Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Embedded Software Engineer jobs in Iowa are in steady demand, concentrated in defense electronics, agricultural technology, and industrial automation, with openings at every level from junior firmware developer to principal systems engineer. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City are the primary hiring metros, home to established employers such as Collins Aerospace, John Deere, and Rockwell Collins. The most sought-after specialties include real-time operating systems, FPGA programming, and CAN bus protocols for agricultural and defense platforms. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Date Posted:
2026-11-10Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearanceSecurity Clearance Type:
DoD Clearance: SecretSecurity Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required after day 1
Job Description
Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full-time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX.
Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.
As a Software Engineer on our team, you will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded software solutions. You will also have opportunities to collaborate with experts across other disciplines, including hardware, systems, and FPGA engineering.
What You Will Do
- You will be a part of a team that is developing new and innovative products for our customers’ mission.
- You will face and conquer challenges across a wide range of complex and interesting problem domains.
- You will develop your skills with software application tools and languages such as Rust, C ++, and Python.
- You will impact the team positively by demonstrating your ability to implement and test software solutions.
- You will have opportunities to learn about cryptography, waveform & networking protocols, embedded devices, DevSecOps, command & control, project engineering
What You Will Learn
- You will gain experience working with an agile team.
- You will gain experience in the full software development lifecycle.
- You can take flight to the next level of your career by becoming a subject matter expert
Qualifications You Must Have
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained by start date.
Experience may be obtained through on-the-job experience, research, coursework, or projects.
What We Offer
- Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.
- Relocation Eligibility
Learn More & Apply Now!
Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role.
- Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.
As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.
The salary range for this role is 57,200 USD - 108,800 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.
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See All 32 Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsEmbedded Software Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Embedded Software Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Collins Aerospace11

- BAE Systems USA5

- John Deere3

- Quest Defense3

- RFA Engineering3
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in embedded software engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science required
- Proficiency in C or C++ for bare-metal and RTOS-based embedded development
- Experience with microcontroller families such as ARM Cortex, AVR, or PIC
- Familiarity with communication protocols including CAN bus, SPI, I2C, and UART
- Ability to read and interpret hardware schematics and interface with electrical engineers
- Experience with debugging tools including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG interfaces
Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a embedded software engineer in Iowa?
Embedded software engineering in Iowa does not require a state-issued license, so the path runs through education and demonstrated technical skill. Most Iowa employers expect a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or computer science from an accredited program, with strong institutions including Iowa State University and the University of Iowa. Candidates who build a portfolio of firmware projects and earn vendor certifications in tools like ARM or Texas Instruments development environments stand out in competitive Iowa hiring pools.
How much do embedded software engineers make in Iowa?
Embedded software engineers in Iowa earn a median of about $114,890 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $74,390 for the lowest 10% to over $165,880 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire embedded software engineers in Iowa?
Iowa embedded software engineer roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems USA, and John Deere and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's defense, agricultural machinery, and industrial automation sectors consistently drive the strongest embedded hiring volume across the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most embedded software engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Pella are the Iowa cities with the most embedded software engineer openings. Des Moines anchors hiring through aerospace and defense contractors, Cedar Rapids is home to major avionics and electronics manufacturing campuses, and Iowa City benefits from its proximity to university research programs and technology-oriented spin-offs that regularly bring on embedded engineers.
Are there remote embedded software engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, but they're rare. Embedded software engineering is inherently hands-on, requiring regular access to physical hardware, lab equipment, and prototype boards, which limits how much of the work can move fully remote. About 19% of embedded software engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, and those openings tend to concentrate in higher-level firmware architecture or software integration roles where hardware access is less constant.
How can I get hired as a embedded software engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op at an Iowa manufacturer during your degree program, with Iowa State University and the University of Iowa both maintaining placement pipelines into Collins Aerospace and John Deere. Candidates without a degree can target hardware test technician or embedded QA roles at Iowa industrial firms, which routinely convert to junior engineering positions. A GitHub portfolio with documented RTOS or microcontroller projects, along with proficiency in C, makes a strong substitute for formal employment history when applying to entry-level openings.
Where can I find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to embedded software engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your skills and preferred location, and apply directly to whichever positions fit.
See All 32 Embedded Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
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