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Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Iowa

Ortho2, LLC.

Engineering Manager

Ames, IA · On-site

About Ortho2 Ortho2 is the industry leader in orthodontic practice management software, serving ... As Engineering Manager,you'llleada ~10-personteam of Software Developers, Senior Engineers, and a U ...

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Contract Software Engineering Manager information

What is a contract software engineering manager?

A Contract Software Engineering Manager is a professional who leads and oversees software development teams on a contractual basis, rather than as a permanent employee. They are responsible for managing engineering projects, guiding developers, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software solutions. Typically, they work for a specific duration or on particular projects, providing leadership, technical expertise, and process improvements. This role is ideal for organizations seeking temporary management support or specialized leadership for critical projects. Contract Software Engineering Managers often bring diverse experience from various industries and projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract software engineering manager?

To thrive as a Contract Software Engineering Manager, you need strong leadership abilities, deep software development knowledge, and experience managing engineering teams, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure), and relevant certifications (e.g., PMP, Scrum Master) is often required. Outstanding communication, adaptability, and conflict-resolution skills help build trust and drive team performance in diverse, dynamic environments. These competencies ensure timely project delivery, high code quality, and effective collaboration with stakeholders.

What are some unique challenges faced by contract software engineering managers compared to full-time managers?

Contract software engineering managers often face the challenge of quickly integrating into new teams and company cultures while rapidly understanding ongoing projects. They must establish trust and effective communication in a short period, all while delivering results within limited contract timelines. Additionally, contract managers may need to balance stakeholder expectations and project deliverables without the long-term context or authority that permanent managers might have. Adaptability, strong onboarding skills, and proactive relationship-building are key to thriving in this role.

What is the difference between Contract Software Engineering Manager vs Contract Software Developer?

AspectContract Software Engineering ManagerContract Software Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, management experienceBachelor's in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentOversees teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, debugging, implementing features
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, consulting firms, startupsSoftware firms, tech startups, enterprise IT
Common Search & ComparisonManagement responsibilities, leadership rolesTechnical skills, coding focus

The Contract Software Engineering Manager typically oversees development teams, manages projects, and ensures delivery, requiring management experience and leadership skills. In contrast, the Contract Software Developer primarily focuses on coding and implementing software features. Both roles are common in tech industries but differ significantly in responsibilities and required credentials.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings:

Contract Software Engineering Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Software Engineering Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Software Engineering Manager

Ames, IA • On-site

Ag Leader Technology, Inc.
Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Ag Leader Technology, Inc.external

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Software Engineering Manager

AMES, IA, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1011

Job Posting: 08/28/2026

Location: Ames, IA, Onsite

Team: Software Engineering

Reports to: Director of Engineering

The Culture

Ag Leader was born from a passion and determination to transform agriculture forever. In 1992, Ag Leader changed the industry by bringing real-time yield data to farmers’ fingertips. Today, over 30 years later, Ag Leader has become a global team that provides year-round solutions to help farmers plan, plant, apply, and harvest more efficiently and profitably. We are improving the lives of farmers. We are increasing the efficiency of production agriculture around the world. And we aren’t slowing down. Ready to use your talent to implement change? Join our team of innovators revolutionizing agriculture.

The Opportunity

As a Software Engineering Manager, you will have the opportunity to positively impact the individuals that make up the software engineering department. You will be responsible for the health of the environment in which these individuals create, code, validate, implement, and support Ag Leader products. You will spend time coaching team members, product owners, scrum masters to be their best and to maximize their effectiveness in the software team environment. You will also collaborate with and support other departments in maintaining a positive workplace. Lastly, you will be responsible for executing the tasks of the department that fall outside the purview of the software engineering teams.

The Right Person Will

  • Create an environment that allows team members to be their best
  • Inspire individuals and the team to create awesome products; provide clarity to purpose
  • Facilitate self-empowerment
  • Passionately lead in the development of themselves and others to increase capability
  • Generate an environment of continual improvement
  • Lead yourself and others through challenges with satisfying and sustainable results
  • Show respect and seek truth in all situations

Responsibilities

  • Mentor and coach team members and teams using adult learning strategies and practices
  • Cultivate relationships with internal departments
  • Professionally interact with external customers and vendors
  • Support project planning, sizing, timing and project strategy collaboration to maximize value to end customer
  • Remain aware of the team and project status to anticipate concerns and roadblocks; consciously coach through challenges
  • Attract and hire top talent to accomplish Ag Leader’s goals
  • Assist with department budget and finances
  • Position success will be evaluated by workplace health – such as collaboration, creativity, organizational teamwork, and leadership.
  • Opportunity to provide timely technical advice to the team as requested

Qualifications/Skills

  • 10+ years’ of experience in software product development using common development practices such as Scrum, Continuous Integration, Test-Driven Development
  • 5+ years’ experience in Ag Leaders product development team environment or 5+ years’ experience in supervisor/manager/coaching role
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher from accredited institution in related technical field
  • Strong background in Agile and lean frameworks; Certified Scrum Master or Certified Product Owner or relevant experience
  • Agricultural background is a bonus

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or provide sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time .

Ag Leader is a drug-free work environment.

All offers for employment are contingent upon a pre-employment drug screen and background check.

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