Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Controls Engineer jobs in Iowa are in strong and consistent demand, with the heaviest concentration in industrial manufacturing, food and beverage processing, and agricultural equipment production. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities corridor anchor most of the hiring, and established employers like John Deere, Rockwell Collins parent RTX, and Quaker Oats owner PepsiCo Foods keep steady openings for engineers at every level from early-career to senior process specialist. The most sought-after specialties in Iowa are PLC programming, SCADA systems integration, and process automation for high-volume production environments. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
Find Controls Engineer JobsOverview
Open roles17
Top employerENGIE
Top cityIowa City, IA
Cities hiring15
Work type67% On-site
Top industryManufacturing
Showing 5 of 17+ Controls Engineer jobs
Controls Engineer Senior
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Added 1w ago
ENGIE
Controls Engineer Senior
Iowa City, Iowa
Added 1w ago
Senior Controls Engineer
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Added 1w ago
E Tech Group
Senior Controls Engineer
Iowa City, Iowa
Added 1w ago
Controls Engineer II
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Added 1w ago
Day & Zimmermann
Controls Engineer II
Middletown, Iowa
Added 1w ago
Automation Controls Engineer - Senior Level
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Added 1mo ago
The ESCO Group
Automation Controls Engineer - Senior Level
Marion, Iowa
Added 1mo ago
Controls Engineer
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Added 2mo ago
Lincoln Electric
Controls Engineer
Bettendorf, Iowa
Added 2mo ago
Added 1w ago
Controls Engineer Senior
ENGIE·Iowa City, Iowa
Job functions:
$102k - $156k/yr
Bachelor's degree in engineering technology
10,000+ employees
Job Description
What You Can Expect
As a Senior Controls Engineer at ENGIE, you will serve as a senior technical resource for the industrial control systems, control networks, infrastructure, and applications supporting utility operations across the University of Iowa campus.
This is a hands-on engineering role within a complex utility environment that includes multiple operating plants, campus buildings, electrical distribution infrastructure, metering systems, and critical services supporting healthcare, research, and campus operations.
You will help ensure the reliability, security, maintainability, and long-term performance of the site’s industrial control systems. This includes supporting day-to-day operations, resolving complex technical issues, improving system documentation and maintenance practices, and contributing to the long-term controls and operational technology strategy.
This opportunity is well suited for an experienced controls professional who enjoys solving complex technical problems in live industrial environments while establishing standards, improving system performance, and developing technical capability across an evolving engineering function.
What You Will Do
- Serve as the senior technical resource for industrial control systems (ICS), control networks, metering systems, and supporting infrastructure across the University of Iowa utility system
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize control system hardware, software, networks, servers, and applications to ensure reliable, secure, and uninterrupted utility operations
- Support SCADA, PLC, HMI, data historian, and metering platforms through system upgrades, cybersecurity patching, backups, recovery planning, and performance improvements
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, maintenance plans, work instructions, and engineering standards that support safe and consistent operations
- Partner with ENGIE IT, cybersecurity teams, University stakeholders, operations, and maintenance personnel to ensure system reliability, compliance, and operational readiness
- Provide senior-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, technical mentoring, and training support for controls engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams
- Evaluate and support capital projects, system modernization initiatives, and long-term controls strategies, identifying opportunities to improve reliability, standardization, and future system performance
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical field with a minimum of five (5) years of industrial controls, automation, or ICS experience; or an associate degree in a related technical field with a minimum of seven (7) years of industrial controls, automation, or ICS experience
- Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, automation platforms, industrial networks, and supporting infrastructure within live operating environments
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, data historians, instrumentation, control system configuration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and field support
- Experience supporting Windows Server environments, Active Directory, virtualization platforms, industrial networking equipment, system patching, backups, and endpoint security within an ICS or OT environment
- Working knowledge of ICS cybersecurity principles, secure change management, vulnerability management, system hardening, and access control practices
- Ability to interpret and develop technical documentation, network architecture, control diagrams, maintenance procedures, and engineering standards
- Strong communication, organization, and prioritization skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple operational and project priorities
- Experience gained through military service in controls, automation, instrumentation, industrial maintenance, power generation, operational technology (OT), cybersecurity, communications systems, utilities, or other mission-critical technical environments is highly valued. Veterans often bring transferable technical expertise, leadership, problem-solving, and operational discipline that align well with the responsibilities of this role, and ENGIE encourages qualified veterans and transitioning service members to apply
Additional Details
- This role requires attendance at a worksite on a daily basis - Work schedule is generally Monday through Friday during day-shift hours
- This position may require occasional after-hours support for critical operational issues
- Travel may be required up to approximately 10–15%, primarily for training, vendor support, or technical development
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and be able to operate company vehicles on and around campus and plant sites
- Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics, safety, and operational policies
- Ability to work in both office and industrial field environments, including climbing stairs and ladders and working around variable temperatures, weather conditions, and moderate noise, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation
Compensation
Salary Range: $102,000 – $156,400 USD annually
This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.
ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.
In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan.
Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.
At ENGIE, we take your well-being seriously. Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, ESPP, generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays and leave programs. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match. But that's not all – we're dedicated to the health and happiness of your entire family, offering supplemental benefits for full time employees that enhance emotional and physical well-being through all stages of life from family forming to caregiver benefits. Explore our benefits package to see how we can support you. Learn more.
Why ENGIE?
ENGIE North America isn’t just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we’re leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.
At ENGIE, every talent has a role to play in the adventure of the century. Make a difference and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience. Take on exciting challenges and build a career path that reflects who you are.
Join us and be part of the adventure!
In 2020 The University of Iowa (UI) entered a 50-year, trailblazing partnership with the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative (UIEC), a joint venture between ENGIE, Meridiam, and Hannon Armstrong, to operate, maintain and enhance the university’s Utility System. As the founding member of this joint venture, ENGIE designs, builds, operates, and maintains the energy infrastructure delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions in producing and distributing steam, electricity, chilled water, and domestic water to the main campus in Iowa City, Iowa and a nearby satellite campus.
ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at any time.
The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.
#LI-DM1
Business Unit: LEI RoW
Division: LEI RoW - Northam
Legal Entity: ENGIE North America Inc.
Company Name: ENGIE North America
Minimum Base Salary:
Maximum Base Salary:
Pay Basis:
Why this matters to us
Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.
ENGIE
Controls Engineer Senior
Iowa City, Iowa
Added 1w ago10,000+ employees
Job functions:
$102k - $156k/yr
Bachelor's degree in engineering technology
Job Description
What You Can Expect
As a Senior Controls Engineer at ENGIE, you will serve as a senior technical resource for the industrial control systems, control networks, infrastructure, and applications supporting utility operations across the University of Iowa campus.
This is a hands-on engineering role within a complex utility environment that includes multiple operating plants, campus buildings, electrical distribution infrastructure, metering systems, and critical services supporting healthcare, research, and campus operations.
You will help ensure the reliability, security, maintainability, and long-term performance of the site’s industrial control systems. This includes supporting day-to-day operations, resolving complex technical issues, improving system documentation and maintenance practices, and contributing to the long-term controls and operational technology strategy.
This opportunity is well suited for an experienced controls professional who enjoys solving complex technical problems in live industrial environments while establishing standards, improving system performance, and developing technical capability across an evolving engineering function.
What You Will Do
- Serve as the senior technical resource for industrial control systems (ICS), control networks, metering systems, and supporting infrastructure across the University of Iowa utility system
- Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize control system hardware, software, networks, servers, and applications to ensure reliable, secure, and uninterrupted utility operations
- Support SCADA, PLC, HMI, data historian, and metering platforms through system upgrades, cybersecurity patching, backups, recovery planning, and performance improvements
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, network diagrams, maintenance plans, work instructions, and engineering standards that support safe and consistent operations
- Partner with ENGIE IT, cybersecurity teams, University stakeholders, operations, and maintenance personnel to ensure system reliability, compliance, and operational readiness
- Provide senior-level troubleshooting, root cause analysis, technical mentoring, and training support for controls engineers, technicians, and maintenance teams
- Evaluate and support capital projects, system modernization initiatives, and long-term controls strategies, identifying opportunities to improve reliability, standardization, and future system performance
What You’ll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Computer Science, or a related technical field with a minimum of five (5) years of industrial controls, automation, or ICS experience; or an associate degree in a related technical field with a minimum of seven (7) years of industrial controls, automation, or ICS experience
- Strong knowledge of industrial control systems, automation platforms, industrial networks, and supporting infrastructure within live operating environments
- Hands-on experience with PLC programming, HMI development, SCADA systems, data historians, instrumentation, control system configuration, troubleshooting, commissioning, and field support
- Experience supporting Windows Server environments, Active Directory, virtualization platforms, industrial networking equipment, system patching, backups, and endpoint security within an ICS or OT environment
- Working knowledge of ICS cybersecurity principles, secure change management, vulnerability management, system hardening, and access control practices
- Ability to interpret and develop technical documentation, network architecture, control diagrams, maintenance procedures, and engineering standards
- Strong communication, organization, and prioritization skills with the ability to work independently and manage multiple operational and project priorities
- Experience gained through military service in controls, automation, instrumentation, industrial maintenance, power generation, operational technology (OT), cybersecurity, communications systems, utilities, or other mission-critical technical environments is highly valued. Veterans often bring transferable technical expertise, leadership, problem-solving, and operational discipline that align well with the responsibilities of this role, and ENGIE encourages qualified veterans and transitioning service members to apply
Additional Details
- This role requires attendance at a worksite on a daily basis - Work schedule is generally Monday through Friday during day-shift hours
- This position may require occasional after-hours support for critical operational issues
- Travel may be required up to approximately 10–15%, primarily for training, vendor support, or technical development
- Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license and be able to operate company vehicles on and around campus and plant sites
- Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics, safety, and operational policies
- Ability to work in both office and industrial field environments, including climbing stairs and ladders and working around variable temperatures, weather conditions, and moderate noise, with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., with or without reasonable accommodation
Compensation
Salary Range: $102,000 – $156,400 USD annually
This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.
ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.
In addition to base pay, this position is eligible for a competitive bonus / incentive plan.
Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.
At ENGIE, we take your well-being seriously. Our comprehensive benefits package includes options for medical, dental, vision, life insurance, employer-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, ESPP, generous paid time off including wellness days, holidays and leave programs. We also help you plan for retirement by offering a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with a company match. But that's not all – we're dedicated to the health and happiness of your entire family, offering supplemental benefits for full time employees that enhance emotional and physical well-being through all stages of life from family forming to caregiver benefits. Explore our benefits package to see how we can support you. Learn more.
Why ENGIE?
ENGIE North America isn’t just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we’re leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.
At ENGIE, every talent has a role to play in the adventure of the century. Make a difference and enjoy a fulfilling professional experience. Take on exciting challenges and build a career path that reflects who you are.
Join us and be part of the adventure!
In 2020 The University of Iowa (UI) entered a 50-year, trailblazing partnership with the University of Iowa Energy Collaborative (UIEC), a joint venture between ENGIE, Meridiam, and Hannon Armstrong, to operate, maintain and enhance the university’s Utility System. As the founding member of this joint venture, ENGIE designs, builds, operates, and maintains the energy infrastructure delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy solutions in producing and distributing steam, electricity, chilled water, and domestic water to the main campus in Iowa City, Iowa and a nearby satellite campus.
ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees. We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.
We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this role at any time.
The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.
#LI-DM1
Business Unit: LEI RoW
Division: LEI RoW - Northam
Legal Entity: ENGIE North America Inc.
Company Name: ENGIE North America
Minimum Base Salary:
Maximum Base Salary:
Pay Basis:
Why this matters to us
Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.
See All 17 Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Controls Engineer JobsControls Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Iowa City
3 jobsMarion
1 jobNewton
1 jobOttumwa
1 jobEldridge
1 jobWaterloo
1 jobEddyville
1 jobMontezuma
1 jobBettendorf
1 jobDes Moines
1 jobManchester
1 jobMiddletown
1 jobCedar Rapids
1 jobMarshalltown
1 jobSioux Center
1 jobControls Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Manufacturing
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Energy
- Automotive
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in controls engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or controls engineering from an accredited institution
- Hands-on experience programming PLCs from Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or Mitsubishi platforms
- Proficiency with SCADA systems and HMI design for industrial or food processing environments
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, instrumentation diagrams, and control panel layouts
- Experience with process automation in manufacturing, food production, or agricultural equipment settings
- Familiarity with safety standards such as NFPA 70E and machine guarding requirements for Iowa facilities
Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a controls engineer in Iowa?
The standard path into controls engineering in Iowa starts with a bachelor's degree in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering from an accredited program at institutions like Iowa State University or the University of Iowa. Iowa does not require a state-issued license specifically for controls engineers in private industry, though obtaining a Professional Engineer license through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board strengthens candidacy for senior roles. Employers in food processing and industrial manufacturing prioritize PLC and SCADA hands-on experience alongside the degree.
How much do controls engineers make in Iowa?
Controls engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $97,690 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $72,380 for the lowest 10% to over $133,610 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire controls engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring controls engineers in Iowa right now include ENGIE, Cargill, and Hydrite, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Iowa's deep base of food processing plants, agricultural equipment makers, and industrial automation integrators means openings appear across the state year-round rather than being concentrated in a single industry.
Which Iowa cities have the most controls engineer jobs?
Iowa City, Marion, and Newton account for the largest share of controls engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines draws demand from corporate manufacturing headquarters and distribution infrastructure, Cedar Rapids is anchored by large food processing operations from companies like Quaker Oats and Ingredion, and the Quad Cities region benefits from John Deere's long-standing engineering and production footprint on both sides of the Iowa-Illinois border.
Are there remote controls engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Controls engineering is fundamentally a hands-on discipline tied to physical equipment, control panels, and production floors, which limits fully remote work. About 33% of controls engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to involve system design, software configuration, or project engineering rather than commissioning or maintenance work that requires being on site.
How can I get hired as a controls engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is an automation or electrical engineering technician role at one of Iowa's large food processing or manufacturing facilities, where hands-on PLC and panel work builds the practical skills employers value most. John Deere and several Iowa-based industrial integrators run structured co-op and new-graduate programs through partnerships with Iowa State University and Iowa community colleges. Candidates without direct controls experience often transition successfully from industrial maintenance technician or instrumentation technician roles. Completing a certification in a major PLC platform, such as a Rockwell Automation credential, gives entry-level applicants a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to controls engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search for roles that fit your experience level and target industry, then apply directly to the ones that match. No account or profile is required to view and apply to the listings available on the platform.
See All 17 Controls Engineer Jobs in Iowa
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