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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The Navigation and Sensor Systems (NSS) organization is looking for an ambitious engineer that is ready to join a dedicated software engineering team responsible for designing, implementing, and testing software used in BAE Systems modernized (M-code) and legacy navigation products.
The Software Integrated Product Team (IPT) Lead is accountable for budget, schedule, and technical success associated with the scope of the applicable Software Work Breakdown Structures (WBSs) allocated by the program. The IPT Lead owns various program activities such as project scope estimation and planning, technical execution, risk management, earned value, software process adherence, and action item captures and closure. The IPT Lead must work with engineering management to identify skills and appropriate staffing to implement the plan. The IPT Lead is accountable for interfacing cross-functionally with systems, hardware, development environment, manufacturing test, quality and the program management teams to ensure a smooth flow from design to delivery of the software product. Additionally, the IPT Lead will also participate in program bidding activities and share responsibility for managing subcontractor scope.
Specific responsibilities of this position include:
- Coordinate with other disciplines (systems/hardware) and other roles (Scrum Master, Agile Release Train Engineer)
- Ensure compliance with engineering design plans and processes
- Apply critical thinking, sound logic, and relevant metrics to make well-informed decisions
- Perform earned value management and reporting
- Support bid and proposal activities using SEER-SEM or relevant past actuals from similar activities
- Demonstrate good judgement by quickly assessing the cost, benefits and risks of decisions
- Proactively identify and manage risk associated with the software development activities
- Identify objectives for Agile planning ceremonies
- Ensure customer deliveries occur on time
Required Education, Experience, & Skills
- Poses a solid background in software development activities
- Show strong written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrate success leading teams in a formal or informal role
- Embody a growth mindset with a genuine desire to learn and innovate
- Candidate must currently possess or be eligible to obtain a U.S. DoW Secret Security clearance (US Citizenship required)
- Bachelor's degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Math (STEM) discipline and minimum 6 years of work experience.
- Ability to work well with a diverse team
- Desire to contribute to and lead a results-oriented product development team
Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
An ideal candidate would also possess the following skills and attributes:
- Experience in embedded software development
- Experience with leadership as a part of program execution
- Knowledgeable and skilled with a variety of development and test tools
- Mastery of Agile methodologies
- Experience with modernized software development processes (e.g. Agile, DevOps, DevSecOps)
- Technical aptitude and professionalism Strong teamwork and coaching skills
Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $107359 - $182510
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is a defense, aerospace, and security company headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, with more than 40,000 employees worldwide. We serve, supply, and protect those who protect us. As one of the most geographically diverse international defense companies, we deliver a full range of products and services spanning air, land, maritime, space, and cyber, including advanced electronics, intelligence solutions, and dedicated customer support.
Our culture is performance-driven and values-led, built on curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Purpose isn't a tagline here. It's what drives us. We're developing breakthrough technologies that defend national security and make a lasting impact on our communities and our planet. When you join BAE Systems, you're not just building a career. You're contributing to a mission that truly matters.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
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Find JobsSoftware Systems Engineer Jobs by City in Iowa
Where Iowa roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Software Systems Engineer Job Market in Iowa
A snapshot from current Iowa openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


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.
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