Systems Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's systems engineer job market centers on insurance technology in Des Moines, advanced manufacturing across Cedar Rapids and Davenport, and federal defense contracting tied to Rock Island Arsenal. Major employers including Collins Aerospace, Rockwell Collins, and Principal Financial Group have established records of sponsoring skilled systems engineers from abroad.
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Operational Risk
About us
At Transamerica, hard work, innovative thinking, and personal accountability are qualities we honor and reward. We understand the potential of leveraging the talents of a diverse workforce. We embrace an environment where employees enjoy a balance between their careers, families, communities, and personal interests.
Ultimately, we appreciate the uniqueness of a company where talented professionals work collaboratively in a positive environment — one focused on helping people look forward and plan for the best life possible while providing tools and solutions that make it easier to get there.
Who We Are
We believe everyone deserves to live their best life. More than a century ago, we were among the first financial services companies in America to serve everyday people from all walks of life.
Today, we’re part of an international holding company, with millions of customers and thousands of employees worldwide. Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what’s important to them.
We’re empowered by a vast agent network covering North America, with diversity to match. Together with our nonprofit research institute and foundation, we tune in, step up, and are a force for good — for our customers and the communities where we live, work, and play. United in our purpose, we help people create the financial freedom to live life on their terms.
What We Do
Transamerica is organized into three distinct businesses. These include 1) World Financial Group, including Transamerica Financial Advisors, 2) Protection Solutions and Savings & Investments, comprised of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits, retirement plans, and Transamerica Investment Solutions, and 3) Financial Assets, which includes legacy blocks of long term care, universal life, and variable and fixed annuities. These are supported by Transamerica Corporate, which includes Finance, People and Places, General Counsel, Risk, Internal Audit, Strategy and Development, and Corporate Affairs, which covers Communications, Brand, and Government and Policy Affairs.
Transamerica employs nearly 7,000 people. It’s part of Aegon, an integrated, diversified, international financial services group serving approximately 23.9 million customers worldwide.
Job Description Summary
As Transamerica continues to strengthen and evolve its Operational Risk Management (ORM) program, we are creating a new position to drive the next phase of our Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) technology, data, and risk infrastructure capabilities. The Senior Risk Manager, GRC Systems, will play a pivotal role in shaping how operational risk information is captured, governed, integrated, and leveraged across the enterprise.
This highly visible role will lead the strategic direction and evolution of Transamerica's GRC platforms and data governance capabilities, ensuring they effectively support core risk processes and enable consistent, decision-useful risk information. The successful candidate will partner closely with business leaders, Technology, Compliance, Finance, Audit and Risk professionals to enhance risk management capabilities, improve data quality and reporting, and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the enterprise risk management framework.
This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a growing function, influence the future of Transamerica's risk management and data strategy, and contribute to the continued maturity of Operational Risk Management and Enterprise Risk Management capabilities across the organization.
Job Description
- Provide end-to-end ownership and strategic direction for Transamerica’s GRC platforms, including roadmap development and execution.
- Lead integration of the GRC platform with enterprise systems (finance, control, and reporting environments) to enable seamless risk data flow.
- Ensure the platform effectively supports core risk processes, including process risk assessments, risk events, issues and actions, KRIs, and reporting.
- Establish and enforce strong data governance, control, and auditability standards to support regulatory and internal audit readiness.
- Oversee GRC vendor management, system enhancements, and change governance, ensuring stability and continuous improvement of the platform.
- Drive enterprise-wide adoption and consistent application of the GRC platform and risk taxonomy across all risk processes and systems.
- Ensure full alignment of the GRC platform and taxonomy with Transamerica’s ERM Framework and governance requirements.
- Define and execute a risk data strategy, delivering consistent, reliable, and decision-useful data with enhanced aggregation and analytics capabilities.
- Support executive-level reporting and insights, including dashboards and analysis of risk trends, control effectiveness, and issue remediation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the lines of defense, driving alignment, capability uplift, and continuous improvement in risk practices.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the lines of defense, driving alignment, capability uplift, and continuous improvement tooling and non-financial risk infrastructure.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field
- 10 years of experience in operational risk, enterprise risk management, or governance, risk and compliance
- Experience managing enterprise GRC platforms and risk data frameworks
- Extensive knowledge of ERM frameworks and regulatory expectations
- Extensive knowledge of operational risk processes, including risk and control self-assessments, risk events, issues management, and key risk indicators
- Extensive knowledge of risk taxonomy design and governance
- Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate effectively across business and functional areas
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing enterprise GRC platforms and risk data frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of:
- ERM frameworks and regulatory expectations
- Operational risk lifecycle (RCSA, issues, events, KRIs)
- Risk taxonomy design and governance
- Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., FRM, PRM, CPA)
- Experience in the insurance or financial services industry
- Professional Risk Manager (PRM)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Compensation
The salary for this position generally ranges between $150,000 - $175,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.
Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus of 25% based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion.
Working Conditions
- This is a hybrid position requiring three days (Tuesday-Thursday) in office per week in one of our hub locations (Cedar Rapids, Baltimore or Denver).
- Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
Disclaimer:
Beware of fake job offers!
We’ve been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note:
- We will never request personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront.
- Official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer—not through text or email.
This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.
What We Offer
For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees.
Compensation Benefits
- Competitive Pay
- Bonus for Eligible Employees
Benefits Package
- Pension Plan
- 401k Match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Disability Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- Career Training & Development Opportunities
Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits
- Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.
- Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).
- Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars
- Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.
- Adoption Assistance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Back-Up Care Program
- PTO for Volunteer Hours
- Employee Matching Gifts Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Inclusion and Diversity Programs
- Employee Recognition Program
- Referral Bonus Programs
Inclusion & Diversity
We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts through the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including the Inclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.
To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees. They provide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all.
Giving Back
We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.
Transamerica’s Parent Company
Aegon acquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe. It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose: Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.
Job Family
Operational Risk
About us
At Transamerica, hard work, innovative thinking, and personal accountability are qualities we honor and reward. We understand the potential of leveraging the talents of a diverse workforce. We embrace an environment where employees enjoy a balance between their careers, families, communities, and personal interests.
Ultimately, we appreciate the uniqueness of a company where talented professionals work collaboratively in a positive environment — one focused on helping people look forward and plan for the best life possible while providing tools and solutions that make it easier to get there.
Who We Are
We believe everyone deserves to live their best life. More than a century ago, we were among the first financial services companies in America to serve everyday people from all walks of life.
Today, we’re part of an international holding company, with millions of customers and thousands of employees worldwide. Our insurance, retirement, and investment solutions help people make the most of what’s important to them.
We’re empowered by a vast agent network covering North America, with diversity to match. Together with our nonprofit research institute and foundation, we tune in, step up, and are a force for good — for our customers and the communities where we live, work, and play. United in our purpose, we help people create the financial freedom to live life on their terms.
What We Do
Transamerica is organized into three distinct businesses. These include 1) World Financial Group, including Transamerica Financial Advisors, 2) Protection Solutions and Savings & Investments, comprised of life insurance, annuities, employee benefits, retirement plans, and Transamerica Investment Solutions, and 3) Financial Assets, which includes legacy blocks of long term care, universal life, and variable and fixed annuities. These are supported by Transamerica Corporate, which includes Finance, People and Places, General Counsel, Risk, Internal Audit, Strategy and Development, and Corporate Affairs, which covers Communications, Brand, and Government and Policy Affairs.
Transamerica employs nearly 7,000 people. It’s part of Aegon, an integrated, diversified, international financial services group serving approximately 23.9 million customers worldwide.
Job Description Summary
As Transamerica continues to strengthen and evolve its Operational Risk Management (ORM) program, we are creating a new position to drive the next phase of our Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) technology, data, and risk infrastructure capabilities. The Senior Risk Manager, GRC Systems, will play a pivotal role in shaping how operational risk information is captured, governed, integrated, and leveraged across the enterprise.
This highly visible role will lead the strategic direction and evolution of Transamerica's GRC platforms and data governance capabilities, ensuring they effectively support core risk processes and enable consistent, decision-useful risk information. The successful candidate will partner closely with business leaders, Technology, Compliance, Finance, Audit and Risk professionals to enhance risk management capabilities, improve data quality and reporting, and strengthen the overall effectiveness of the enterprise risk management framework.
This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape a growing function, influence the future of Transamerica's risk management and data strategy, and contribute to the continued maturity of Operational Risk Management and Enterprise Risk Management capabilities across the organization.
Job Description
- Provide end-to-end ownership and strategic direction for Transamerica’s GRC platforms, including roadmap development and execution.
- Lead integration of the GRC platform with enterprise systems (finance, control, and reporting environments) to enable seamless risk data flow.
- Ensure the platform effectively supports core risk processes, including process risk assessments, risk events, issues and actions, KRIs, and reporting.
- Establish and enforce strong data governance, control, and auditability standards to support regulatory and internal audit readiness.
- Oversee GRC vendor management, system enhancements, and change governance, ensuring stability and continuous improvement of the platform.
- Drive enterprise-wide adoption and consistent application of the GRC platform and risk taxonomy across all risk processes and systems.
- Ensure full alignment of the GRC platform and taxonomy with Transamerica’s ERM Framework and governance requirements.
- Define and execute a risk data strategy, delivering consistent, reliable, and decision-useful data with enhanced aggregation and analytics capabilities.
- Support executive-level reporting and insights, including dashboards and analysis of risk trends, control effectiveness, and issue remediation.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the lines of defense, driving alignment, capability uplift, and continuous improvement in risk practices.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the lines of defense, driving alignment, capability uplift, and continuous improvement tooling and non-financial risk infrastructure.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, or related field
- 10 years of experience in operational risk, enterprise risk management, or governance, risk and compliance
- Experience managing enterprise GRC platforms and risk data frameworks
- Extensive knowledge of ERM frameworks and regulatory expectations
- Extensive knowledge of operational risk processes, including risk and control self-assessments, risk events, issues management, and key risk indicators
- Extensive knowledge of risk taxonomy design and governance
- Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate effectively across business and functional areas
Preferred Qualifications
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing enterprise GRC platforms and risk data frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of:
- ERM frameworks and regulatory expectations
- Operational risk lifecycle (RCSA, issues, events, KRIs)
- Risk taxonomy design and governance
- Master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., FRM, PRM, CPA)
- Experience in the insurance or financial services industry
- Professional Risk Manager (PRM)
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
Compensation
The salary for this position generally ranges between $150,000 - $175,000 annually. Please note that the salary range is a good faith estimate for this position and actual starting pay is determined by several factors including qualifications, experience, geography, work location designation (in-office, hybrid, remote) and operational needs. Salary may vary above and below the stated amounts, as permitted by applicable law.
Additionally, this position is typically eligible for an Annual Bonus of 25% based on the Company Bonus Plan/Individual Performance and is at the Company’s discretion.
Working Conditions
- This is a hybrid position requiring three days (Tuesday-Thursday) in office per week in one of our hub locations (Cedar Rapids, Baltimore or Denver).
- Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
Disclaimer:
Beware of fake job offers!
We’ve been alerted to scammers impersonating Transamerica recruiters, particularly for remote positions. Please note:
- We will never request personal information such as ID or payment for equipment upfront.
- Official offers are sent via DocuSign following a verbal offer—not through text or email.
This job description is not a contract of employment nor for any specific job responsibilities. The Company may change, add to, remove, or revoke the terms of this job description at its discretion. Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or applicant requests or requires an accommodation to perform job functions, the applicable HR Business Partner should be contacted to evaluate the accommodation request.
What We Offer
For eligible employees, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support both the personal and financial well-being of our employees.
Compensation Benefits
- Competitive Pay
- Bonus for Eligible Employees
Benefits Package
- Pension Plan
- 401k Match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Disability Insurance
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Employee Discounts
- Career Training & Development Opportunities
Health and Work/Life Balance Benefits
- Paid Time Off starting at 160 hours annually for employees in their first year of service.
- Ten (10) paid holidays per year (typically mirroring the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) holidays).
- Be Well Company holistic wellness program, which includes Wellness Coaching and Reward Dollars
- Parental Leave – fifteen (15) days of paid parental leave per calendar year to eligible employees with at least one year of service at the time of birth, placement of an adopted child, or placement of a foster care child.
- Adoption Assistance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Back-Up Care Program
- PTO for Volunteer Hours
- Employee Matching Gifts Program
- Employee Resource Groups
- Inclusion and Diversity Programs
- Employee Recognition Program
- Referral Bonus Programs
Inclusion & Diversity
We believe our commitment to diversity and inclusion creates a work environment filled with exceptional individuals. We’re thrilled to have been recognized for our efforts through the Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, Dave Thomas Adoption Friendly Advocate, and several Seramount lists, including the Inclusion Index, 100 Best Companies for Working Parents, Best Companies for Dads, and Top 75 Companies for Executive Women.
To foster a culture of inclusivity throughout our workforce, workplace, and marketplace, Transamerica offers a wide range of diversity and inclusion programs. This includes our company-sponsored, employee-driven Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), which are formed around a shared interest or a common characteristic of diversity. ERGs are open to all employees. They provide a supportive environment to help us better appreciate our similarities and differences and understand how they benefit us all.
Giving Back
We believe our responsibilities extend beyond our corporate walls. That's why we created the Aegon Transamerica Foundation in 1994. Through a mix of financial grants and the volunteer efforts of our employees, the foundation supports nonprofit organizations focused on the things that matter most to our people in the communities where we live and work.
Transamerica’s Parent Company
Aegon acquired the Transamerica business in 1999. Since its start in 1844, Aegon has grown into an international company serving more than 23.9 million people across the globe. It offers investment, protection, and retirement solutions, always with a clear purpose: Helping people live their best lives. As a leading global investor and employer, the company seeks to have a positive impact by addressing critical environmental and societal issues, with a focus on climate change and inclusion and diversity.
Systems Engineer Job Roles in Iowa
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Search Systems Engineer Jobs in IowaSystems Engineer Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for systems engineers in Iowa?
Collins Aerospace and its predecessor Rockwell Collins have consistently sponsored systems engineers in Cedar Rapids. Principal Financial Group and Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield sponsor technical roles in Des Moines. John Deere, headquartered in nearby Moline but with significant Iowa operations, also sponsors systems engineers in the region. Defense and manufacturing contractors supporting the Rock Island corridor are additional active sponsors.
Which visa types are most common for systems engineer roles in Iowa?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for systems engineers in Iowa, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in systems engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Candidates with Canadian or Mexican citizenship may qualify under the TN visa. Australians may be eligible for the E-3 visa. Those with exceptional records may explore the O-1A.
Which cities in Iowa have the most systems engineer sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines leads the state for systems engineer sponsorship activity, driven by its large insurance and financial technology sector. Cedar Rapids follows closely, anchored by Collins Aerospace and a broader advanced manufacturing base. Davenport and the Quad Cities area attract defense and industrial systems engineering roles. Iowa City has a smaller but active tech hiring presence connected to the University of Iowa.
How to find systems engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, so you can search systems engineer roles in Iowa without sifting through positions that won't support an international hire. The platform surfaces openings at employers like Collins Aerospace and Principal Financial Group that have documented sponsorship histories, making it more efficient than broad job searches that rarely surface sponsorship details upfront.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for systems engineers seeking visa sponsorship?
Iowa's prevailing wage requirements under H-1B rules are determined by the Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, or Davenport metropolitan statistical areas, which tend to be lower than coastal benchmarks, though employers must still certify the offered wage meets Department of Labor standards. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University produce systems and computer engineering graduates who sometimes transition to employer sponsorship through OPT, creating a local pipeline that employers in the state are familiar with navigating.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored systems engineer 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.