1

Defense Contractor Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Equity * Relocation AssistanceHybrid | Huntsville, AL | Full-Time | 9/80 ScheduleThis isn't another defense contractor job.Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF ...

... defense contractor job. Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. Work hands-on across SDR, radar ...

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

... defense contractor job. Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. Work hands-on across SDR, radar ...

Defense Mission Expert

Peterson, IA · On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Ability to brief a variety of defense audiences, including senior military, civilian, and contractor * TS/SCI clearance * Bachelor's degree * Completion of USN Naval Command & Staff service staff ...

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

Customer Service 3

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$15.75 - $21.25/hr

Associate - W2 Shift: 1 PDS Defense, Inc. is seeking a Customer Service 3, in Cedar Rapids, IA. Job ... VEVRAA Federal Contractor / Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals / Equal Opportunity ...

Knowledge of defense contracting processes and requirements. * Understanding of export control regulations including ITAR and EAR). * Proficient in Microsoft Project, including scheduling ...

Knowledge of defense contracting processes and requirements. * Understanding of export control regulations including ITAR and EAR). * Proficient in Microsoft Project, including scheduling ...

Knowledge of defense contracting processes and requirements. * Understanding of export control regulations including ITAR and EAR). * Proficient in Microsoft Project, including scheduling ...

Your ability to brief various defense audiences, including senior military, civilian, and contractor stakeholders, will help ensure shared understanding, drive alignment, and accelerate mission ...

Your ability to brief defense audiences, including senior military, civilian, and contractor stakeholders, will help ensure shared understanding, drive alignment, and accelerate mission outcomes. You ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Waverly, IA · On-site

$67K - $87K/yr

Waverly, IowaAs a federal government contractor, Van-Am Defense Systems is required to maintain a drug-free workplace under the Drug-Free Workplace Act. As part of the hiring process, all candidates ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Defense Contractor information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$26

$44

How much do defense contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense contractor in Iowa is $26.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.86 and $30.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense contractor do?

A Defense Contractor is a private company or individual that provides products or services to a nation's military. These can include weapons, vehicles, technology, logistics, and consulting services. They work closely with government agencies to support defense and national security efforts. Contractors must comply with strict regulations and often require security clearances.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense contractor?

To thrive as a Defense Contractor, you need expertise in project management, engineering or technical disciplines, and a thorough understanding of government procurement processes, often supported by a relevant degree and security clearance. Familiarity with defense standards, specialized software tools (like CAD or project management suites), and compliance with regulations such as ITAR or DFARS is crucial. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you navigate complex projects and collaborate with multiple stakeholders. These abilities are essential for delivering mission-critical solutions while adhering to strict security and contractual requirements.

What are some typical challenges faced by defense contractors, and how can they be managed?

Defense Contractors often navigate strict regulatory requirements, complex project specifications, and tight deadlines, all while maintaining high standards for security and quality. Adaptability and proactive communication are essential to successfully manage frequent changes in project scope or government priorities. Collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including military personnel and subcontractors, is also a key aspect of the job. Building strong organizational and problem-solving skills can help you meet these challenges and contribute to the success of mission-oriented projects.

How do you become a defense contractor?

To become a defense contractor, individuals typically need a strong background in engineering, science, or technology, along with relevant security clearances for handling sensitive information. Gaining experience through internships or working for defense-related companies, and understanding government procurement processes, are also important steps in entering the field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa?

For Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Defense Contractor jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Defense Contractor jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Defense Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Defense Contractor job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,468 per year, or $26.2 per hour.

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Secmation

Ely, IA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Senior RF Communications Engineer$140,000-$175,000 Base SalarySigning Bonus • Equity • Relocation AssistanceHybrid | Huntsville, AL | Full-Time | 9/80 ScheduleThis isn't another defense contractor job.Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. Work hands-on across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies while contributing directly to systems from design through integration, testing, and field demonstration.Why experienced engineers choose Secmation Spend your timebuilding, integrating, and testing advanced RF systems. Contribute to system development from early design through field deployment. Work directly with experienced engineers, DoD customers, and mission users. Solve challenging RF, Electronic Warfare, SDR, radar, and secure communications problems. Collaborate with a small, highly technical team where every engineer has real impact. Build technology designed to transition into operational use.What you'll build and contributeContribute directly to the development of advanced RF technologies that support critical defense missions. This is a highly hands-on individual-contributor role focused on design, implementation, modeling, integration, HWIL testing, field demonstration, validation, and operational deployment. The position does not carry technical team-lead responsibilities.You'll work across: Electronic Warfare capabilities and applications, with opportunities to support Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, and countermeasure development. Software Defined Radio solutions, including software, embedded processing, and integration with firmware-based radio platforms and secure embedded communications systems. Tactical RF communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, and RF sensing technologies. AI-enabled RF analysis, mission systems, and adaptive signal-processing capabilities as part of the broader program environment. RF algorithm development, communications-system modeling, mission simulation, and scenario development using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools. System integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, field testing, validation, and live customer demonstrations. Close collaboration with RF, software, hardware, cybersecurity, and systems engineers across the program.What we're looking for U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Security Clearance.Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline. 8+ years of relevant experience in RF systems, communications engineering, SDR, radar, Electronic Warfare, or a related field. Hands-on experience designing, implementing, analyzing, orvalidating military or defense-related RF communications systems. Experience with SDR frameworks and platforms such as GNU Radio, REDHAWK, USRP/UHD, Epiq, or comparable technologies. Experience using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools for RF modeling, simulation, algorithm development, or data analysis. Experience with C/C++ for embedded or systems-level applications. Experience supporting system integration, HWIL testing, mission simulation, field testing, validation, or customer demonstrations. Experience with one or more of the following: tactical communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, RF sensing, or Electronic Warfare systems. Familiarity with waveform performance analysis, adaptive tuning, optimization, error correction, or related signal-processing techniques. Ability to independently execute complex technical tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team. Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document and present findings to internal teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders.Preferred Qualifications Experience with Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, or countermeasure development. Experience integrating software with firmware-based SDR or embedded radio platforms. Experience supporting defense or government programs through field testing or operational deployment. Exposure to AI-enabled RF analysis or adaptive mission systems.Compensation & Benefits $140,000-$175,000 base salarySigning bonus Company equity Relocationassistance Hybrid 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off Paid time off and flexible work schedules Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance Life and short- and long-term disability insurance 401(k) retirement benefits with company contributionWork EnvironmentHybrid role with on-site work required in Huntsville, Alabama. Flexible 9/80 work schedule supporting every other Friday off. Collaborative,fast-paced, and technically innovative environment with distributed team integration.About SecmationSecmation develops AI-enabled software, embedded cybersecurity, secure RF systems, and advanced communications technologies for the U.S. defense community. Our mission is to deliver next-generation secure technologies for Electronic Warfare, autonomous systems, and critical defense applications.Small company. Big mission. Real engineering.Equal Opportunity EmployerSecmation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.The salary range represents a general guideline. Secmation considers the scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as a candidate's experience, education, skills, work location, current market conditions, and other bona fide factors when determining compensation.