Engineer I

Engineer I

Iowa State University's Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (IMSE) is seeking an Engineer I to support the operation and instruction of industrial automation and Industry 4.0 laboratory equipment. This role combines technical expertise with teaching responsibilities, helping students and faculty apply advanced technologies in both research and classroom settings.

What You'll Do:

In this position, you will maintain, operate, and troubleshoot a variety of industrial automation and Industry 4.0 systems, ensuring the lab is fully functional for research, teaching, and industry collaboration. You'll play an active role in delivering course content, guiding students through hands-on learning experiences, and supporting faculty and industry projects that utilize cutting-edge automation technologies.

Key Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Equipment Management

• Specify, order, and set up laboratory equipment related to industrial automation and Industry 4.0.
• Troubleshoot and maintain equipment such as PLCs, CNC machines, bar coding systems, RFID, robotics, networking hardware, vision systems, data acquisition tools, and 3D printers.
• Prepare laboratory spaces for both teaching and research activities.

Instruction & Student Support

• Deliver course content that teaches students how to use and troubleshoot automation equipment.
• Provide hands-on instruction during lab sessions.
• Mentor and support students in applying industry-standard practices to lab projects.

Research & Industry Collaboration

• Support faculty research projects that incorporate automation and Industry 4.0 technologies.
• Assist with industry projects, providing technical expertise and equipment operation support.

About the Department:

The Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering (IMSE) Department offers B.S., MEng, M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial Engineering, as well as M.Eng. programs in Systems Engineering and Engineering Management. IMSE enrolls approximately 400 undergraduates and 150 graduate students. The graduate program ranks among the top 25 nationally (18th among public universities) according to U.S. News & World Report. IMSE maintains over $4 million in annual research expenditures and recently moved into the $70 million Therkildsen Industrial Engineering Building, a 72,000-square-foot facility dedicated to teaching, research, and outreach.

Additional Information:

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working directly with technology while also mentoring and teaching the next generation of engineers. You'll be part of a collaborative department that values innovation, applied learning, and industry partnerships.

What We Offer – Exceptional Benefits

• Work/Life Balance: Iowa State University was voted Best Place for Working Parents 2025!

• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave: 24 vacation days, 18 sick days, and 11 paid holidays.

• Health Insurance Options: Including dental and vision coverage.

• Retirement Plans with Employer Contributions

• Tuition Reimbursement and Professional Development Support

• Wellness Programs and Work-Life Resources: Including mental health and counseling support.

Residency Requirement:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

Appointment Type: Regular

Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12 Month Work Period

Time Type: Full time

Pay Grade: PS809

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
• Life insurance and long-term disability
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellbeing program