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Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

W3Global Inc.

Electrical Engineer

Fort Madison, IA · On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Electrical / Computer Engineer - Embedded & IoT Systems Location: Fort Madison, IA (Onsite) Job Type: Full-Time Salary: DOE Overview We are seeking a skilled Electrical / Computer Engineer to join a ...

EndoSec LLC

FPGA Engineer

Des Moines, IA

$126.90K - $163K/yr

Apply Now RTL, C/C++, Python, VHDL, Verilog, Tcl, cryptography, hardware, embedded software, System ... S. Government Security Clearance FPGA Engineer The EndoSec FPGA Engineer is responsible for the ...

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Embedded Systems Engineer information

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$58.7K

$128.9K

$180.3K

How much do embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for embedded systems engineer in Iowa is $128,936.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $153,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Do Embedded Systems Engineers Do?

An embedded systems engineer creates the software to control electronics or machines that are different from regular computers. This software needs to run on the specific hardware it controls. Their duties also include troubleshooting and testing. Essential skills include problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. Work is typically in an office environment with full-time business hours. Educational qualifications include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in embedded systems engineering or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Embedded Systems Engineer, you need strong proficiency in C/C++ programming, embedded hardware knowledge, and a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), microcontroller development platforms, and debugging tools like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers is typically required. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for success in this role. These skills and qualities are essential to design reliable embedded solutions that meet strict performance, safety, and efficiency requirements.

What are some common challenges an Embedded Systems Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges when ensuring that hardware and software components work seamlessly together. These can include dealing with limited memory and processing power, timing constraints, and real-time performance requirements. Troubleshooting issues that arise from hardware-software interactions—such as driver compatibility, signal integrity, or power management—requires strong problem-solving skills and close collaboration with hardware designers and software developers. Engineers must frequently debug at both the hardware and code level, making attention to detail and cross-disciplinary communication essential in this role.

What are Embedded Systems Engineers?

Embedded Systems Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems—specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. These engineers work with both hardware and software, often programming microcontrollers or microprocessors to control devices like automobiles, medical equipment, consumer electronics, and industrial machines. Their expertise ensures devices are efficient, reliable, and optimized for specific tasks, making embedded systems a crucial part of modern technology.

What is the difference between Embedded Systems Engineer vs Firmware Engineer?

AspectEmbedded Systems EngineerFirmware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related fields; certifications like Certified Embedded Systems EngineerBachelor's in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering; certifications like Certified Firmware Engineer
Work EnvironmentDesigning and developing embedded hardware/software for devices like automotive, medical, consumer electronicsWriting low-level code to optimize firmware for microcontrollers and embedded devices
Industry UsageUsed across automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, industrial automationPrimarily in consumer electronics, IoT devices, and embedded hardware products

Both roles focus on embedded development but differ in scope. Embedded Systems Engineers work on both hardware and software integration, while Firmware Engineers specialize in writing low-level code for device firmware. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

More about Embedded Systems Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Embedded Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Embedded Systems Engineer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in IA? For Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Embedded Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Embedded Systems Engineer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $128,936 per year, or $62 per hour.
Senior R&D Engineer - System Dynamics and Controls

Senior R&D Engineer - System Dynamics and Controls

Iowa State University

Ames, IA • On-site

$102.20K - $139.90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Iowa State University rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

306th of 530 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Position Title:
Senior R&D Engineer - System Dynamics and Controls
Job Group:
Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience
Job Description:
Build the Future of Agriculture
If you want your engineering work to matter outside the lab-on real machines, in real farm fields, with real impact-this is the role for you.
Who We Are
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab partners with leading agricultural companies to imagine, design, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment and ultimately into industry adoption.
Our vision is bold: to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation.
Our mission guides everything we do: Innovate. Educate. Outreach.
  • We innovate with partners to create technology solutions that drive value into agriculture and our communities.
  • We educate to inspire and develop students and professionals to ensure a thriving workforce that drives success within our industry.
  • We outreach to share knowledge with farmers and ag businesses and promote practices that enhance their success.

We operate with four core values: Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Senior R&D Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and deployment of advanced digital agriculture systems.
This is a hands-on systems engineering leadership role with ownership from concept through field deployment. You will design and integrate hardware and software systems, develop production-representative platforms, and deliver solutions that are robust, scalable, and deployment-ready.
You will work directly with OEM and industry engineering teams to define requirements, lead execution, and ensure systems meet real-world performance expectations.
What You'll Do
  • Lead system architecture and integration of automation and control systems for real-time vehicle applications
  • Design and implement multi-sensor data pipelines to support control development and system performance analysis
  • Develop and validate vehicle dynamics and system models to inform control strategies and hardware selection
  • Define and execute validation strategies across simulation, HIL, lab, and field environments
  • Integrate embedded systems with vehicle networks (e.g., CAN, Ethernet) and real-time control architectures
  • Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies into deployable, production-representative systems
  • Lead cross-functional engineering efforts, delivering against technical milestones and partner expectations
  • Develop technical documentation, scopes of work, and deliverables for external partners
  • Mentor engineers and contribute to a high-performance engineering culture focused on ownership, innovation, and execution

The successful candidate will bring deep experience designing and integrating complex hardware-software systems for vehicle dynamics and controls, from modeling and simulation through embedded deployment, lab and field validation, and extraction of meaningful performance metrics. Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills are essential when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, industry partners, and externally funded engineering projects.
Technology & Systems You May Work With
  • Vehicle communication networks (CAN, CAN FD, Ethernet)
  • Sensor integration, data acquisition, and multi-sensor fusion systems
  • Model-based development tools (MATLAB, Simulink, Simscape)
  • Embedded systems and real-time control architectures
  • Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system integration
  • Agricultural and off-highway equipment platforms

This is a term position with the expectation of long-term renewal.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.
This position is hired as an R&D Engineer IV and will remain open until filled.
Preferred Qualifications
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
  • Background in agricultural equipment, off-highway machinery, robotics, or precision ag systems
  • Experience commercializing applied engineering solutions
  • Experience mentoring engineers in fast-paced development environments

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
  • Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
  • Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
  • Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
  • Life insurance and long-term disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Various voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
May 24, 2029
Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period
Time Type:
Full time
Pay Grade:
PS813
Original Posting Date:
April 28, 2026
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R19081
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

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