 per hour with great benefits!
$1.00 shift differential for 2nd and 3rd shift employees
- Weekly pay (Every Friday)
- Full benefits option after just 60 days of employment
- Free Community College for Employees and Dependents!
Benefits include:
- Vacations
- Paid Holidays
- Personal days
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
Our Mission:
To be THE BEST in all we do. We are completely focused on our business, ensuring the BEST products and services to our customers, a relationship of trust with our suppliers and profitability for our shareholders. All this, we do to provide an opportunity for a better future for all of our TEAM MEMBERS.
Key Responsibilities and Accountability include but are not limited to:
- Design, specify, validate, modify, monitor, and troubleshoot electronic control systems including PLC logic, HMIs, electrical drives, relay logic, motor controls, and instrumentation systems.
- Configure and support Allen-Bradley (Rockwell) PLC and HMI control systems.
- Install and program variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, technical manuals, and control drawings.
- Install, troubleshoot, and maintain equipment using electrical diagnostic tools and calibrated test equipment.
- Support installation and commissioning of new equipment and process improvements.
- Design and develop basic electrical circuits.
- Design and build electrical enclosures in accordance with NEC codes and standards.
- Perform vision system calibrations and basic network setup.
- Report to Maintenance Supervisor
Daily Responsibilities:
- Perform preventive maintenance and repair production equipment throughout the facility.
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical circuits.
- Troubleshoot and repair packaging equipment including PPI, PMI, Tex wrap, and Multivac systems.
- Troubleshoot and repair high-speed slicers.
- Troubleshoot printers, date coders, and variable frequency drives (VFDs).
- Calibrate scales and other process equipment.
- Inspect and repair lighting and electrical connections throughout the facility.
- Respond to breakdown calls and provide support to production departments.
- Maintain inventory of electrical parts and supplies.
- Document work orders, repairs, and parts usage in SAP.
- Participate in shift handoff meetings and communicate daily issues to incoming and outgoing technicians.
- Order parts and materials needed for projects and repairs.
Ownership:
- Electrical safety and maintenance throughout the facility
- Lighting systems throughout the facility.
- Organization, cleanliness, and inventory of the electrical storage area.
- Support continuous improvement efforts and maintain a safe working environment.
Qualification:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in electrical/automation engineering, or related field preferred.
- Certification in instrumentation and automation controls preferred.
- Minimum of two years of electrical and/or mechanical maintenance experience.
- Demonstrated problem-solving ability with Root Cause Analysis (RCA) experience.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Strong planning and prioritization skills.
- Safety-minded with attention to detail.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and technical manuals.
- Ability to use electrical diagnostic equipment, digital multimeters, and calibration software.
- Ability to train and mentor team members.
- Ability to work overtime, weekends, and extended hours as business needs require.
Physical Demands
- Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms.
- Work in both office and plant environment.
- Exposure to humidity, cold temperatures, moving mechanical parts, and moderate to high noise levels.
EOE, including disability/vets
See All 42 Automation Jobs in Iowa
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Find Automation JobsAutomation Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Automation Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



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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