Project Engineer - Control Systems

River Cities Engineering; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Flex spending plan

401(k) with matching

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Bereavement pay

Apparel allowance

Job summary

River Cities Engineering in Davenport, IA, is seeking a Project Engineer to support electrical and control system projects from concept to commissioning. You’ll design automation solutions, provide technical oversight during construction, and ensure safe, compliant, on-time delivery to clients.

The role requires an associate degree in electrical engineering technology, 1+ year of experience, and hands-on PLC/HMI/SCADA skills.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology required; ABET-accredited BSEE/BSME preferred.
• 1+ year of beginner/intermediate experience in electrical and control systems engineering.
• Familiarity with NEC/NFPA 70, NFPA 70E, IEC and OSHA safety standards.
• Strong verbal and written communication, detail-oriented, able to work independently.
• Experience with PLCs, HMIs, and common control hardware.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop electrical and control systems for industrial automation.
• Create and review schematics, control logic, and specifications.
• Program and implement PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, and other components.
• Support project planning by defining scope, schedules, and budgets; track progress.
• Identify risks, assist troubleshooting, and implement mitigations to stay on schedule.
• Maintain project documentation and ensure safety/compliance on jobsites.

Skills

Electrical controls

PLC programming

HMI development

SCADA systems

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology

ABET-accredited BSEE/BSME preferred

Tools

PLC programming software

HMI development tools

SCADA software

Job description

About River Cities Engineering

River Cities Engineering (RCE) designs and delivers electrical and control system solutions for industrial clients. We value safety, quality, and practical problem-solving—and we support a collaborative environment where people can grow their skills while delivering great work.

About the role

The Project Engineer supports the successful execution of electrical and control system projects—from concept through commissioning. You’ll help design and implement automation solutions, provide technical oversight during construction and installation, and work with project teams to deliver safe, compliant, high-quality results on schedule and within budget.

What you’ll do

• Design and develop electrical and control systems for industrial automation, robotics, and manufacturing applications.
• Create and review schematics, control logic, and technical specifications in accordance with applicable codes and standards.
• Program and implement PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, and other automation components.
• Support project planning and execution by helping define scope, schedules, and budgets; track progress; and communicate status to internal teams and clients.
• Identify risks and issues, assist with troubleshooting, and help implement mitigation plans to support on-time delivery.
• Help establish and follow quality control processes; test control systems for functionality and reliability; and resolve technical issues as they arise.
• Engage with clients to gather requirements, provide updates, and support change requests.
• Maintain accurate project documentation (specifications, user manuals, as-built drawings, etc.).
• Follow company policies and applicable safety, health, and regulatory requirements; promote safe work practices on jobsites.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What we’re looking for

• Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (or equivalent experience) required; BSEE/BSME from an ABET-accredited university preferred.
• 1+ year of beginner/intermediate experience in electrical and control systems engineering preferred.
• Working knowledge of controls engineering, including control system design and implementation.
• Working knowledge of PLC programming, HMI development, and common control hardware.
• Familiarity with relevant codes/standards and safety regulations (e.g., NEC/NFPA 70,
• NFPA 70E, IEC) and OSHA requirements related to electrical construction.
• Previous experience with industrial electrical construction projects preferred.
• Ability to operate a computer and common business software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, analytical/problem-solving ability, and attention to detail; able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to accurately identify and distinguish between color-coded electrical wires (safety essential).
• Ability to understand and apply job-related instructions and materials in English, with or without reasonable accommodation or through an approved translation method, as required for safe and effective job performance; basic reading, writing, and arithmetic proficiency required.
• All duties are to be performed in accordance with company policies and in compliance with applicable equal opportunity, health, and safety regulations.

Work environment & physical requirements

This role involves office and jobsite work. With or without reasonable accommodation, you must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including:

• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds.
• Bending, kneeling, squatting, stooping, crawling, climbing, pushing, pulling, balancing, and reaching overhead.
• Working in confined spaces and at elevated heights.
• Working in hot, cold, or inclement weather and in environments with dirt, dust, debris, and/or fumes.
• Sitting, standing, and moving for extended periods of time.
• Working in environments with typical noise levels of approximately 80–95 dBA (PPE will be provided and may be required).

Schedule, travel, and location

• Full-time, onsite at our Davenport, IA location (remote work is not available for this role).
• Overtime, weekends, nights, and holidays may be required based on business needs.
• Travel to job sites may be required, including overnight stays.

Benefits

• Medical
• dental
• vision
• life insurance
• short-term and long-term disability coverage
• flexible spending plan
• 401(k) plus matching
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• paid bereavement
• company apparel allowance
• Relocation will not be provided for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

River Cities Engineering is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law.