Aerospace & Defense Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's aerospace and defense sector centers around Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Rockwell Collins legacy facilities, and John Deere's defense technology divisions. Major employers like BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Textron sponsor H-1B and other work visas for engineering roles in avionics, defense systems, and agricultural technology applications.
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Job Description
How will you make a difference?
The Senior Shared Services Manager is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of software engineers and test engineers in the development, enhancement, and maintenance of software tools, software simulators, automation frameworks and architectures, AI-driven solutions, and workflow tools that drive validation and software efficiency and quality initiatives within TP&A. This role oversees the successful execution of multiple business-critical projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality. The Senior Shared Services Manager will also provide mentorship and coaching to team members, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.
What will your typical day look like?
- Provide leadership for assigned products, managing a team to ensure successful delivery.
- Develop and execute both near-term and long-term strategies focused on improving delivery cycles, product quality, and operational efficiency, including process optimization and automation initiatives.
- Define and implement AI-driven strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality across TP&A products.
- Demonstrate deep expertise in engineering methodologies, tools, and best practices that support reliable and scalable product delivery.
- Communicate complex technical concepts effectively and contribute to product and project strategy through strong project management capabilities.
- Evaluate tools, technologies, and solution approaches to ensure teams have the capabilities needed to deliver projects on schedule.
- Lead talent activities including resource planning, hiring, performance evaluations, and ongoing coaching to drive exceptional team performance.
- Track, measure, and communicate progress toward quality and delivery goals using clear metrics such as project burndown, coverage, performance indicators, and overall effectiveness.
- Partner with product management and commercial teams to identify and implement efficiency-driven strategies that support business goals.
- Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for quality and customer satisfaction.
- Represent the engineering team in cross-functional forums and leadership updates, providing insights and progress reporting.
- Foster a team culture that reflects and strengthens Wabtec’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Behavior.
Qualifications
What do we want to know about you?
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 5–7 years of professional experience in software development, software validation principles, and automation tools.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading software and/or test engineering teams, including responsibility for strategic planning and execution.
- Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and integrating AI-based solutions.
- Background working with embedded systems and related technologies.
- Proven track record of driving technical improvements, efficiency gains, and impactful engineering contributions.
- Strong ability to influence teams, guide technical decision-making, and build consensus.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics clearly to customers and executive-level stakeholders.
- Deep expertise in modern engineering methodologies, processes, and toolsets.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104800-149300. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other. If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.

Job Description
How will you make a difference?
The Senior Shared Services Manager is responsible for leading a multidisciplinary team of software engineers and test engineers in the development, enhancement, and maintenance of software tools, software simulators, automation frameworks and architectures, AI-driven solutions, and workflow tools that drive validation and software efficiency and quality initiatives within TP&A. This role oversees the successful execution of multiple business-critical projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery on time, within budget, and with exceptional quality. The Senior Shared Services Manager will also provide mentorship and coaching to team members, fostering technical growth, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization.
What will your typical day look like?
- Provide leadership for assigned products, managing a team to ensure successful delivery.
- Develop and execute both near-term and long-term strategies focused on improving delivery cycles, product quality, and operational efficiency, including process optimization and automation initiatives.
- Define and implement AI-driven strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and quality across TP&A products.
- Demonstrate deep expertise in engineering methodologies, tools, and best practices that support reliable and scalable product delivery.
- Communicate complex technical concepts effectively and contribute to product and project strategy through strong project management capabilities.
- Evaluate tools, technologies, and solution approaches to ensure teams have the capabilities needed to deliver projects on schedule.
- Lead talent activities including resource planning, hiring, performance evaluations, and ongoing coaching to drive exceptional team performance.
- Track, measure, and communicate progress toward quality and delivery goals using clear metrics such as project burndown, coverage, performance indicators, and overall effectiveness.
- Partner with product management and commercial teams to identify and implement efficiency-driven strategies that support business goals.
- Challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement while maintaining high standards for quality and customer satisfaction.
- Represent the engineering team in cross-functional forums and leadership updates, providing insights and progress reporting.
- Foster a team culture that reflects and strengthens Wabtec’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Behavior.
Qualifications
What do we want to know about you?
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field.
- 5–7 years of professional experience in software development, software validation principles, and automation tools.
- Minimum 5 years of experience leading software and/or test engineering teams, including responsibility for strategic planning and execution.
- Demonstrated experience designing, implementing, and integrating AI-based solutions.
- Background working with embedded systems and related technologies.
- Proven track record of driving technical improvements, efficiency gains, and impactful engineering contributions.
- Strong ability to influence teams, guide technical decision-making, and build consensus.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present complex topics clearly to customers and executive-level stakeholders.
- Deep expertise in modern engineering methodologies, processes, and toolsets.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $104800-149300. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other. If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress. We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more. Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
Job Roles in Aerospace & Defense in Iowa
See all 30+ Aerospace & Defense Iowa jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which aerospace & defense companies sponsor visas in Iowa?
Collins Aerospace (now part of Raytheon Technologies) in Cedar Rapids is the largest visa sponsor, hiring thousands of engineers for avionics and flight systems. BAE Systems, General Dynamics, and Textron also sponsor H-1B visas for software engineers, systems engineers, and project managers. John Deere sponsors visas for defense technology roles related to precision agriculture and autonomous systems development.
How to find aerospace & defense visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Use Migrate Mate to search specifically for Iowa aerospace and defense positions that sponsor work visas. Filter by companies like Collins Aerospace, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics in the Cedar Rapids and Des Moines metro areas. These employers regularly post engineering, software development, and technical program management roles with visa sponsorship available for qualified international candidates.
Which cities in Iowa have the most aerospace & defense sponsorship jobs?
Cedar Rapids leads with Collins Aerospace headquarters and multiple defense contractors. Des Moines metro area follows with Rockwell Collins facilities and John Deere's defense technology operations. Dubuque hosts some smaller defense suppliers, while Iowa City benefits from University of Iowa research partnerships. Cedar Rapids consistently offers the highest concentration of visa-sponsored engineering positions.
What visa types do Iowa aerospace & defense employers typically sponsor?
H-1B visas dominate for engineering roles in avionics, software development, and systems integration. O-1 visas are used for senior engineers with specialized expertise in defense systems or emerging technologies. TN visas serve Canadian and Mexican engineers, while E-3 visas are available for Australian nationals. L-1 transfers are common when international aerospace companies establish Iowa operations.
Are there prevailing wage considerations for aerospace jobs in Iowa?
Iowa's lower cost of living results in prevailing wages that may be 15-25% below coastal aerospace hubs, but this rarely affects visa approval since wages still exceed federal requirements. Cedar Rapids and Des Moines have established prevailing wage data for aerospace engineering roles. University of Iowa and Iowa State partnerships provide research pathways that can strengthen visa applications.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored aerospace & defense jobs in Iowa?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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