Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Principal Software Engineer jobs in Iowa concentrate in Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City, where technology teams at employers like Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and University of Iowa Health Care actively hire at this level. Cloud platform engineering, distributed systems architecture, and enterprise software modernization are the specialties with the most consistent demand across the state. Iowa's market sits at a senior-heavy tier, drawing candidates who can lead architecture decisions and mentor mid-level engineers. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 28+ Principal Software Engineer jobs
Date Posted:
2026-11-12Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.Security Clearance Type:
None/Not RequiredSecurity Clearance Status:
Not RequiredAt 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.
Design the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics
Join a dynamic and expanding Product Line Software team at Collins Aerospace, where you will play a key role in shaping the foundation of future airborne software capabilities and solutions. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems. We have opportunities in one of our two departments:
- Core Services & Libraries, dedicated to creating versatile frameworks that enable highly adaptable and portable software solutions, agnostic of hardware or software configurations.
- Advanced Systems Tools, driving a development eco-system (development kits, virtual rigs, and test rigs) enabling the development, integration, verification, and configuration of avionic products and platforms.
In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, rigs and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.
This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.
What You Will Do:
- Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements.
- Work with technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178, DO-254, and/or DO-330).
- Develop and manage software requirements, ensuring proper decomposition and traceability across complex systems of systems.
- Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
- Own and produce certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
- Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities.
- Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives.
- Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international <10%).
What You Will Learn:
- Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems.
- Build end-to-end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety-critical systems.
- Develop a deep understanding of civil certification (DO-178, DO-254, and/or DO-330) and how world-class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards.
- Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers.
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.
- Experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components.
- Experience leading technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders.
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts)
- Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions
- Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
- Experience with Cloud Based development environments (such as AWS).
- Experience with AI based tools & development practices.
- Experience writing High-Level and Low-Level Requirements.
- Experience writing Test Cases and Automated Test Procedures.
- Experience with Civil Certification DO-178 – DAL A.
- Experience with design and development of Avionics Tools, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
- Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).
What We Offer:
Benefits:
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
- 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
- Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
- 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!
This role is eligible for relocation.
Learn More & Apply Now!
Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).
Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.
Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.
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.
#SWIFT
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.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Date Posted:
2026-11-12Country:
United States of AmericaLocation:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124Position Role Type:
OnsiteU.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.Security Clearance Type:
None/Not RequiredSecurity Clearance Status:
Not RequiredAt 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.
Design the Foundation of Next-Generation Avionics
Join a dynamic and expanding Product Line Software team at Collins Aerospace, where you will play a key role in shaping the foundation of future airborne software capabilities and solutions. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high-impact solutions across safety-critical systems. We have opportunities in one of our two departments:
- Core Services & Libraries, dedicated to creating versatile frameworks that enable highly adaptable and portable software solutions, agnostic of hardware or software configurations.
- Advanced Systems Tools, driving a development eco-system (development kits, virtual rigs, and test rigs) enabling the development, integration, verification, and configuration of avionic products and platforms.
In this role, you will lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, rigs and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.
This is a unique opportunity to influence system-level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.
What You Will Do:
- Lead the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements.
- Work with technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety-critical software (DO-178, DO-254, and/or DO-330).
- Develop and manage software requirements, ensuring proper decomposition and traceability across complex systems of systems.
- Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object-oriented design principles.
- Own and produce certification artifacts, including DAL-A deliverables.
- Lead and support certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities.
- Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives.
- Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international <10%).
What You Will Learn:
- Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems.
- Build end-to-end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety-critical systems.
- Develop a deep understanding of civil certification (DO-178, DO-254, and/or DO-330) and how world-class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards.
- Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers.
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.
- Experience designing and developing software architecture, libraries, or platform-level components.
- Experience leading technical execution of projects, including customer engagement and presenting to senior stakeholders.
Qualifications We Prefer:
- Hands-on experience supporting DO-178 software development and certification activities (e.g., requirements, verification, or certification artifacts)
- Experience working across cross-functional engineering and program teams to deliver complex, integrated solutions
- Experience with C++ and VxWorks.
- Experience with Cloud Based development environments (such as AWS).
- Experience with AI based tools & development practices.
- Experience writing High-Level and Low-Level Requirements.
- Experience writing Test Cases and Automated Test Procedures.
- Experience with Civil Certification DO-178 – DAL A.
- Experience with design and development of Avionics Tools, Aircraft Applications or Middleware.
- Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).
What We Offer:
Benefits:
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
- 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
- Carrot Health to hormonal health, fertility, and family building
- 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!
This role is eligible for relocation.
Learn More & Apply Now!
Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).
Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.
Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.
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.
#SWIFT
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.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
See All 28 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPrincipal Software Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Principal Software Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Collins Aerospace23
- BAE Systems USA2
- Pella1
- Parry Labs1
- GreatAmerica Financial Services1
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in principal software engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field
- Ten or more years of professional software engineering experience including technical leadership
- Demonstrated experience designing and delivering large-scale distributed or cloud-native systems
- Proficiency in at least one primary language such as Java, Go, Python, or C++ at an expert level
- Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and setting technical direction for products
- Strong background in CI/CD pipelines, DevOps practices, and modern software architecture patterns
Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a principal software engineer in Iowa?
Reaching principal level in Iowa typically requires a bachelor's degree in computer science or software engineering followed by a decade of progressive experience, culminating in a staff or senior engineer role with clear architectural ownership. Iowa employers at this level expect a portfolio of delivered systems at scale, evidence of cross-team technical leadership, and often an advanced degree or cloud certifications from providers like AWS or Google Cloud. No state-issued license is required for this role in Iowa.
How much do principal software engineers make in Iowa?
Principal 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 principal software engineers in Iowa?
Employers hiring principal software engineers in Iowa right now include Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems USA, and Pella, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's concentration of large financial services firms, aerospace technology companies, and major healthcare systems gives this level of engineer several distinct sectors to target within the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most principal software engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids and Pella account for the most principal software engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines dominates because of its dense cluster of financial services headquarters and insurance technology firms, while Cedar Rapids draws demand from aerospace and advanced manufacturing technology teams, and Iowa City benefits from the University of Iowa's research enterprise and affiliated health system.
Are there remote principal software engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 31% of principal software engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the fact that this role centers on architecture, code review, and cross-team technical leadership that translates well to distributed work. The portions most likely to require on-site presence are hands-on lab environments, hardware-adjacent projects at aerospace firms, and executive stakeholder meetings.
How can I get hired as a principal software engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic path is entering as a software engineer associate or junior developer at a large Iowa employer and progressing internally. Companies like Principal Financial Group and Collins Aerospace run structured new-graduate and rotational engineering programs that give early-career engineers exposure to enterprise-scale systems. Building toward principal level means moving through senior engineer roles, taking on architecture ownership, and earning cloud certifications. Contributing to open-source projects or leading internal platform initiatives creates the portfolio evidence Iowa hiring managers look for at this tier.
Where can I find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to principal software engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers across the state. Search the listings to find roles that match your technical background and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 28 Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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