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Aircraft Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$91.76/hr

Working within a collaborative engineering environment, you'll help develop, test, verify, and validate software that contributes to the safety and performance of aircraft systems used around the ...

Join our client's team as a Lead Mechanic overseeing the maintenance and repair of aircraft ... Order parts, maintain material inventory, and ensure timely submission of engineering requests.

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Aircraft Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$45.6K

$75.9K

$111.8K

How much do aircraft engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aircraft engineer in Iowa is $75,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,500.00 and $89,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an aircraft engineer?

An aircraft engineer designs new airplanes or oversees the production of existing aircraft designs. As an aircraft engineer, your duties revolve around using physical, mathematical, and engineering principles to address flight problems and how to improve aircraft design. You work to increase fuel efficiency, speed, and safety features of a plane, as well as create comfortable interior features. You often work as part of a large team, overseeing the design, budgeting, and production of new aircraft. Some aircraft engineers work at airports, managing the daily maintenance and safety checks of planes.

What are some common challenges faced by aircraft engineers during routine maintenance checks?

Aircraft Engineers often encounter challenges such as tight maintenance schedules, ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations, and troubleshooting unexpected technical issues. Coordinating with other team members, such as technicians and inspectors, is essential to ensure that all work is completed accurately and on time. Being detail-oriented and adaptable is crucial, as engineers must frequently update documentation and respond quickly to any issues that arise to minimize aircraft downtime.

What is the difference between Aircraft Engineer vs Aircraft Technician?

AspectAircraft EngineerAircraft Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications like EASA Part-66Technical diploma or certification, often EASA Part-66 B1/B2
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and oversight of aircraft systems, often in offices or labsMaintenance, repair, and inspection on aircraft, primarily in hangars or on-site
Employer & IndustryAircraft manufacturers, airlines, aerospace companiesAirlines, maintenance organizations, repair stations

Aircraft Engineers focus on designing, developing, and certifying aircraft systems, while Aircraft Technicians handle maintenance, repairs, and inspections. Both roles require relevant certifications and work closely within the aerospace industry, but their daily tasks and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aircraft engineer?

To thrive as an Aircraft Engineer, you need a strong background in aeronautical engineering, mathematics, and physics, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree and, in many cases, a professional engineering license. Familiarity with CAD software, aircraft maintenance systems, and regulatory compliance tools such as those from the FAA or EASA is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this field. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of aircraft design, maintenance, and operations.
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Aircraft Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Aircraft Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Aircraft Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Aircraft Engineer jobs in IA? For Aircraft Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Aircraft Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,882 per year, or $36.5 per hour.

Software Engineer

PDS Tech Commercial

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

$91.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Engineer the Technology Behind the Flight Deck: Join Us as a Software EngineerDrive Innovation in Aviation Through Advanced Embedded Software Development and Verification

PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leading aviation technology organization to hire a Software Engineer for an exciting consulting opportunity in Cedar Rapids, IA. If you have a passion for embedded software, avionics systems, and safety-critical verification, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on next-generation aviation technology.

In this position, you'll contribute to the development and verification of software powering advanced display systems, including display head and touchscreen technologies used in modern aircraft. Your expertise will help ensure software quality, reliability, and compliance with the rigorous standards required for aviation safety.

Position Details

Job Title: Software Engineer
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (4-Month Assignment)
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA 52498
Schedule: Monday-Friday, First Shift (8:00 AM-5:00 PM)
Pay Rate: $91.76 per Hour

Your Impact

As a Software Engineer, you'll play a critical role in supporting multiple aviation software programs focused on advanced cockpit display technologies. Working within a collaborative engineering environment, you'll help develop, test, verify, and validate software that contributes to the safety and performance of aircraft systems used around the world.

What You'll Do
  • Participate in daily team meetings to coordinate priorities, progress, and program milestones.
  • Develop requirements-based test cases and test procedures for safety-critical avionics software.
  • Collaborate with requirements engineers, software developers, verification specialists, and reviewers to create and approve test artifacts.
  • Execute software verification activities in accordance with DO-178C standards.
  • Perform low-level software integration and verification, including unit testing activities.
  • Execute and debug software tests running on embedded hardware platforms in laboratory environments.
  • Analyze test results, identify issues, and support root cause investigations.
  • Work closely with both onsite and global engineering teams, including virtual collaboration with international engineering partners.
  • Ensure verification documentation meets quality and certification requirements.
  • Support multiple projects involving:
    • Display Head Software
    • Touch Screen Software
Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant software engineering experience.
  • Experience with DO-178C DAL A or DAL B Requirements-Based Verification.
  • Experience with Low-Level Software Integration and Verification, including unit testing.
  • Strong experience developing software in Embedded C++.
  • Ability to work effectively in collaborative, cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Strong analytical, debugging, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with DO-178C DAL A or DAL B Requirements Development.
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or another STEM discipline.
  • Experience within aviation, aerospace, avionics, or other safety-critical software environments.
  • Familiarity with embedded hardware testing and laboratory-based verification activities.
Why Join Us?Shape the Future of Aviation

Your work will contribute to advanced cockpit display technologies that enhance aircraft performance, situational awareness, and flight safety for pilots worldwide.

Work Alongside Industry Experts

Collaborate with highly skilled engineers, verification specialists, and global development teams in a technically challenging and rewarding environment.

Solve Meaningful Engineering Challenges

Apply your expertise to complex embedded software systems where quality, reliability, and safety are critical.

Expand Your Technical Expertise

Gain valuable experience working with DO-178C processes, embedded C++ development, avionics software verification, and cutting-edge aviation technologies.

Competitive Compensation

Earn an exceptional rate of $91.76 per hour while contributing to programs that are advancing the future of aerospace innovation.

Be Part of a Culture of Excellence

Join a team that values collaboration, technical growth, innovation, and continuous improvement while supporting engineers in delivering high-quality solutions.

Ready to Take Your Engineering Career to New Heights?

If you're an experienced software engineer with a background in DO-178C verification, embedded C++, and safety-critical systems, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on the aviation industry.

Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in helping develop the advanced avionics technologies that keep the world flying safely.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.                                               

 


Pay Details: $91.76 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.



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About PDS Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1977, PDS Tech, Inc. is one of the nation's premier specialty staffing firms with 31 offices nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1977

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