1

Contract Software Engineering Manager Jobs in Iowa

Showing results 41-60

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

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

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.

Principal Engineer, Software Engineering

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$135K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 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:

2026-08-21

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130

Position Role Type:

Unspecified

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

Security Clearance Type:

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Rockwell Collins Inc. d/b/a Collins Aerospace has an opening for a Principal Engineer, Software Engineering in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

What YOU will do

  • Design, develop, document, test and debug control and diagnostic systems of Avionics Safety Critical Embedded Software.
  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with programs and projects in the planning, design, development and utilization of electronic data processing systems for datalink and aircraft communication systems.
  • Develop the project plans for the programs or end users with cost and schedule with risk and opportunities.
  • Determine end-user needs by analyzing system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, and input data acquisition.
  • Ensure hardware and software standards are met.
  • Design and implement build procedures that are used to support hardware and software product development and use.
  • Ensure compliance with DO- I 788/C standards to meet the certification objectives.
  • Apply scientific principles to innovate, design, develop, and implement technologies, components, sub-systems, and systems to ensure compliance to specifications, requirements, and customer guarantees across datalink and aircraft communications.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Must possess at least a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field and at least 8 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry. In the alternative, must possess at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field and at least 5 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role in the Aerospace/Defense industry would be acceptable.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience with development, verification, and certification of Real time embedded Software and/or Flight Deck Avionics Systems.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience with capturing requirements in a requirements management tool, such as DOORs or JAMA.
  • Must possess at least 5 years of experience with following processes and standards related to the development of software (such as DO-178).
  • Must possess at least 3 years of experience working on project plans for the programs or end users with cost and schedule with risk and opportunities.
  • Must possess at least 3 years of experience working closely with multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Non-US Person - Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Avionics: Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work onsite. This

includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the

development of our products.  

The salary range is $135,803.00 to $204,500.00 USD per year. 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.

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.

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Collins Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Collins Aerospace logo

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