Security Researcher Jobs in Iowa
Security Researcher jobs in Iowa concentrate in cybersecurity, defense contracting, and financial services technology, with consistent demand at every level from entry-level analyst to senior vulnerability researcher. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City are the state's main hiring hubs, where employers such as Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and the University of Iowa regularly recruit for these roles. The most in-demand specialties are penetration testing, threat intelligence, and secure software development. Scan the live roles below and apply to whichever ones fit.
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Join Our Team as an Assistant Account Manager!
Do you have event and security experience?
Are you ready to elevate your career in crowd management, supporting major venues in professional sports? Do you thrive in dynamic environments and love the thrill of event management?
Imagine being at the heart of the action, where every event is a new adventure! At Best Crowd Management, you’re not just part of the team; you’re a vital player in creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s the roar of the crowd at a concert, the excitement of a sports game, or the sophistication of a corporate event, you’ll be there ensuring everything runs smoothly and safely.
We offer top-notch training, competitive pay, and a clear path for career growth. Plus, you’ll work alongside passionate professionals who value teamwork and excellence. Join us and turn every day into an exciting opportunity to make a difference!
Pay, Benefits, and Work Location:
- Competitive Salary: $60,000 - $62,500 / year
- Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, and more.
- Work Location: Iowa City, IA
What You’ll Do:
Lead and Coordinate: Assist in managing all aspects of event operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Team Leadership: Assign tasks, direct work, and provide on-the-job training to event supervisors and staff.
Problem Solver: Address and resolve service concerns, respond to incidents, and maintain positive client relationships.
Emergency Response: Be the go-to person for client or site emergencies, ensuring timely and effective communication.
Supervise and Motivate: Oversee shift supervisors, coach and train staff, and evaluate performance.
- Maintain Standards: Ensure all procedures and training materials are up-to-date and all positions are well-maintained.
What We’re Looking For:
- Previous event and/or crowd management experience
Professionalism: Ability to perform tasks in a highly professional manner in a customer service-driven industry.
Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Adaptability: Respond effectively to changes and handle emergencies with ease.
Experience: Minimum 1-3 years of professional-level experience. Prior experience in security, event staffing, law enforcement, or military is a plus.
Education: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Physical and Mental Demands:
Active Role: Be prepared to sit, stand, walk, and occasionally climb or work in high places.
Strength: Must occasionally lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds.
- Vision: Specific vision abilities required, including close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
- Travel: Will be required between various venues
Why Join Us?
Exciting Environment: Work at various events, ensuring each one is a success.
Growth Opportunities: Develop your skills and advance your career in a supportive environment.
Travel: Up to 25% -30% travel
Ready to make an impact? Apply now and be part of a team that values excellence, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. Let’s create unforgettable events together!
It is the policy of BEST Crowd Management to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, BEST Crowd Management complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to hiring, placement, assignment, promotion, termination, layoffs, recalls, transfers, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. It is also the policy of BEST Crowd Management not to honor requests that employees be assigned on the basis of sex or any other classification protected by law, unless such request is based on a bona fide occupational qualification for that assignment.
#BEST
See All 35 Security Researcher Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Security Researcher JobsSecurity Researcher Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Security Researcher Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Target5

- Metro One LPSG2

- Bitco Insurance Companies2

- Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort2

- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield2

Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services2
- Retail1
- Insurance1
- Aerospace & Defense1
- Agriculture & Farming1
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in security researcher jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, cybersecurity, or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with penetration testing tools such as Burp Suite or Metasploit
- Proficiency in at least one scripting or programming language such as Python or Go
- Industry certification such as OSCP, CEH, or CISSP preferred by most Iowa employers
- Familiarity with CVE disclosure processes and responsible vulnerability reporting practices
- Ability to obtain a security clearance for defense and government contractor roles in Iowa
Security Researcher Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a security researcher in Iowa?
Iowa does not require a state-issued license to work as a security researcher. The typical path starts with a bachelor's degree in computer science, information security, or a related field from an Iowa institution such as Iowa State University or the University of Iowa, followed by hands-on lab experience or a capture-the-flag portfolio. Employers in Des Moines and Cedar Rapids consistently favor candidates who hold an OSCP or CEH certification as a concrete signal of practical skills.
How much do security researchers make in Iowa?
Security researchers in Iowa earn a median of about $119,710 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $71,550 for the lowest 10% to over $169,620 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire security researchers in Iowa?
Iowa security researcher roles are posted by Target, Metro One LPSG, and Bitco Insurance Companies and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Defense contractors and large financial services firms anchored in Iowa tend to post the most consistent volume, particularly for roles requiring a security clearance.
Which Iowa cities have the most security researcher jobs?
Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport have the most security researcher openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives the bulk of demand through its large financial services and insurance sector headquarters, while Cedar Rapids benefits from Collins Aerospace and other aerospace and defense employers, and Iowa City draws postings tied to the University of Iowa's research and health system operations.
Are there remote security researcher jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 44% of security researcher openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the largely desk-based and analytical nature of the work. Threat intelligence, malware analysis, and vulnerability research roles are the most commonly offered as fully remote, while on-site lab work or government contractor positions generally require a physical presence.
How can I get hired as a security researcher in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is moving laterally from a related IT or network administration role at one of Iowa's large employers, such as Principal Financial Group or a Cedar Rapids-area defense contractor, where internal transfer programs often bridge candidates into security teams. Building a public vulnerability disclosure portfolio or completing a capture-the-flag competition record strengthens any application. Pursuing an OSCP or CompTIA Security+ certification before applying signals hands-on ability that Iowa employers value when evaluating candidates without formal security research experience.
Where can I find and apply to security researcher jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to security researcher jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings in one place. Search the roles available, identify the ones that fit your background and location, and apply directly to the positions that match.
See All 35 Security Researcher Jobs in Iowa
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