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Defense Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. As a Software Engineer I on our team, you will play a key role in the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded ...

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Defense Software Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$59.6K

$138.6K

$193K

How much do defense software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense software engineer in Iowa is $138,564.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,700.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Defense Software Engineer job?

A Defense Software Engineer develops, tests, and maintains software for military and defense applications. They work on secure, mission-critical systems such as weapons control, cybersecurity, and communication networks. Their role requires proficiency in programming languages, security protocols, and compliance with defense standards. Due to the nature of the industry, security clearances and adherence to classified information policies are often required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Defense Software Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Software Engineer, you need expertise in software development, a strong grasp of cybersecurity principles, and familiarity with defense industry standards, typically demonstrated by a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field. Experience with programming languages such as C++, Java, or Python, knowledge of real-time operating systems, and certifications like Security+ or CISSP are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams are valuable soft skills. These competencies ensure that complex, secure, and mission-critical software solutions are effectively developed and maintained to meet stringent defense requirements.

What types of projects and technologies do Defense Software Engineers typically work on?

Defense Software Engineers often work on projects involving the development and maintenance of software for military systems, such as radar, communications, simulation, or weapons control platforms. They frequently use technologies like embedded systems, secure coding practices, and specialized hardware interfaces. Project work can range from upgrading legacy systems to designing cutting-edge capabilities, often requiring adherence to rigorous security and compliance protocols. Collaboration with systems engineers, hardware teams, and government stakeholders is typical, offering a dynamic and mission-driven work environment. This exposure helps engineers build specialized expertise while contributing directly to national security initiatives.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Software Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Defense Software Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Defense Software Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Defense Software Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Defense Software Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $138,564 per year, or $66.6 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer (ONSITE)

Senior Software Engineer (ONSITE)

Raytheon Technologies

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$119K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-10

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-TX-RICHARDSON-461 ~ 3200 E Renner Rd ~ RENNER BLDG 461

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

Raytheon Company, Managed by Collins Aerospace

At Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, we are advancing the future of aerospace and defense through innovative technologies and mission-critical solutions. Our teams develop capabilities that help connect, protect, and enable customer missions around the world.

We are seeking aSenior Software Engineerto join our engineering organization and help deliver innovative software solutions that support critical aerospace and defense missions. In this role, you will have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise to complex challenges while contributing to technologies that make a meaningful impact.

This position may support technologies and capabilities including secure communications, mission systems, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, embedded software, software modernization, and other advanced aerospace and defense solutions.

This position may be located onsite in one of the following locations: Richardson TX, Fort Wayne IN, Cedar Rapids IA, St Petersburg or Largo FL.

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What You Will Do

  • Apply advanced technical knowledge to solve complex challenges and deliver innovative software solutions that support customer and business objectives.
  • Execute software engineering activities throughout the software lifecycle, including development, integration, testing, deployment, modernization, and/or sustainment efforts.
  • Develop, implement, and support software solutions across a variety of technologies, products, and mission areas.
  • Partner with multidisciplinary teams to solve technical challenges and deliver mission-critical capabilities.
  • Drive the development of solutions supporting areas such as secure communications, mission systems, cybersecurity, autonomous systems, embedded software, and software modernization.
  • May support or lead small projects, initiatives, or technical efforts.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Experience developing software applications, systems, or solutions using programming languages such as C/C++, Java, or similar languages.
  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Active and transferable Secret or Top Secret U.S. government issued security clearance.
  • Experience working within the software development lifecycle, including design, development, integration, testing and maintenance.
  • Experience with embedded software, real-time operating systems (RTOS), Linux, DevSecOps, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing frameworks or related software development environments.
  • Knowledge of cybersecurity principles, secure software development practices, or software assurance methodologies.
  • Experience supporting technical domains such as mission systems, communications systems, cybersecurity, autonomous systems or related domains.

What We Offer

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 illnessinsurance, 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!

Eligible for relocation

Learn More & Apply Now!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions - whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you'll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role.

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 attendselect 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 86,800 USD - 165,200 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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