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Director Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Kemin

Senior Software Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$119K - $157K/yr

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will serve as the highest-level engineering execution ... Apply advanced prompt engineering to direct AI tools across code generation, debugging, refactoring ...

Apex Systems

Sr. Software Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$119K - $157K/yr

Job#: 3036110 Sr. Software Engineer Location: Des Moines, Iowa (Partial Remote) Role Overview Our ... Apply advanced prompt engineering to direct AI tools for code generation, debugging, and ...

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All JobsSoftware Engineer Startup JobsDirector Software Engineer Startup JobsDirector Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Iowa

Director Software Engineer Startup information

What does a director software engineer do at a startup?

A Director Software Engineer at a startup leads and manages the engineering team, overseeing the development and delivery of software products. They set technical direction, ensure best practices, and collaborate closely with founders and other departments to align technology with business goals. This role often involves hands-on coding, mentoring junior engineers, and making key architectural decisions. Directors at startups must be adaptable, balancing strategic planning with the fast-paced demands of startup growth.

What is the difference between Director Software Engineer Startup vs Lead Software Engineer?

AspectDirector Software Engineer StartupLead Software Engineer
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, strategic planning, and project alignmentLeads a specific team or project, technical mentorship
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related, extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in CS or related, strong technical background
Work EnvironmentStartup setting, cross-functional collaborationStartup or tech company, hands-on technical work
FocusStrategic leadership, team managementTechnical excellence, project delivery

The main difference between a Director Software Engineer Startup and a Lead Software Engineer lies in scope and focus. The Director typically manages multiple teams and handles strategic planning, while the Lead focuses on technical leadership within a specific team or project. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the Director's role emphasizes leadership and organizational skills in a startup environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a director software engineer at a startup, and how can they be addressed?

As a Director Software Engineer at a startup, you may encounter challenges such as balancing hands-on technical work with managerial responsibilities, scaling the engineering team rapidly, and adapting to shifting business priorities. It’s important to establish clear communication channels, set achievable milestones, and foster a collaborative culture to keep the team aligned. Leveraging agile methodologies and regularly reviewing technical debt can help maintain product quality while meeting fast-paced deadlines. Building strong relationships with other departments, such as product and design, also ensures that engineering efforts are strategically aligned with the company’s goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director software engineer at a startup?

To thrive as a Director Software Engineer at a startup, you need deep expertise in software architecture, coding best practices, and team leadership, often supported by a degree in computer science and significant engineering experience. Familiarity with agile methodologies, cloud platforms (such as AWS or GCP), and project management tools is typically required, along with experience in scaling systems. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and the ability to motivate and mentor a diverse team set standout leaders apart in this role. These skills are vital for driving innovation, ensuring technical excellence, and fostering a high-performing engineering culture in a fast-paced startup environment.

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

The most popular types of Software Engineer Startup jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Director Software Engineer Startup jobs in Iowa?

For Director Software Engineer Startup jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Director Software Engineer Startup jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Director Software Engineer Startup jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Director Software Engineer Startup jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Director Software Engineer Startup job openings:

Director Software Engineer Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director Software Engineer Startup job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution.

Manager, Modernization and AI Engineering

Modaxo, Inc.

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
Job Summary:
At Vontas, we build software that powers real-world transit operations across North America. Our platforms, including Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems, support agencies that keep cities moving every day.
The Manager, Modernization and AI Engineering is a highly visible leadership role responsible for guiding multiple engineering teams through large-scale technical modernization and thoughtful adoption of AI-driven capabilities. This role blends people leadership, technical strategy, and delivery execution, with a focus on improving the quality, scalability, and longevity of mission-critical systems.
You will partner closely with Product, Architecture, QA, Professional Services, and other engineering leaders to modernize our OnRoute and Orion platforms, strengthen engineering practices, mature DevOps and quality processes, and help shape how AI is responsibly integrated into existing workflows. This position reports to the Director, Software Development.
Job Description:
Job Posting Title:
Manager, Modernization and AI Engineering
Job Profile:
Manager, Software Development
Job Summary:
At Vontas, we build software that powers real-world transit operations across North America. Our platforms, including Computer-Aided Dispatch and Automatic Vehicle Location (CAD/AVL) systems, support agencies that keep cities moving every day.
The Manager, Modernization and AI Engineering is a highly visible leadership role responsible for guiding multiple engineering teams through large-scale technical modernization and thoughtful adoption of AI-driven capabilities. This role blends people leadership, technical strategy, and delivery execution, with a focus on improving the quality, scalability, and longevity of mission-critical systems.
You will partner closely with Product, Architecture, QA, Professional Services, and other engineering leaders to modernize our OnRoute and Orion platforms, strengthen engineering practices, mature DevOps and quality processes, and help shape how AI is responsibly integrated into existing workflows. This position reports to the Director, Software Development.
Why This Role Matters:
  • You will help modernize CAD/AVL platforms that are central to daily transit operations, balancing innovation with reliability, scalability, and real-world operational constraints.
  • You will influence both how we build software and what our products become next, shaping technical direction across architecture, delivery, and quality.
  • You will play a key role in integrating AI/ML capabilities in practical, value-driven ways.
  • You will grow and mentor software developers, strengthening the organization for the long term while delivery results today.

What You'll Be Doing (High-Level):
  • Lead teams through modernization initiatives, including architectural improvements, API modernization, and cloud-readiness efforts.
  • Create an environment where engineers can do their best work through clear priorities, strong engineering practices, and a sustained focus on quality.
  • Partner with Product Management, Architecture, Professional Services, Sales, and Marketing to translate business needs and customer opportunities into scalable technical solutions.
  • Drive continuous improvement across delivery process, DevOps, testing strategies, and reliability engineering.
  • Collaborate across the teams to identify, design, and integrate AI/ML capabilities into existing platforms where they deliver meaningful value.

Supervisory Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Lead in talent acquisition systems and processes, including recruitment activities and decisions on selections.
  • Identify and nurture talent within the team for future leadership roles.
  • Collaborate with the team to drive, develop, and execute innovation in our current products and solutions.
  • Establish and communicate clear performance expectations.
  • Identify performance gaps and monitor performance to ensure development plans are met.
  • Provide direct support, guidance, and transparent communication across distributed teams, including offshore contributors.
  • Ensure fair and equal treatment of employees, avoiding favoritism, addressing difficult issues (with assistance from Human Resources), and practices empathy and compassion.
  • Promote Company policies, procedures, mission, and values by training and providing direction to direct reports in their use and application.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Own execution of modernization initiative for OnRoute and Orion platforms.
  • Assist with other teams revolving: Retrospectives, Sprint Planning, Backlog Grooming, Roadmap Planning, Reporting. Story Definitions, and prioritization of tasks.
  • Take an agile approach to workload planning by utilizing JIRA administratively.
  • Coordinate cross-functionally with other Team Managers to develop comprehensive solutions for our customers.
  • Assist with ad hoc requests and take on required initiatives related to improving efficiency and quality of work across the "design and build" cycle.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent communicator and active listener capable of influencing team outcomes.
  • Well versed in the latest tools and technologies to support development initiatives.
  • Azure and/or AWS expertise strongly preferred.
  • Hands-on understanding of CI/CD pipelines (Azure DevOps, GitHub Actions, Jenkins, etc.)
  • Knowledge of automated testing, regression, and pipeline-based quality gates.
  • Ability to guide teams in reliability engineering practices.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software(s).

Education and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field; equivalent experience accepted.
  • 4+ years in software engineering or development.
  • 5+ years in leadership roles managing engineering teams.
  • Understanding of the North American Transit Industry and Agencies is preferred.

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer/laptop.
  • Ability to travel (including domestic and international), sometimes for extended periods, which may involve sitting during transit and walking at various locations. Expected travel for this role is up to 10%.
  • Must be able to life up to 10 pounds at a time.
  • Must be able to handle high utilization of hand and wrist dexterity.

Disclaimers:
  • All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a threat or risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
  • This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to which will be required in this position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related duties as requested by their supervisor/manager (within guidelines and compliance with Federal and State Laws). Continued employment remains on an "at-will" basis.
  • Vontas remains and actively participates as an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer.

Worker Type:
Regular
Number of Openings Available:
1
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who qualify for an interview will be contacted. *Professional recruiting agents or consultants need not call.

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