Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa Career Overview

As an Industrial Controls Technician, you play a vital role in ensuring efficient and reliable operation of automated systems in various industries, including manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Your responsibilities include:

  • Design and Implementation: You will be involved in designing and implementing control systems that govern machinery and processes, contributing to streamlined operations and improved production efficiency.

  • System Maintenance: Regular maintenance and troubleshooting of control systems are essential parts of your job. You ensure that systems operate smoothly, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

  • Performance Optimization: Analyzing system performance data allows you to make informed decisions about upgrades and enhancements, ensuring that machinery and processes remain at peak efficiency.

  • Collaboration with Teams: Working closely with engineers and other technicians, you contribute your expertise to projects and initiatives that improve manufacturing processes, demonstrating the importance of teamwork in achieving organizational goals.

  • Compliance and Safety Standards: You help maintain compliance with industry regulations and safety standards. This aspect of your role is significant in protecting both workers and the environment.

  • Adaptation to New Technologies: The evolution of control systems requires you to stay current with technological innovations, integrating new tools and systems to meet the changing demands of the industry.

Your contributions as an Industrial Controls Technician are essential for the smooth operation of critical processes, influencing productivity, safety, and operational excellence across various industrial sectors.

Industrial Controls Technician Salary in Iowa

Annual Median: $65,300
Hourly Median: $31.39

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa

To become an Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa, you will need to pursue relevant educational programs that provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills. Consider the following degree options:

  • Automation Engineering Technology

    • This program focuses on the design and implementation of automated systems, covering components such as sensors, control systems, and programming.

  • Electromechanical Engineering

    • This field combines electrical and mechanical engineering principles. You will study the integration of electrical systems with mechanical devices, providing a strong foundation for working with industrial control mechanisms.

  • Industrial Electronics Technology

    • This program delves into electronic systems and technologies used in industrial settings, including circuit design, robotics, and process control systems.

  • Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology

    • This degree covers a broad range of topics, including electrical principles, electronic systems, and communication technologies. It prepares you for various roles within industrial control environments.

  • Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology

    • This program emphasizes the principles of mechanical systems and equipment maintenance. You will learn about the maintenance and troubleshooting of industrial machinery, which is vital for the role of an Industrial Controls Technician.

In addition to formal education, you may also benefit from hands-on training or internships during your studies to gain practical experience in the field.

Best Schools to become a Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa 2024

#1Etowah County

Gadsden State Community College

Gadsden, AL

In-State Tuition:$4,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,000
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:25%
Total Enrollment:4,352
#2Floyd County

Georgia Northwestern Technical College

Rome, GA

In-State Tuition:$2,400
Out-of-State Tuition:$4,800
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:6,141
#3Hardin County

Elizabethtown Community and Technical College

Elizabethtown, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:42%
Total Enrollment:5,648
#4Fayette County

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

Lexington, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:35%
Total Enrollment:10,318
#5Daviess County

Owensboro Community and Technical College

Owensboro, KY

In-State Tuition:$4,368
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,288
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:47%
Total Enrollment:4,621
#6Wayne County

MIAT College of Technology

Canton, MI

In-State Tuition:$14,678
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,678
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:61%
Total Enrollment:1,303
Industrial Controls Technician Job Description:
  • Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Industrial Controls Technician Required Skills and Competencies in Iowa

  • Technical Proficiency: You should demonstrate a strong understanding of industrial control systems, including PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers), SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), and HMI (Human-Machine Interface) systems.

  • Troubleshooting Skills: Your ability to quickly identify and resolve issues within control systems is essential. This includes diagnosing faults in electrical and control circuits, as well as software problems.

  • Electrical Knowledge: A solid foundation in electrical theory, including circuit design, power distribution, and safety protocols, is necessary to ensure safe and effective operation of equipment.

  • Programming Skills: Familiarity with programming languages and software related to control systems (such as ladder logic, structured text, and C) is critical for developing and modifying control strategies.

  • Attention to Detail: You should be meticulous in your work, ensuring that all installations and repairs are completed accurately to prevent errors that could lead to equipment failure.

  • Communication Skills: Effective communication with team members, engineers, and maintenance personnel is vital for conveying complex technical information clearly and collaborating on problem-solving efforts.

  • Analytical Skills: Your ability to analyze data and performance metrics allows you to make informed decisions and recommendations for improvements in control system efficiency and effectiveness.

  • Project Management: Skills in managing timelines, resources, and priorities are important when working on projects involving the installation or upgrade of control systems.

  • Adaptability: Be prepared to adjust to new technologies and industry changes, keeping your skills relevant in a fast-evolving field.

  • Safety Awareness: Understanding and adhering to workplace safety protocols is critical to maintaining a safe working environment, particularly when working with high-voltage systems and machinery.

  • Collaboration Skills: Working effectively within multidisciplinary teams helps in addressing complex control system challenges and achieving project goals collectively.

Job Duties for Industrial Controls Technicians

  • Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.

  • Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.

  • Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.

Technologies and Skills Used by Industrial Controls Technicians

Electronic mail software

  • Email software

Facilities management software

  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Maintenance management software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Technical

  • Repairing machines or systems using the right tools
  • Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working

Job Market and Opportunities for Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa

The job market for Industrial Controls Technicians in Iowa is currently characterized by strong demand and promising growth prospects.

  • Demand: There is a robust need for skilled technicians as industries increasingly rely on automation and advanced control systems. The sectors contributing to this demand include manufacturing, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy. Companies seek technicians who can maintain and troubleshoot complex control systems to ensure operational efficiency.

  • Growth Potential: The growth of the industrial sector in Iowa, driven by modernization and innovation, is expected to create more job opportunities in the future. The ongoing trend towards automation and smart manufacturing will likely result in higher demand for professionals who specialize in industrial control systems. This technical expertise is critical as companies strive to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Des Moines: As the capital and one of the largest cities in Iowa, Des Moines boasts a diverse industrial base, including manufacturing and technology firms that require skilled Industrial Controls Technicians.
    • Cedar Rapids: Home to several major employers in the manufacturing and technology sectors, Cedar Rapids offers numerous job opportunities for technicians specializing in controls and automation.
    • Davenport and the Quad Cities: This region is known for its advanced manufacturing facilities and hosts companies that actively seek skilled labor in industrial controls.
    • Sioux City: With a growing industrial landscape, Sioux City presents opportunities, particularly in food processing and manufacturing.

Overall, the prospects for Industrial Controls Technicians in Iowa are favorable, reflecting both immediate and long-term employment opportunities across a variety of industries.

Top Related Careers to Industrial Controls Technician 2024

Electronic Maintenance Technician
Instrumentation and Electrical Technician
Automation Repair Specialist
Process Control Technician

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa

  • National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

    • Offers certification programs for technicians in various fields, including industrial controls.
    • Website: NICET

  • International Society of Automation (ISA)

    • A professional organization that provides education and resources for automation professionals.
    • Website: ISA

  • Automation Federation

    • Represents the automation profession and provides resources for education and networking.
    • Website: Automation Federation

  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)

    • Focuses on the development of mechanical engineering standards, which may be relevant for industrial controls.
    • Website: ASME

  • Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)

    • A leading organization in the electrical engineering field, offering resources for professional development.
    • Website: IEEE

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

    • Provides guidelines and regulations for maintaining safety in industrial environments.
    • Website: OSHA

  • Iowa State University - College of Engineering

  • Kirkwood Community College - Industrial Technology Programs

    • Provides technical training and certifications in various industrial fields, including industrial controls.
    • Website: Kirkwood Community College

  • Manufacturer’s Association of Iowa

    • Represents Iowa’s manufacturing community and offers networking and educational opportunities.
    • Website: MAI

  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Offers online courses on industrial automation, control systems, and related topics to help you advance your skills.
    • Website: LinkedIn Learning

  • Books and Publications

    • “Industrial Automation: Circuit Design and Components” by David D. G. H. W. Leung
    • “Control Systems Engineering” by Norman S. Nise

Utilize these resources to further your knowledge and skills in the field of industrial controls, allowing you to stay updated with industry standards and advancements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Industrial Controls Technician in Iowa

  • What is an Industrial Controls Technician?
    An Industrial Controls Technician specializes in the installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of automated control systems used in manufacturing and industrial processes. This includes tools like PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems.

  • What kind of education do I need to become an Industrial Controls Technician?
    You generally need an associate degree in industrial technology, electronics, or a related field. Many programs offer coursework that covers control systems, circuit analysis, and instrumentation, which are vital for this role.

  • Is certification important for an Industrial Controls Technician?
    While not mandatory, certification can enhance your job prospects. Certifications, such as those offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA) or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the field.

  • What skills are essential for this role?
    Key skills include:

    • Proficiency in electrical and electronic systems
    • Programming and troubleshooting PLCs
    • Familiarity with robotics and automation tools
    • Strong problem-solving abilities
    • Good communication and teamwork skills

  • What industries employ Industrial Controls Technicians?
    Industrial Controls Technicians can find employment across various sectors including manufacturing, energy, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals. Any field that employs automation and control systems may require your expertise.

  • What does a typical day look like for an Industrial Controls Technician?
    Your daily tasks may include:

    • Conducting inspections and routine maintenance on control systems
    • Diagnosing system issues and performing repairs
    • Collaborating with engineers to optimize system performance
    • Updating and documenting system configurations
    • Training operators on equipment use and safety

  • What is the job outlook for Industrial Controls Technicians in Iowa?
    The job outlook for Industrial Controls Technicians is positive, with steady demand driven by the growing reliance on automation and the need for skilled technicians to maintain these systems.

  • How much can I expect to earn as an Industrial Controls Technician?
    Salaries for Industrial Controls Technicians in Iowa can vary based on experience and industry. Entry-level positions may start around $45,000, while experienced technicians can earn upwards of $70,000 to $80,000 annually.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career?
    Yes, there are opportunities for career advancement. You can move into supervisory or management roles, specialized areas such as system design, or even transition into related fields like engineering.

  • What should I do to stay updated in this field?
    Continuous education is important in this rapidly evolving field. Consider attending workshops, enrolling in courses on new technologies, and participating in relevant professional organizations to stay current with industry trends and advancements.