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Contract Embedded Software Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

You will manage hardware, embedded systems, optics, and data acquisition to develop reliable ... Partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to transition designs into production. What Makes ...

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

You will manage hardware, embedded systems, optics, and data acquisition to develop reliable ... Partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to transition designs into production. What Makes ...

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

You will manage hardware, embedded systems, optics, and data acquisition to develop reliable ... Partner with contract manufacturers and suppliers to transition designs into production. What Makes ...

C++ Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... embedded systems, and high-performance computing applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

C++ Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... embedded systems, and high-performance computing applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Embedded Software information

See Iowa salary details

$65.7K

$144.1K

$163.4K

How much do contract embedded software jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract embedded software in Iowa is $144,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $123,500.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract embedded software?

A Contract Embedded Software job involves developing, testing, and maintaining embedded systems software for a company on a temporary or project basis. Contractors typically work with microcontrollers, real-time operating systems (RTOS), and low-level programming languages like C or C++. These roles can vary in duration and may involve working remotely or onsite. Contract engineers often collaborate with hardware teams, follow specific project requirements, and ensure system reliability and performance.

What are typical challenges faced in a contract embedded software role?

Contract embedded software professionals often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new hardware platforms, integrating with legacy systems, and rapidly understanding diverse project requirements. Since contracts are often project-based, there may be limited time for onboarding, requiring strong self-motivation and efficient troubleshooting skills. Additionally, clear documentation and collaboration with hardware engineers or cross-functional teams are critical to ensure smooth system integration. These challenges can be rewarding, as they provide opportunities to develop broad technical expertise and experience a wide variety of products and industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the contract embedded software position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Contract Embedded Software professional, you need strong experience with programming languages like C or C++, real-time operating systems (RTOS), hardware interfacing, and a relevant degree in computer engineering or a related field. Familiarity with development tools such as JTAG debuggers, oscilloscopes, version control systems, and certifications like Certified Embedded Systems Engineer (CESE) are highly valued. Effective problem-solving, adaptability, and clear communication are important soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and managing project-based work. These capabilities ensure you can deliver robust, efficient solutions within project timelines in dynamic, technology-driven environments.

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

The most popular types of Embedded Software jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Embedded Software jobs in Iowa?

For Contract Embedded Software jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Embedded Software jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Embedded Software job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Embedded Software job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,068 per year, or $69.3 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer - Military Flight Plan Server (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$132K - $177K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-24

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Collins Aerospace is currently seeking a Principal Software engineer to join our Flight Plan Server (FPS) team with our Military Avionics Flight Management Applications department located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The engineer that fills this role will work alongside a team of around six FPS subject matter experts that support fixed and rotary wing platforms across the entire department. 

Product Summary: 

CAAS/Flight 2 Flight Management Solutions - Our signature products for Military Avionics and Helicopters as part of the Collins Integrated Avionics Systems, fielded on thousands of aircraft today, at this moment. Specific capabilities include FMS (Flight Management Systems), Performance Application, System Manager, and Flight Plan Server (FPS). Please see the following links for more details:   

  • https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Products-and-Services/Defense/Avionics/Integrated-Cockpit-Solutions…  

  • https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Products-and-Services/Defense/Avionics/Integrated-Cockpit-Solutions…  

What You Will Do: 

  • You will develop software for our fixed and rotary winged platforms as a member of the Graphical Flight Plan Server engineering team. 

  • You will provide mentorship and guidance to other members of the development team in software development best practices and how to solve our hardest technical challenges. 

  • You will implement and verify updates to the flight management software for fixed and rotary wing platforms. 

  • You will implement and verify updates to the graphical flight planning and display software for fixed and rotary wing platforms. 

  • You will communicate plans and status on your assigned stories to your agile team members, internal stakeholders, and external customers. 

  • You will coordinate with the platform engineering team and other software domain teams to identify and track dependencies for shared features. 

  • You will champion knowledge sharing, elevating department expertise through both formal training and informal mentoring.  

What You Will Learn: 

  • You will take programs through the full software development cycle, starting with proposal inputs and ending with black label production delivery. 

  • You will deepen your expertise in cutting-edge avionics systems, positioning you as a subject matter expert in military software applications. 

  • You will expand your impact on the field of avionics, contributing to software solutions that increase the operational capabilities of aircraft worldwide. 

Qualifications You Must Have: 

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience. 

  • Experience in the design and development of deliverable software (production or consumer facing) 

  • Experience with embedded software development 

  • Experience with Ada or C/C++  

  • Python scripting experience 

Qualifications We Prefer: 

  • Defense or Aerospace industry experience 

  • DO-178 or similar certification-based development experience 

  • Familiarity with ARINC 429 and 661 communication  

  • Familiarity with Ethernet protocols (UDP, TCP, etc)  

  • Experience with Graphical Flight Planning and/or Flight Display software  

  • Experience with agile software development   

  • Excellent communication (written, verbal, and interpersonal).   

What We Offer:

Benefits: 

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance   

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option   

  • Tuition reimbursement program  

  • Student Loan Repayment Program   

  • Life insurance and disability coverage   

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection  

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits  

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   

  • Adoption Assistance            

  • Autism Benefit   

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program  

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits   

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services  

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program   

  •  And more!   

This role may be eligible for relocation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.   

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day. 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 107,500 USD - 204,500 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018