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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Overview

Open roles35
Top employerTarget
Top cityDes Moines, IA
Cities hiring17
Work type56% On-site
Top industryConsulting

Showing 5 of 35+ Security Researcher jobs

BEST Crowd Management
Events and Security Assistant Account Manager
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BEST Crowd Management
New 1m ago
Events and Security Assistant Account Manager
BEST Crowd Management
Iowa City, Iowa
Account Management
Customer Success
Sales
High school diploma or GED
501-1,000

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BAE Systems USA
Cyber Security, Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
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BAE Systems USA
New 1m ago
Cyber Security, Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM)
BAE Systems USA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Customer Success
Program Management
Project & Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
High school diploma or GED
10,000+

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Iowa State University
Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning and Computational Chemistry
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Iowa State University
New 1m ago
Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning and Computational Chemistry
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
Account Management
Customer Success
Sales
Doctoral degree in chemistry
5,001-10,000

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Cyber Defense Technologies
Information System security Engineer
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Cyber Defense Technologies
New 1m ago
Information System security Engineer
Cyber Defense Technologies
Cedar, Iowa
Software Engineering
Systems Administration
Technical Program Management
11-50

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KALCON
Security Project Engineer/Asst. PM (Owner's Representative) - Data Center Construction
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KALCON
New 1m ago
Security Project Engineer/Asst. PM (Owner's Representative) - Data Center Construction
KALCON
Des Moines, Iowa
Business Operations
Customer Service & Support
Logistics & Fleet Management
Project Management
Bachelor's degree in construction management
2-10

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See All 35 Security Researcher Jobs in Iowa

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Security Researcher Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Des Moines
12 jobs
Cedar Rapids
5 jobs
Davenport
2 jobs
Iowa City
2 jobs
Larchwood
2 jobs
Ames
1 job
Cedar
1 job
Marion
1 job
Clinton
1 job

Security Researcher Job Market in Iowa

A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

  • Target
    Target5
  • Metro One LPSG
    Metro One LPSG2
  • Bitco Insurance Companies
    Bitco Insurance Companies2
  • Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort
    Grand Falls Casino and Golf Resort2
  • Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield
    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

Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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