Controls Engineer II

Day & Zimmermann; Middletown (IA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 114,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision coverage

Life and disability insurance

Paid maternity and parental leave

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

American Ordnance, a Day & Zimmermann Company, invites a Controls Engineer II to design, program, and optimize PLCs and SCADA systems for production automation. You will collaborate with process owners to improve uptime, throughput, and quality while maintaining safety and regulatory compliance.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Engineering, 2+ years of experience, and PLC/HMI skills. Expect on-site work with strong cross‑functional teamwork and opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Electrical, Computer, or Automation focus) required
• 2+ years engineering experience required
• PLC and HMI experience required
• Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or passport for federal compliance
• Background screening and ability to work in a team environment are essential

Responsibilities

• Design, troubleshoot, and program automated equipment; document solutions and provide controls support
• Collaborate with process owners to improve uptime and throughput
• Develop user‑friendly controls and equipment to reduce scrap through automation
• Coordinate with maintenance personnel and outside services
• Direct and supervise on-site technicians where needed

Skills

Technical problem solving

Reading diagrams

Root cause analysis

Microsoft Office

Systems integration

Education

BA/BS in Engineering

Tools

PLC

SCADA

HMI

Job description

About American Ordnance

At American Ordnance, we know the stakes and We do what we say! We’re the team working behind the scenes to make sure our nation’s front lines have safe, high-quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer of ammunition to the U.S. Military, some of our capabilities range from production of direct and indirect fire, warheads, to special projects and beyond. With more than 70 years of experience and Day & Zimmermann behind us, it’s no surprise that our teams consistently exceed expectations. Come join in on our purpose – We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world! https://aollc.biz

About American Ordnance

At American Ordnance, we know the stakes and We do what we say! We’re the team working behind the scenes to make sure our nation’s front lines have safe, high-quality ammunition. As a trusted premier manufacturer of ammunition to the U.S. Military, some of our capabilities range from production of direct and indirect fire, warheads, to special projects and beyond. With more than 70 years of experience and Day & Zimmermann behind us, it’s no surprise that our teams consistently exceed expectations. Come join in on our purpose – We put people to work, we protect American freedoms, and we help our customers power and improve the world! https://aollc.biz

Power the Future of Automation as a Controls Engineer II!

If you're passionate about automation, thrive on solving complex challenges, and love seeing your ideas come to life, this is the opportunity for you! As a Controls Engineer II at Day & Zimmermann, you'll design, program, and optimize PLCs, SCADA systems, and automated equipment that keep our operations running at their best. Every day brings a new opportunity to improve processes, reduce downtime, and collaborate with a talented team to build smarter, more efficient solutions. If you're ready to make a real impact while growing your engineering career, we'd love to connect with you!

As a Controls Engineer II, here's the work you'll do:

• Design, troubleshoot, and program automated equipment. Document solutions and provide technical controls support across the installation.
• Work in close support with process owners to design, build and maintain user friendly controls and equipment to increase production line uptime, product throughput and reduce scrap through automation.
• Find solutions to better utilize the existing equipment and tools to improve throughput. Reduce downtime by identifying and resolving issues in the production process and equipment.
• Limited scope of project management
• Direct the work of maintenance personnel and outside services.

This role is for you if you have these skills:

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, and complex diagrams. Ability to write routine correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before employees of the organization.
• Must have ability to specify and build control systems. Knowledge in PLC or other automated system. SCADA experience desirable.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple duties simultaneously. Apply logical thinking to determine root cause of problems with automated processes.
• Knowledge in Microsoft Office Software. Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Ability with interfacing and integrating multiple systems and platforms in automated processes.

And These Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Arts/Sciences (BA/BS) in Engineering, Engineering Technology or related field; prefer Electrical Engineer, Computer Engineer or Automation focus. Required
• 2+ years Engineering experience. Required
• PLC and HMI experience Required.
• Must possess a valid REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, which includes the gold or black star in the upper corner OR current passport indicating it is federally compliant.
• Successful completion of a background screening process is mandated for all candidates.
• A positive attitude and the ability to collaborate with team members is essential for contributing to a cohesive work environment.

Candidates may be required to satisfy additional job-related requirements, including those established and controlled by third parties, as part of the selection process.

In compliance with this state’s pay transparency laws, the salary range for this role is $76,080 to $114,120.

We care about our employee's and it shows!

Our staff receive a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package which includes medical/Rx, dental and vision coverage; life, AD&D and disability insurance; flexible spending accounts; 100% paid maternity leave for up to 12 weeks, parental leave, family leave, other paid time off; voluntary benefits and discount programs to meet our employees’ individual needs including pet insurance for our furry family members.

To Ensure a Safe Work Environment While Meeting The Physical Demands Of The Job, You Must Be Able To Perform The Following Physical And Mental Tasks, With Or Without a Reasonable Accommodation

• Visual acuity (e.g., needed to prepare and analyze data, to transcribe documents, to view a computer, to read, to inspect objects, to operate machinery
• Pushing or pulling (e.g., using a part of your body to press against something in a downward or outward direction, or in a dragging or hauling motion)
• Balancing (e.g., maintaining equilibrium when walking, climbing, crouching etc.)
• Manual Dexterity (e.g., picking, pinching, typing, or other working that uses the fingers)
• Stooping (e.g., bending the spine at the waist)
• Grasping (e.g., use of hand to apply pressure)
• Reaching (e.g., reaching the arms or legs in any direction)
• Feeling (e.g., perceiving an object’s size, shape, texture etc.)
• Lifting motion or lifting objects more than 10 pounds
• Climbing (e.g., ascending/descending ladders, stair, scaffolding, ramps, pole etc. using feet and legs or hands/arms to climb)
• Walking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motions of any part of the body
• Talking
• Kneeling, crouching or crawling
• Capacity to think, concentrate and focus over long periods of time
• Ability to write complex documents in the [English] language
• Ability to read complex documents in [English] language
• Capacity to reason and make sound decisions
• Ability to wear a mask, respirator, bullet proof vest, or other equipment
• Ability to regularly perform all job functions at Company’s office or work site
• Ability to withstand environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat or cold, grass, wind, sand, fumes, odors, gases, extreme noise, etc.)

Ready to join our mission? We're eager to connect with you!

• Talent Acquisition Partner: Fantasia Jacobs-Fuller

Diversity, Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity

American Ordnance, a Day & Zimmermann Company, is an Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V. Diversity, and Inclusion & Equal Employment Opportunity: American Ordnance is committed to maintaining an inclusive workforce, where employees are hired, retained, compensated and promoted based on their contributions to our Company. Our collective strength is rooted in over 110 years of diverse employees and businesses, commitment to success, and delivery on promises made. Federal and state Equal Employment Opportunity laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status and disability status. American Ordnance is committed to providing an equal opportunity work environment in full compliance with these laws. If you are an individual with a disability and you require an accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail].