Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Software systems engineer jobs in Iowa concentrate in defense contracting, agricultural technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing software, with openings at every level from early-career to principal engineer. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport are the primary hiring markets, anchored by employers such as Collins Aerospace, Principal Financial Group, and John Deere. Embedded systems development, systems integration, and real-time software architecture are the most consistently in-demand specialties across Iowa's industrial and enterprise technology base. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.

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Overview

Open roles7
Top employerCollins Aerospace
Top cityCedar Rapids, IA
Work type71% On-site
Top credentialBachelor's degree in engineering
Companies hiring2

Showing 5 of 7+ Software Systems Engineer jobs

BAE Systems USA
Principal Software Engineer - IPT Lead, Navigation and Sensor Systems (Hybrid, Relocation Available)
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BAE Systems USA
Added 6d ago
Principal Software Engineer - IPT Lead, Navigation and Sensor Systems (Hybrid, Relocation Available)
BAE Systems USA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Customer Service
Customer Support
$107k - $183k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's degree in engineering
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Software Engineer II- Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 1w ago
Software Engineer II- Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Software Engineering
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Program Management
$69k - $131k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Senior Software Engineer - Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 1w ago
Senior Software Engineer - Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Software Engineering
Solutions Engineering & Architecture
Technical Program Management
$87k - $165k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Principal Software Engineer - A2G GPU & Graphics Systems (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 1w ago
Principal Software Engineer - A2G GPU & Graphics Systems (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Executive Leadership & C-Suite
Program Management
Project Management
$108k - $205k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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Collins Aerospace
Senior Principal Software Engineer - Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
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Collins Aerospace
Added 1w ago
Senior Principal Software Engineer - Core Systems & Libraries (Onsite)
Collins Aerospace
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Business Development
Partnerships & Business Development
Sales
$132k - $252k/yr
On-Site
10,000+

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See All 7 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa

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Software Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa

Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Cedar Rapids
7 jobs

Software Systems Engineer Job Market in Iowa

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

Who's Hiring

Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace5 open roles
BAE Systems USA
BAE Systems USA2 open roles

What Iowa Employers Look For

The qualifications that appear most often in software systems engineer jobs across Iowa.

  • Bachelor's degree in computer engineering, software engineering, or a related technical discipline
  • Demonstrated experience with systems engineering processes and requirements management tools
  • Proficiency in C, C++, or Python for embedded or real-time systems development
  • Familiarity with model-based systems engineering tools such as MATLAB or SysML
  • Experience supporting system integration, verification, and validation activities
  • Active or eligible security clearance preferred for Iowa defense and government contractor roles

Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions

How do you become a software systems engineer in Iowa?

The typical path into a software systems engineer role in Iowa starts with a bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer engineering, or computer science from an accredited institution. Iowa has no state-issued license specific to software systems engineers, so hiring decisions rest on education, demonstrated technical skills, and relevant certifications such as the Certified Systems Engineering Professional credential. Employers in Iowa's defense and advanced manufacturing sectors also weigh security clearance eligibility heavily during the hiring process.

How much do software systems engineers make in Iowa?

Software systems 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 systems engineers in Iowa?

Companies currently hiring software systems engineers in Iowa include Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems USA, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Iowa's concentration of aerospace, agricultural technology, and financial technology firms means demand for engineers comfortable working at the hardware-software interface is particularly strong.

Which Iowa cities have the most software systems engineer jobs?

Cedar Rapids account for the largest share of software systems engineer openings in Iowa. Des Moines drives hiring through its financial services and insurance technology sector, Cedar Rapids hosts major defense and aerospace contractors including Collins Aerospace, and the Davenport area benefits from John Deere's engineering operations and a cluster of advanced manufacturing suppliers that depend on embedded and systems software talent.

Are there remote software systems engineer jobs in Iowa?

Yes, and more than most engineering fields, though hardware-integrated roles remain largely on-site. About 29% of software systems engineer openings tied to Iowa are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting the nature of the work. Roles focused on software architecture, requirements management, and model-based systems engineering tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions involving lab integration, test benches, or classified environments require an in-person presence.

How can I get hired as a software systems engineer in Iowa with little or no experience?

The most realistic entry path is applying for associate systems engineer or junior software engineer positions at Iowa's large defense and manufacturing employers, which run structured new-graduate programs. Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids and John Deere in the Quad Cities both hire new graduates into rotational or entry-level systems roles. Candidates with a degree in computer or electrical engineering, a portfolio demonstrating embedded or systems project work, and a clean background suitable for a security clearance have a measurable edge over general software applicants for Iowa's most active hiring segments.

Where can I find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Iowa?

You can find and apply to software systems engineer jobs in Iowa on Migrate Mate, which lists current Iowa openings across industries including defense, agricultural technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. Find roles that fit your experience and location and apply directly to the employers posting them.

See All 7 Software Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa

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