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Director Software Engineer Startup Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Embedded Software Developer C++

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization. Embedded Software Engineer RFA Engineering is seeking a C++ Embedded Software Developer to support the ...

Showing results 41-60

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

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

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.

Senior Software Engineer - Embedded Communications (ONSITE)

Prattwhitney

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$86.80 - $165.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Overview

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. The Collins Aerospace Integrated Secure Processing Solutions (SPS) team is looking for a Senior Software Engineer passionate about collaborating with high-performance teams to create mission critical solutions supporting Mission Systems.

Our Senior Software Engineers work in an exciting, adaptive, and engaging environment enabling rapid learning to drive success. The role involves requirements analysis, synthesis of new and existing architectures that meld commercial and military communication functionality and software engineering development best practices for complex systems where the ability to execute the mission is paramount.

What You Will Do
  • Collaborate with a dynamic software team in a cross-functional environment, translating System Requirements into Software Requirements and UML/SysML models for a large-scale program.
  • Collaborate with Senior and Principal Software Engineers, providing mentorship and guidance to junior engineers and interns.
  • Provide direct support to stakeholders by addressing technical questions, troubleshooting issues, and offering solutions to ensure smooth project execution and customer satisfaction.
  • Partner with team members across domains to maintain and enhance software design and code, ensuring alignment with customer requirements and certification standards.
  • Take ownership of producing high-quality software builds within an integrated test environment, ensuring optimal performance and reliability through rigorous testing and validation.
Qualifications
  • Must Have:
    • Experience with Embedded Development using object-oriented design.
    • Experience with development tool sets (e.g., Jira, Subversion/Git/Version Management).
    • Active and transferable SECRET clearance is required prior to start date.
    • 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) with minimum 5 years of relevant experience or an Advanced Degree with minimum 3 years of experience.
  • Preferred:
    • Experience with requirements analysis and requirements decomposition.
    • Experience with virtualization.
    • Knowledge of microservices, containers and orchestrators.
    • Knowledge of memory-safe languages (Ada or Rust).
    • Experience with automated test environments (Python).
    • Knowledge of DevSecOps and CI/CD.
    • Experience with GUI frameworks (Java React or Swing/JavaFX).
    • Knowledge/experience with Data Format Description Language (DFDL) and with deploying software to hardware solutions.
What We Offer
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance; life and disability coverage.
  • Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and retirement contributions.
  • Tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs.
  • Parental leave benefits, adoption assistance, and family health programs.
  • Flexible and comprehensive benefits options including various insurance coverages and wellness programs.
Additional Information

This position is onsite at Collins Aerospace. The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer and provides affirmative action in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Specific benefits depend on the business unit and may be subject to collective-bargaining agreements. The company reserves the right to adjust the application window and other terms at its discretion.

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