Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Principal Engineer jobs in Iowa are steadily active, with demand concentrated in advanced manufacturing, agricultural technology, infrastructure systems, and insurance technology. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are the primary hiring centers, anchored by established employers like John Deere, Collins Aerospace, and Principal Financial Group. The most sought-after specializations include systems engineering, software architecture, and mechanical engineering for industrial applications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Date Posted:
2026-05-29Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. 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 on day 1At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.
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.
We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Principal Electrical or Computer Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and verification of advanced testbenches for a portfolio of high-performance digital ASICs and FPGAs. In this role, you will drive the development of cutting-edge signal processing and information assurance technologies supporting critical Mission Systems programs as part of the Microelectronics Technology team.
What You Will Do
Verification environment architecture and design using SystemVerilog with OVM/UVM
Creation of written test plan, testcases, code coverage tracking, and functional coverage tracking
Testbench development for the verification of RTL blocks using VHDL or SystemVerilog
Recommend new tools and practices for continuous improvement in the group's ASIC / FPGA verification flow
Contribute to engineering estimates for new program pursuits.
Provide technical leadership for project verification teams by breaking down work, planning activities, and reporting status
Qualifications You Must Have
Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance
Demonstrated experience developing and simulating RTL designs using VHDL and/or Verilog in a professional FPGA or ASIC development environment.
Proven ability to design, implement, and execute verification testbenches for RTL blocks using VHDL and/or SystemVerilog.
Working knowledge of chip-level verification methodologies, including constrained-random testing, functional coverage, and assertion-based verification using SystemVerilog.
Experience using revision control systems such as Git or Subversion to manage source code, collaborate across engineering teams, and maintain configuration integrity.
Qualifications We Prefer
Experience with ASIC/FPGA lab validation and debug using standard lab equipment, along with familiarity with DFT, manufacturability, and production test concepts.
Proficiency with Unix/Linux environments, scripting or software development (C, C++, Python, Perl, or shell), and industry-standard ASIC/FPGA simulation and synthesis tools such as QuestaSim, Synplify, Quartus, or Vivado.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively in fast-paced, multidisciplinary engineering environments.
What We Offer
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program
And more!
Learn More & Apply Now!
Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.
- Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to 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.
At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other - propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.
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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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 75 Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Principal Engineer JobsPrincipal Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Collins Aerospace58

- BAE Systems USA10

- NextEra Energy2

- Crystal1

- Dover Corporation1

What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or computer science from an ABET-accredited program required
- Ten or more years of progressive engineering experience with demonstrated technical leadership
- Proven ability to define architecture, set standards, and mentor senior engineering teams
- Deep expertise in one or more domains such as embedded systems, cloud platforms, or mechanical design
- Experience driving cross-functional projects from concept through production at scale
- Strong communication skills for translating complex technical decisions to non-engineering stakeholders
Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal engineer in Iowa?
Most principal engineer roles in Iowa require a bachelor's degree in a relevant engineering or computer science discipline, followed by many years of progressively senior engineering work. For roles in civil, structural, or mechanical disciplines involving public projects, Iowa requires licensure as a Professional Engineer through the Iowa Engineering and Land Surveying Examining Board. Software and systems principal engineers typically advance through demonstrated technical leadership and deep domain expertise rather than a state-issued license.
Which companies hire principal engineers in Iowa?
Iowa principal engineer roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems USA, and NextEra Energy and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's combination of large insurance and financial services firms in Des Moines, aerospace and defense manufacturers in Cedar Rapids, and agricultural equipment makers in the Quad Cities makes it a notably diverse market for senior engineering talent.
Which Iowa cities have the most principal engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Palo, and Des Moines account for the largest share of principal engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives volume through its concentration of insurance technology, financial services, and enterprise software employers, while Cedar Rapids reflects aerospace and defense manufacturing demand from firms like Collins Aerospace, and the Davenport and Quad Cities corridor is anchored by John Deere's engineering operations.
Are there remote principal engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than many engineering disciplines, particularly for software, systems architecture, and cloud-focused roles. About 25% of principal engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the flexibility that senior individual contributor and technical leadership roles often carry. Hardware, embedded systems, and manufacturing-adjacent principal engineer roles are far more likely to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a principal engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is to enter at a mid-level engineer or senior engineer role with one of Iowa's large employers, such as John Deere, Collins Aerospace, or Principal Financial Group, which run structured new-graduate and early-career engineering programs. From there, building a portfolio of cross-functional project leadership, system design ownership, or open-source contributions accelerates the transition. Adjacent roles such as senior software engineer, lead systems engineer, or staff engineer are the most common lateral moves that lead to a principal title in Iowa's market.
Where can I find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to principal engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings from employers across the state. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly through each listing.
See All 75 Principal Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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