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Director Software Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Software Test Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$65K - $110K/yr

... direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization. Software ... Test Engineer RFA Engineering is seeking a Software Test Engineer to support validation and ...

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 ...

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 ...

Senior Software Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$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 ...

... growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization ... This may mean collaborating with software developers and triaging test failures. * Coordinate the ...

Software Developer - BIM VDC

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$47.75 - $63.25/hr

PURPOSE The Software Developer - BIM/VDC is a member of Baker Group's Information Technology ... Adhere to security best practices and utilize security tooling as directed by the Dev Experience ...

Showing results 41-60

Director Software information

See Iowa salary details

$130.6K

$238.6K

How much do director software jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for director software in Iowa is $229,103.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $237,600.00 and $237,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director software?

A Director of Software is a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the software development teams and guiding the strategic direction of software projects within an organization. They manage engineering managers and developers, set technical vision, ensure projects are aligned with business goals, and often collaborate with other departments like product management and operations. The role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to balance innovation with operational efficiency. Directors of Software are also tasked with recruiting top talent, mentoring team members, and ensuring software quality and security standards are met.

What are some typical challenges a director of software faces when leading cross-functional teams?

A Director of Software often encounters challenges such as aligning priorities across engineering, product, and design teams, ensuring clear communication, and managing competing deadlines. Balancing technical debt reduction with new feature development is also a common concern. Successful Directors build strong relationships with stakeholders, foster a culture of collaboration, and implement processes that support transparency and efficient decision-making.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of software, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Software, you need extensive experience in software development, strong leadership abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as project management software (e.g., Jira), cloud platforms, and agile methodologies, as well as certifications like PMP or Scrum Master, is highly beneficial. Exceptional problem-solving, communication, and team management skills set outstanding candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for guiding teams, delivering high-quality products, and aligning software initiatives with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Director Software vs Software Engineer?

AspectDirector SoftwareSoftware Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, leadership experienceBachelor's or higher in CS or related field, coding skills
Work EnvironmentLeadership, strategic planning, cross-team collaborationHands-on coding, development, debugging
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, software firms, startupsAlmost universal across tech industries
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for career progression, responsibilitiesEntry to mid-level roles, technical focus

The main difference between a Director Software and a Software Engineer lies in their responsibilities and experience. Directors focus on strategic planning, team leadership, and project oversight, often requiring leadership credentials. Software Engineers are primarily involved in coding and technical development. While Software Engineers are more hands-on with daily technical tasks, Directors oversee multiple projects and teams, guiding overall software development strategies.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Software jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Director Software job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $229,103 per year, or $110.1 per hour.

Associate Director, Advanced System Tools - Software Architect (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 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:

2026-07-27

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Become part of the growing Collins Aerospace Advanced System Tools organization!

This position is for a highly experienced and motivated Solutions Architect (Associate Director) that will be involved in the proposal, architecture, design, implementation, verification, and integration of a wide variety of next generation software and system development kits, specifically Virtual System Test Rigs. As an engineering lead in this organization, you will be employing best practice design methodologies and utilizing emerging technologies to pioneer a new product line from the ground up.

The ideal candidate will have a good understanding of software development practices, system testing, military/commercial certification, and experience leading execution teams. This is an onsite position based in Cedar Rapids, IA.

What You Will Do 

  • Define Solution Architecture by translating customer, mission, and business needs into scalable solution concepts, reference architectures, and technical roadmaps.
  • Lead Architectural Decisions by evaluating trade-offs across performance, safety, cybersecurity, cost, schedule, reliability, and risk while enabling modularity and reuse.
  • Drive System Integration by defining system architecture, allocating functions, governing critical interfaces, and ensuring effective system-of-systems integration.
  • Provide Technical Governance by establishing architectural standards, reviewing designs for compliance, and managing architecture across multiple programs and product families.
  • Align Technology Strategy by partnering with Product Management, Chief Engineers, and Systems Engineering to support product roadmaps, future capabilities, and verification of architectural solutions.
  • Willingness to travel (domestic and international <10%). 

What You Will Learn 

  • Launching, maturing, and scaling a new product line with broad organizational dependencies. 
  • Defining and designing an enterprise wide systems integration test solution for internal and external stakeholders.  
  • Defining tooling solutions that support safety critical Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) certification and qualified toolchains.  

  Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
  • 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 
  • Experience with avionics and test system architecture.
  • Experience working with Discipline Councils and other Architects.
  • Experience with leading DO-178 and DO-330 certification activities for software development
  • Experience with interfacing with the wide spectrum of individual contributors to program management and customers.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with military & commercial technical leadership
  • Experience with design and development of Flight Management Systems, Flight Displays, Comm/Nav/Surveillance and/or Networking Software (System of Systems).
  • Familiar with revision control concepts and tools (e.g. GIT, Subversion, JIRA).
  • Expert knowledge of market with the ability to identify best practices and how to best utilize within RTX.

What We Offer 

  • 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 illness insurance, 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! 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Avionics delivers advanced cockpit displays, vision systems, and comprehensive digital solutions for global government, commercial and business aviation customers. We provide connectivity and managed data services to ensure safety and seamless communication for passengers, crews, and militaries, from aircraft and airports to air traffic management. Join us in creating solutions that connect the world, one flight at a time. Start your application 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 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.

The salary range for this role is 157,200 USD - 298,800 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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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