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Backend Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Develop and maintain both front-end and back-end components, ensuring seamless integration and ... Minimum 2-3 years of software engineering experience * Have built mobile apps (and/or web apps ...

Develop and maintain both front-end and back-end components, ensuring seamless integration and ... Minimum 2-3 years of software engineering experience * Have built mobile apps (and/or web apps ...

Develop and maintain both front-end and back-end components, ensuring seamless integration and ... Minimum 2-3 years of software engineering experience * Have built mobile apps (and/or web apps ...

data engineer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$111K - $134K/yr

Data Engineer Des Moines, Iowa We are seeking a Data Engineer to build scalable, cloud-native data ... This role focuses on implementing serverless workflows and building the foundational backend ...

Showing results 41-60

Backend Software Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$56.8K

$138.7K

$186.9K

How much do backend software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for backend software engineer in Iowa is $138,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,500.00 and $161,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges a backend software engineer faces when integrating new services into an existing system?

Backend Software Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new services and legacy systems, maintaining data integrity during migrations, and managing increased system complexity. Effective integration also requires thorough testing to prevent disruptions to existing functionalities and close collaboration with frontend engineers, DevOps, and QA teams. Proactively communicating across teams and adhering to clear documentation standards can help mitigate integration risks and ensure a smoother deployment process.

What is the difference between Backend Software Engineer vs Frontend Software Engineer?

AspectBackend Software EngineerFrontend Software Engineer
Primary FocusServer-side development, databases, APIsClient-side development, UI/UX, visual elements
Required SkillsProgramming languages like Java, Python, SQL; server managementHTML, CSS, JavaScript, frameworks like React or Angular
Work EnvironmentBackend teams, server infrastructure, cloud servicesDesign teams, user interface, web browsers
Common UsageBuilding and maintaining server logic and databasesCreating interactive and visually appealing web pages

While both roles involve web development, Backend Software Engineers focus on server-side logic and data management, whereas Frontend Software Engineers specialize in creating the visual and interactive aspects of websites. Both roles are essential in full-stack development and often collaborate closely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a backend software engineer?

To thrive as a Backend Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills in languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, a solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and experience with database management, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools such as Git, RESTful APIs, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and frameworks like Spring or Django is highly valued, and relevant certifications can be advantageous. Problem-solving ability, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills for this position. These skills and qualities are essential to build, maintain, and optimize robust, scalable server-side applications that meet user and business needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Backend Software Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Infographic showing various Backend Software Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $138,693 per year, or $66.7 per hour.

Software Engineer, Data Infrastructure & Acquisition - Des Moines, IA, USA

Speechify Inc.

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$111K - $134K/yr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

The mission of Speechify is to make sure that reading is never a barrier to learning.
Over 50 million people use Speechify's text-to-speech products to turn whatever they're reading - PDFs, books, Google Docs, news articles, websites - into audio, so they can read faster, read more, and remember more. Speechify's text-to-speech reading products include its iOS app, Android App, Mac App, Chrome Extension, and Web App. Google recently named Speechify the Chrome Extension of the Year and Apple named Speechify its 2025 Design Award winner for Inclusivity.
Today, nearly 200 people around the globe work on Speechify in a 100% distributed setting - Speechify has no office. These include frontend and backend engineers, AI research scientists, and others from Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, leading PhD programs like Stanford, high growth startups like Stripe, Vercel, Bolt, and many founders of their own companies.
Overview
We're looking to hire for our Data side of our AI team at Speechify. This role is responsible for all aspects of data collection to support our model training operations. We are able to build high-quality datasets at petabyte-scale and low cost through a tight integration of infrastructure, engineering, and research work. We are looking for a skilled Software Engineer to join us.
What You'll Do
  • Be scrappy to find new sources of audio data and bring it into our ingestion pipeline
  • Operate and extend the cloud infrastructure for our ingestion pipeline, currently running on Google Cloud Platform and managed with Terraform.
  • Collaborate closely with our Scientists to shift the cost/throughput/quality frontier, delivering richer data at bigger scale and lower cost to power our next-generation models.
  • Collaborate with others on the AI Team and Speechify Leadership to craft the AI Team's dataset roadmap to power Speechify's next-generation consumer and enterprise products.

An Ideal Candidate Should Have
  • BS/MS/PhD in Computer Science or a related field.
  • 5+ years of industry experience in software development.
  • Proficiency with bash/Python scripting in Linux environments
  • Proficiency in Docker and Infrastructure-as-Code concepts and professional experience with at least one major Cloud Provider (we use Google Cloud Platform)
  • Experience with web crawlers, large-scale data processing workflows is a plus
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks and adapt to changing priorities.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

What we offer
  • A fast-growing environment where you can help shape the company and product.
  • An entrepreneurial-minded team that supports risk, intuition, and hustle.
  • A hands-off management approach so you can focus and do your best work.
  • An opportunity to make a big impact in a transformative industry.
  • Competitive salaries, a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, and a commitment to building a great asynchronous culture.
  • Opportunity to work on a life-changing product that millions of people use.
  • Build products that directly impact and support people with learning differences like dyslexia, ADD, low vision, concussions, autism, and more.
  • Work in one of the fastest-growing sectors of tech, the intersection of artificial intelligence and audio.

Compensation: The United States base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000-$200,000 + bonus + equity depending on experience
Think you're a good fit for this job?
Tell us more about yourself and why you're interested in the role when you apply.
And don't forget to include links to your portfolio and LinkedIn.
Not looking but know someone who would make a great fit?
Refer them!
Speechify is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
Speechify does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.