Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Software Engineer jobs in Iowa concentrate in financial technology, insurance software, agricultural technology, and enterprise systems, with demand at every level from new graduates to principal engineers. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Iowa City are the largest hiring metros, anchored by employers like Principal Financial Group, Collins Aerospace, and the University of Iowa Health Care. Full-stack development, cloud infrastructure, and data engineering are the most consistently in-demand specialties across the state. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 141+ 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 141+ Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Software Engineer JobsSoftware Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Collins Aerospace52
- Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield8
- RFA Engineering7
- John Deere6
- Berkley4
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Consulting & Professional Services
- Insurance
- Food & Beverage
What Iowa Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in software engineer jobs across Iowa.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a closely related field
- Proficiency in one or more languages such as Java, Python, C#, or JavaScript
- Experience designing and deploying cloud-based applications on AWS, Azure, or GCP
- Familiarity with Agile or Scrum development methodologies and version control systems
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including product managers and QA engineers
- Strong problem-solving skills and experience with relational or NoSQL database systems
Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a software engineer in Iowa?
Iowa does not require a state-issued license or registration to work as a software engineer. Most employers hire candidates who hold a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related discipline, though some accept equivalent demonstrated experience. Building a portfolio of completed projects and contributing to open-source work strengthens applications considerably. Graduates from Iowa State University, the University of Iowa, and Drake University consistently feed into Iowa's largest tech employers.
How much do software engineers make in Iowa?
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 software engineers in Iowa?
Iowa software engineer roles are posted by Collins Aerospace, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and RFA Engineering and others right now, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Iowa's financial services and insurance sector, centered in Des Moines, is one of the most active hiring segments for software engineers in the state.
Which Iowa cities have the most software engineer jobs?
Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Urbandale have the most software engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines dominates because of its concentration of insurance and financial technology employers, while Cedar Rapids draws openings from aerospace and manufacturing tech firms, and Iowa City benefits from the University of Iowa's research and health care operations.
Are there remote software engineer jobs in Iowa?
Yes, and more than most fields. About 37% of software engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how broadly software development translates to distributed work. Roles in backend development, cloud architecture, and data engineering tend to be the most remote-friendly, while positions requiring on-site lab access or hardware integration are typically in-person.
How can I get hired as a software engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to associate or junior developer roles at Iowa's large financial and insurance employers, which regularly onboard new graduates. Principal Financial Group and Nationwide's Des Moines operations have run structured new-grad cohorts, and Iowa State University's co-op partnerships with local tech employers provide early experience. Candidates transitioning from adjacent roles such as IT support, business analysis, or database administration can move into software engineering by building a project portfolio and earning a cloud certification.
Where can I find and apply to software engineer jobs in Iowa?
You can find and apply to software engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search the listings for roles that match your skills and experience level, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 141+ Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa
Find roles in Iowa that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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