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Government Contracting Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

W S DARLEY & CO

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

W S Darley & Co

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

W S DARLEY & CO

Quality Manager

Janesville, IA

$110K/yr

Government and prime defense contracting. Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in ...

Envision

Minimum of 3 years of business development, sales, account management, marketing, merchandising, eCommerce, government contracting, federal procurement, or related experience required. Experience ...

Crystal Group

Senior Program Manager

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$115K - $115K/yr

Strong understanding of government contracting, defense programs, and customer contract execution. * Advancedleadership skills with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and cross ...

Crystal Group

Senior Program Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$113K - $114K/yr

Strong understanding of government contracting, defense programs, and customer contract execution. * Advancedleadership skills with the ability to influence executive stakeholders and cross ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment Contracting JobsGovernment Contracting Jobs in Iowa

Government Contracting information

See Iowa salary details

$10.3K

$85.5K

$124.9K

How much do government contracting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for government contracting in Iowa is $85,458.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $118,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Government Contracting, and why are they important?

To excel in Government Contracting, you need expertise in procurement processes, regulatory compliance (such as FAR/DFARS), and contract management, often backed by a relevant degree and experience in public sector contracts. Familiarity with government procurement systems like SAM.gov and certifications such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) are highly valued. Strong attention to detail, negotiation skills, and the ability to communicate complex requirements clearly are standout soft skills. Mastering these skills ensures compliant, cost-effective contract execution and successful collaboration with government agencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in government contracting, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in government contracting often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, meeting strict compliance requirements, and adapting to frequent changes in government policies. To address these issues, staying current with federal acquisition regulations, participating in ongoing training, and maintaining open communication with both internal teams and government contacts is crucial. Additionally, strong organizational skills and attention to detail help ensure deadlines are met and contract terms are fulfilled accurately.

What is government contracting?

Government contracting refers to the process by which businesses and individuals provide goods or services to federal, state, or local government agencies under a legally binding agreement. These contracts are often awarded through a competitive bidding process and are governed by specific regulations to ensure fairness and transparency. Government contractors must comply with various rules, including those related to pricing, reporting, and ethical standards. Working as a government contractor can offer stable business opportunities but also requires navigating complex legal and procedural requirements.

What is the difference between Government Contracting vs Government Procurement?

AspectGovernment ContractingGovernment Procurement
Primary FocusSecuring and managing contracts with government agenciesAcquisition of goods and services by government agencies
Work EnvironmentContract management offices, project sites, officesProcurement offices, bidding environments
Required CredentialsContract management certifications, knowledge of regulationsProcurement certifications, familiarity with bidding processes
Industry UsageContractors, consultants, legal teamsProcurement officers, purchasing agents

While both roles involve working with government entities, government contracting focuses on securing and managing contracts, whereas government procurement centers on acquiring goods and services through bidding and purchasing processes. Understanding these differences helps professionals target their skills and job searches effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of Government Contracting jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Government Contracting jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Government Contracting jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Government Contracting job openings:
Government Contracting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Government Contracting job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,458 per year, or $41.1 per hour.
Quality Manager

Quality Manager

W S DARLEY & CO

Janesville, IA

$85K - $110K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Description

W.S. Darley & Co. is a leading provider of mission-critical equipment and solutions supporting the U.S. Military and first responders worldwide. Our Iowa Operations division specializes in the design and manufacturing of fuel and water systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as drop-in skid units and CAFS (Compressed Air Foam Systems) for the firefighting industry.


W.S. Darley & Co. is seeking an experienced Quality Manager to support and ultimately lead the Quality Management System for our Iowa Manufacturing Operations. This position is structured as a planned transition role, working closely with the current Quality Manager in the short term and assuming full responsibility within 6-12 months. The role supports multiple manufacturing product lines operating in an ISO 9001-certified environment, with a primary focus on U.S. Government and prime defense contracting. 


Primary products include fuel and water transfer, storage, and distribution systems. Secondary product lines include firefighting systems, CAFS, drop-in units, and portable pump systems. 


This is an on-site position located in Janesville, IA.

Requirements

  • Maintain, improve, and ensure compliance of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System across all Iowa manufacturing operations o Short Term - Lead transition from ISO 9001:2015 to ISO 9001:2026 
  • Lead internal and external audits, including customer, prime contractor, and government audits 
  • Serve as the primary Quality interface with U.S. Government agencies, defense primes, and key commercial customers 
  • Oversee document control, corrective and preventive actions (CAPA), nonconformance management, and continuous improvement activities 
  • Support contract reviews, quality planning, and flow-down of quality requirements to manufacturing and suppliers 
  • Lead quality-related supplier management and incoming inspection processes 
  • Provide leadership, mentoring, and training to quality staff and cross-functional teams 
  • Support transition planning and knowledge transfer from the current Quality Manager 

Qualifications 

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Quality, Manufacturing, or a related technical field (equivalent experience considered) 
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in Quality or Manufacturing Engineering, preferably in a defense or regulated manufacturing environment 
  • Strong working knowledge of ISO 9001 standards and audit processes 
  • Experience with government contracting quality requirements (FAR/DFARS exposure preferred) 
  • Proven ability to work cross-functionally in a multi-product manufacturing environment 
  •  Strong communication, documentation, and leadership skills 

Work Environment 

  •  Manufacturing and office environment 
  •  Periodic travel for supplier visits and customer audits 

Why W.S. Darley & Co.?

  • Stable, growing company supporting U.S. military and first responders
  • Collaborative, team-oriented manufacturing environment
  • Competitive compensation and benefits package

Benefits

  • PTO
  • Paid Holidays
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Health & Wellness Reimbursement
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life & Disability
  • HSA with Darley contribution
  • FSA
  • 401K/Roth with match and profit sharing
  • Darley paid life insurance

Compensation

$85,000-$110,000 annually


AAP/EEO Statement

Darley is an equal opportunity organization. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law

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