Factory Automation ME

ISU Research Park; Ankeny, Northern (IA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ISU Research Park seeks a Factory Automation Engineer for Des Moines Works in Des Moines, IA to design, integrate, and implement automated solutions across the manufacturing floor. You will safeguard electrical systems and optimize performance through PLC/HMI programming and MES/SCADA connectivity.

Under the guidance of senior engineers, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, reliable operation of factory automation, resolve downtime quickly, and pursue continuous

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience designing and updating electrical systems, schematics, and control programs for machines, tooling, and equipment.
• Familiarity with MES/SCADA platforms such as SAP-MES, JDAAT, or Ignition, including process control, scheduling, and shop floor device connectivity.
• Ability to integrate and network shop floor machines and tooling into MES and PLC systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Proven ability to respond effectively to production downtime events, providing timely technical support to minimize impact on operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical design principles, relevant codes, and engineering tools, with a strong commitment to safety protocols.
• Experience using electrical drafting software and maintaining accurate documentation of system changes and configurations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to contribute effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work independently, and follow through on commitments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Design, integrate, and implement automated solutions across the manufacturing floor.
• Maintain and improve electrical systems, and program PLC/HMI systems.
• Establish connectivity with MES/SCADA systems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams and report to senior engineers.
• Support downtime troubleshooting and rapid issue resolution.

Skills

Electrical design

Schematic design

Control programs

MES/SCADA

PLC programming

HMI programming

Electrical drafting

Documentation

Safety protocols

Cross-functional collaboration

Downtime response

Education

Electrical Engineering

Controls/Computer Engineering

Tools

SAP-MES

Ignition

JDAAT

Job description

As a Factory Automation Engineer at Des Moines Works located in Des Moines, IA , you will support the design, integration, and implementation of automated solutions across the manufacturing floor. This role involves maintaining and improving electrical systems, programming PLC/HMI systems, and establishing connectivity with MES/SCADA systems. You will work under the guidance of senior engineers and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable, safe, and efficient operation of factory automation systems. Success in this role requires a strong technical aptitude, a high level of safety awareness, effective communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing learning

VISA Sponsorship is NOT available for this position

What Skills You Need

• Hands-on experience designing and updating electrical systems, schematics, and control programs for machines, tooling, and equipment.
• Familiarity with MES/SCADA platforms such as SAP-MES, JDAAT, or Ignition, including process control, scheduling, and shop floor device connectivity.
• Ability to integrate and network shop floor machines and tooling into MES and PLC systems to ensure seamless operation.
• Proven ability to respond effectively to production downtime events, providing timely technical support to minimize impact on operations.
• Working knowledge of electrical design principles, relevant codes, and engineering tools, with a strong commitment to safety protocols.
• Experience using electrical drafting software and maintaining accurate documentation of system changes and configurations.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to contribute effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize work independently, and follow through on commitments with minimal supervision.
• Demonstrated problem-solving ability and adaptability in dynamic manufacturing environments.

What Makes You Stand Out

• Proficiency in PLC and computer programming, including Structured Query Language (SQL), and the ability to develop and maintain human-machine interfaces (HMI).
• Experience with engineering tools, systems, and databases used in factory automation environments.
• Background in PLC and/or PC programming, including troubleshooting and optimization.
• Knowledge of Ethernet and IO-Link network communication protocols and hardware configurations.
• Exposure to moderate to large-scale project management, including planning, coordination, and issue resolution.
• Ability to lead or support intermediate-level controls engineering tasks, including coordination with external design professionals and contractors.
• Initiative to identify improvement opportunities and contribute to continuous process enhancements.

Education

Ideally you will have a degree or equivalent related work experience in the following:

Degree or experience in Electrical, Controls, Computer Engineering, or related fields.