Controls Engineer
Lincoln Electric · Bettendorf, IA
- Level
- Engineer
- Team
- Controls
- Degree
- Required
- Experience asked
- 2+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 24 days ago
The role in 30 seconds
An engineer-level controls role at Lincoln Electric (industrial) in Bettendorf, IA. Design, debug, and validate safe, reliable PLC and HMI control programs that meet customer and company standards.
- They ask for
- 2+ years · degree required
- Tools it names
- PLC, Robotics, Automation, Machining, Welding, Tooling
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of November 2, 2026
Controls Engineer roles in the US: typical posted base $97k–$140k.
Median of the low and high ends of 300 live postings that list pay, out of 875 controls engineer openings in the US, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
Iowa plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 7 other live controls postings in Iowa.
Skills these teams ask for most
- ✓ Tooling 63%
- ✓ Automation 50%
- ✓ PLC 50%
- ✓ Team leadership 38%
- ✓ Robotics 25%
- ✓ Welding 25%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Controls team at Lincoln Electric
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
Controls Engineer at Lincoln Electric in other locations
Lincoln Electric lists this title in 4 places. Pick the plant you can get to.
- Shelby Township, MI
- Cleveland, OH · $99k–$125k
- Plymouth, MI · $58k–$83k
Full description from Lincoln ElectricAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Key Responsibilities
- ◆Take ownership of control system tasks to ensure successful project execution, on time and within budget
- ◆Design, debug, and validate safe, reliable PLC and HMI control programs that meet customer and company standards
- ◆Collaborate closely with robotic programmers, HMI developers, and mechanical teams to ensure full system functionality
- ◆Debug electrical and mechanical systems during machine build, startup, and commissioning
- ◆Ensure equipment meets internal run-off requirements, safety inspections, and quality standards prior to shipment
- ◆Maintain high equipment quality and support continuous improvement initiatives
- ◆Communicate clearly with project managers and supervisors regarding technical issues, risks, and solutions
- ◆Support on-site startup activities and customer acceptance as required
- ◆Travel as needed to support project execution. Up to 50% possible (25%-30% is normal)
Experience / Skills
- ✓Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field OR Associate’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related discipline with relevant experience
- ✓Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered
- ✓1–2+ years of PLC programming experience in an industrial or automation environment
- ✓Ability to plan, prioritize, and execute daily and weekly engineering tasks
- ✓Proven team player with strong organizational and time-management skills
- ✓Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics
- ✓PLC and machine control programming experience (Rockwell preferred)
- ✓Experience with HMI development, safety systems, and industrial networks
- ✓Working knowledge of electrical troubleshooting and system integration
- ✓Willingness to safely operate fork trucks and overhead cranes
Show full description ↓Show less ↑
Lincoln Electric is a high-performance industrial machinery and technology leader who helps customers manufacture and maintain vital equipment and infrastructure. Lincoln Electric’s innovative solutions enable higher quality and productivity across a variety of processes including welding, cutting, brazing, machining, process automation, and field repair. The Company leverages proprietary technologies and expertise in materials science, power electronics, automation, and intelligent software to help customers build better and achieve resilience in their operations. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Lincoln Electric is the essential ‘Linc’ that keeps the economy running. The Company operates 71 manufacturing and automation facilities across 20 countries and serves customers in over 160 countries. For more information about Lincoln Electric and its products and services, visit the Company’s website at https://www.lincolnelectric.com .
Location: Bettendorf
Function: Manufacturing
Pay Range: ($22.50 / hr - $33.00 / hr)
Target Bonus: 5%
Summary
Lincoln Electric Automation is seeking a Controls Engineer to play a key role in the electrical design, development, and startup of custom automated manufacturing systems. This position supports innovative solutions such as robotic welding cells, advanced tooling and fixtures, and integrated automation equipment used by manufacturers around the world.
If you enjoy hands-on engineering, collaborative problem solving, and seeing complex systems come to life on the plant floor, this role offers a highly visible and rewarding opportunity. This is an on-site position in Bettendorf, IA.
In addition to competitive pay, Lincoln Electric offers a bonus plan, medical/dental/vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and many more outstanding benefits!