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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
TPI Composites is seeking an experienced and results-driven Automation Engineer to lead automation initiatives and engineering projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems while providing technical leadership across engineering and operations teams.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing processes, along with a proven track record of successfully managing projects and driving continuous improvement within a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead engineering and automation projects from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
- Define project scope, objectives, milestones, staffing requirements, and timelines to support business and customer objectives.
- Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets while effectively managing resources and expenditures.
- Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to leadership, project teams, and customers.
- Coordinate staffing and project support activities with internal departments and external resources.
- Prepare and oversee project deliverables, design documentation, technical specifications, and bid packages.
- Assign and direct project team members through various phases of design, testing, implementation, and startup activities.
Automation & Manufacturing Support
- Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation solutions to improve manufacturing processes and operational efficiency.
- Support industrial control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, sensors, and related automation technologies.
- Design and support tooling, fixtures, and equipment utilizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
- Troubleshoot equipment, controls, and process-related issues while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Support equipment startup, commissioning, testing, validation, and ongoing operational performance.
- Drive process improvements that increase productivity, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.
Engineering & Technical Responsibilities
- Review engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and documentation for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
- Coordinate technical activities related to product development, scheduling, testing, and manufacturing support.
- Evaluate and approve engineering changes, drawing revisions, and technical specifications.
- Maintain accurate engineering records, reports, and project documentation.
- Prepare interim and final project reports for management and stakeholders.
- Partner with customers, vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure project requirements and expectations are achieved.
- Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and operations teams.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in automation engineering, manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, industrial automation, or a related technical role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience leading engineering or automation projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong working knowledge of industrial control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, sensors, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
- Strong troubleshooting, project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities with the capability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with robotic automation systems, automated manufacturing equipment, and capital project execution, including equipment installations, commissioning, and process optimization initiatives.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software, with the ability to develop, review, and modify engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma methodologies, with a demonstrated ability to identify and implement operational improvements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply technical drawings, engineering specifications, electrical schematics, technical manuals, regulations, and work instructions in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
- Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and root cause analysis skills involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated manufacturing systems.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical information and recommendations to leadership, customers, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, engineering software applications, and data analysis tools.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Working knowledge of engineering mathematics, statistical analysis, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to manufacturing, automation, and process improvement.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Significant presence on the manufacturing floor is required to support production, troubleshooting, automation systems, and project execution.
- Capable of standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, and moving throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
- Comfortable working safely around industrial machinery, moving equipment, elevated platforms, and active production environments.
- Available to support off-shift work, weekends, plant shutdowns, and other critical operational activities when required.
- Willing to work additional hours as necessary to meet project timelines and operational objectives.
WHY JOIN TPI?
At TPI Composites, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing performance through automation, innovation, and continuous improvement. You'll work alongside talented professionals, lead meaningful projects, and play a key role in advancing world-class manufacturing operations while building a rewarding and challenging career.
INTRODUCTION
TPI Composites is seeking an experienced and results-driven Automation Engineer to lead automation initiatives and engineering projects that improve safety, quality, efficiency, and overall manufacturing performance. This role is responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing systems while providing technical leadership across engineering and operations teams.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in industrial automation, controls, and manufacturing processes, along with a proven track record of successfully managing projects and driving continuous improvement within a fast-paced production environment.
Responsibilities
Project Leadership & Execution
- Lead engineering and automation projects from concept through implementation, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
- Define project scope, objectives, milestones, staffing requirements, and timelines to support business and customer objectives.
- Develop and maintain project schedules and budgets while effectively managing resources and expenditures.
- Monitor project progress and provide regular status updates to leadership, project teams, and customers.
- Coordinate staffing and project support activities with internal departments and external resources.
- Prepare and oversee project deliverables, design documentation, technical specifications, and bid packages.
- Assign and direct project team members through various phases of design, testing, implementation, and startup activities.
Automation & Manufacturing Support
- Design, develop, implement, and optimize automation solutions to improve manufacturing processes and operational efficiency.
- Support industrial control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, sensors, and related automation technologies.
- Design and support tooling, fixtures, and equipment utilizing mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems.
- Troubleshoot equipment, controls, and process-related issues while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Support equipment startup, commissioning, testing, validation, and ongoing operational performance.
- Drive process improvements that increase productivity, reduce downtime, and improve product quality.
Engineering & Technical Responsibilities
- Review engineering designs, drawings, specifications, and documentation for compliance with engineering principles, company standards, and customer requirements.
- Coordinate technical activities related to product development, scheduling, testing, and manufacturing support.
- Evaluate and approve engineering changes, drawing revisions, and technical specifications.
- Maintain accurate engineering records, reports, and project documentation.
- Prepare interim and final project reports for management and stakeholders.
- Partner with customers, vendors, and cross-functional teams to ensure project requirements and expectations are achieved.
- Serve as a technical resource for manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and operations teams.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field, along with a minimum of 5 years of experience in automation engineering, manufacturing engineering, controls engineering, industrial automation, or a related technical role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Proven experience leading engineering or automation projects from concept through implementation.
- Strong working knowledge of industrial control systems, including PLCs, VFDs, HMIs, sensors, and automated manufacturing equipment.
- Experience in a manufacturing or industrial production environment.
- Strong troubleshooting, project management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and collaboration abilities with the capability to work effectively across all levels of the organization.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with robotic automation systems, automated manufacturing equipment, and capital project execution, including equipment installations, commissioning, and process optimization initiatives.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar CAD software, with the ability to develop, review, and modify engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems in manufacturing or industrial environments.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Six Sigma methodologies, with a demonstrated ability to identify and implement operational improvements.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and apply technical drawings, engineering specifications, electrical schematics, technical manuals, regulations, and work instructions in written, verbal, diagram, or schedule form.
- Strong troubleshooting, diagnostic, and root cause analysis skills involving electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic, and automated manufacturing systems.
- Ability to effectively communicate technical information and recommendations to leadership, customers, vendors, and cross-functional teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, engineering software applications, and data analysis tools.
- Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, solve complex problems, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
- Working knowledge of engineering mathematics, statistical analysis, geometry, and trigonometry as applied to manufacturing, automation, and process improvement.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Significant presence on the manufacturing floor is required to support production, troubleshooting, automation systems, and project execution.
- Capable of standing, walking, bending, climbing stairs, and moving throughout the facility for extended periods.
- Able to occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull up to 40 pounds.
- Comfortable working safely around industrial machinery, moving equipment, elevated platforms, and active production environments.
- Available to support off-shift work, weekends, plant shutdowns, and other critical operational activities when required.
- Willing to work additional hours as necessary to meet project timelines and operational objectives.
WHY JOIN TPI?
At TPI Composites, you'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact on manufacturing performance through automation, innovation, and continuous improvement. You'll work alongside talented professionals, lead meaningful projects, and play a key role in advancing world-class manufacturing operations while building a rewarding and challenging career.
Automation Job Roles in Iowa
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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 visa 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.