Automation Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's automation sector is concentrated in advanced manufacturing, food processing, and agricultural technology, with employers like John Deere, Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace), and Pella Corporation regularly hiring controls engineers, robotics technicians, and automation specialists. The Quad Cities, Des Moines, and Cedar Rapids are the primary hiring hubs for international candidates seeking visa sponsorship in automation roles.
See All Automation JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Automation Jobs in Iowa with Visa Sponsorship jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 17+ Automation Jobs in Iowa with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Automation Jobs in Iowa with Visa Sponsorship.
Get Access To All Jobs
Company Description
At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.
We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participant in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.
Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.
Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.
We offer:
- Steady, predictable shifts
- A passionate team
- Strong family values
- Career opportunities with a goal to promote from within
- Competitive pay including a bonus plan
- Great benefits including a medical plan, dental plan and vision plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday pay
- Discounted product
Job Description
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 5:30 am - 6 pm
The role of the Maintenance – Automation Technician is responsible for making sure all automated machines are running effectively. Stopping production when machines are not running effectively, troubleshooting the problem, and finding the solutions quickly. Maintenance/Automation Technician should have extensive knowledge on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and a working knowledge of PLC’s. This position will be carried out in accordance with all company policies and procedures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
- Load product into machines as needed to get ready for startup.
- Set up lines correctly.
- Operate auto-palletizing robot.
- Ensure cartoner, case erector, and robotic palletizer are operating effectively.
- Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s.
- Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition.
- Perform necessary checks at start of shift and at each new product change over; document on paperwork, code date, correct label, upper/lower film, etc.
- Move and install plant machinery and equipment as needed.
- Perform preventative maintenance on all plant machinery and equipment as scheduled.
- Ability to give detailed descriptions related to troubleshooting and repair of equipment on a PC based system.
- Extensive experience with pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, electronic equipment.
- Ensure product conforms to specifications.
- Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition.
- Prevent/minimize rework and/or inedible product.
- Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies.
- Keep accurate records of products produced and materials used.
- Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.
- Tasks will vary as situations and demands change; the lead/foreman/supervisor will assign tasks as necessary.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field. Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field. Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.
Preferred:
- Associate degree in a related technology field
- One year of experience in a distribution center
- One year of training experience or a combination of education and experience
- ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) experience
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:
- Proven attention to detail demonstrated in a fast-paced environment.
- Good math and accounting skills
- Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to communicate professionally with people at all levels.
- Problem solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, and facilitation, presentation, and employee motivational skills.
Additional Information
The starting rate for this role is $23.42-$29.28 hourly. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative

Company Description
At Link Snacks, we show up hungry, roll up our sleeves, plaid or otherwise, and dive straight into the hard work. We don’t hide from challenges; we hunt them down. We push harder, move faster, and take the kinds of big swings that built this business in the North Woods of Wisconsin four decades ago.
We’re everyday people who deliver extraordinary results. Innovation, creativity, and urgency aren’t buzzwords, they’re expectations. And just like the real protein snacks we make across our global house of brands—Jack Link’s®, Lorissa’s Kitchen®, Golden Island®, BiFi®, and Peperami® to name a few—there’s nothing artificial about us. What you see is exactly what you get: humble, gritty, passionate people who show up every day ready to not just be a participant in the meat snack industry that the Link Family created, but to move faster, innovate harder and keep raising the bar so high, the rest of the world needs a ladder just to see it.
Dominating this space across the world takes a team. A team that runs together, succeeds together, and celebrates together. A team that’s full of relentless energy and spirit that can only be fueled by one thing: a fist full of our delicious meat snacks.
Real Meat Protein. Real People. Real Results. THAT is Link Snacks.
We offer:
- Steady, predictable shifts
- A passionate team
- Strong family values
- Career opportunities with a goal to promote from within
- Competitive pay including a bonus plan
- Great benefits including a medical plan, dental plan and vision plan
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and holiday pay
- Discounted product
Job Description
Hours: Friday-Sunday, 5:30 am - 6 pm
The role of the Maintenance – Automation Technician is responsible for making sure all automated machines are running effectively. Stopping production when machines are not running effectively, troubleshooting the problem, and finding the solutions quickly. Maintenance/Automation Technician should have extensive knowledge on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and a working knowledge of PLC’s. This position will be carried out in accordance with all company policies and procedures.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The duties and responsibilities of this position shall consist of, but not be limited to, the following:
- Load product into machines as needed to get ready for startup.
- Set up lines correctly.
- Operate auto-palletizing robot.
- Ensure cartoner, case erector, and robotic palletizer are operating effectively.
- Follow good manufacturing practices and HACCP training, along with company SOP’s.
- Manage start-up to make sure equipment is in proper operating condition.
- Perform necessary checks at start of shift and at each new product change over; document on paperwork, code date, correct label, upper/lower film, etc.
- Move and install plant machinery and equipment as needed.
- Perform preventative maintenance on all plant machinery and equipment as scheduled.
- Ability to give detailed descriptions related to troubleshooting and repair of equipment on a PC based system.
- Extensive experience with pneumatics, hydraulics, electrical, electronic equipment.
- Ensure product conforms to specifications.
- Ensure products are correctly labeled and identified for proper disposition.
- Prevent/minimize rework and/or inedible product.
- Monitor workflow to maximize machine output efficiencies.
- Keep accurate records of products produced and materials used.
- Suggest improvements; continuously improve the quality of all support activities.
- Tasks will vary as situations and demands change; the lead/foreman/supervisor will assign tasks as necessary.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as necessary.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field. Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.
Qualifications
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Required Education: Some college level training in Electronics Technology or similar technical field. Combination of experience and skilled trade’s programs or military training.
Preferred:
- Associate degree in a related technology field
- One year of experience in a distribution center
- One year of training experience or a combination of education and experience
- ASRS (Automated Storage and Retrieval System) experience
REQUIRED SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE and ABILITIES:
- Proven attention to detail demonstrated in a fast-paced environment.
- Good math and accounting skills
- Proficient in Internet navigation, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Ability to communicate professionally with people at all levels.
- Problem solving skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Must demonstrate effective leadership, problem solving, and facilitation, presentation, and employee motivational skills.
Additional Information
The starting rate for this role is $23.42-$29.28 hourly. Actual salaries will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. Base pay is just one component of Jack Link’s Total Rewards package for Team Members. Other rewards may include annual incentive and program-specific awards. Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative
Automation Job Roles in Iowa
See all 17+ Automation Jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Automation Jobs in IowaAutomation Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for automation roles in Iowa?
John Deere is one of Iowa's most active visa sponsors for automation and controls engineering roles, particularly at its Waterloo and Ankeny facilities. Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids sponsors engineers in systems automation. Smaller manufacturers and agricultural equipment firms, including Vermeer Corporation in Pella, have also filed H-1B petitions for automation-related positions. Sponsorship activity is concentrated in manufacturing and precision agriculture technology.
Which visa types are most common for automation roles in Iowa?
The H-1B visa is the most common pathway for automation engineers and controls specialists in Iowa, as most roles require at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify for the TN visa under the USMCA, which covers engineers without a lottery. Australians may be eligible for the E-3 visa.
Which cities in Iowa have the most automation sponsorship jobs?
The Quad Cities metro area (including Davenport) has the highest concentration of automation sponsorship activity, driven by John Deere's manufacturing operations. Cedar Rapids is the next strongest market, anchored by Collins Aerospace and several food processing facilities. Des Moines is growing in automation roles tied to logistics and data center infrastructure. Waterloo and Ames also see consistent demand, with Iowa State University nearby supplying engineering talent pipelines.
How to find automation visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters automation jobs specifically by visa sponsorship, so you can search Iowa postings without sorting through roles that won't support international candidates. The platform surfaces positions from manufacturers, agricultural technology firms, and engineering employers across the state. Focusing your search on the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo will return the highest volume of automation sponsorship openings from Iowa-based employers.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for automation job seekers pursuing visa sponsorship?
Iowa's automation hiring is heavily tied to agricultural equipment manufacturing cycles, so demand can be seasonal and tied to industry output. Iowa State University in Ames produces a strong pipeline of engineering graduates, meaning employers are familiar with sponsoring international students on OPT before transitioning to H-1B. Prevailing wage requirements are set at the metropolitan area level, so wages for automation roles differ between the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines markets.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored automation jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
See which automation employers are hiring and sponsoring visas in Iowa right now.
Search Automation Jobs in Iowa