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Government Software Engineering Jobs in Ames, IA

Software Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

The Software Engineer will work with colleagues to deliver reliable and scalable applications that ... Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of applicable government background checks ...

Software Engineer, Senior

Nevada, IA · On-site

$87 - $198/hr

Experience supporting rapid response engineering missions, tiger teams, or flyaway teams under ... Experience communicating technical decisions and solution impacts to engineers, government clients ...

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... and experience with consumer software applications. · Strong computer, research and ... Business, Communications, Engineering related field, IT or a similar discipline. Company ...

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Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... government agencies, and enterprise organizations to deliver innovative technology solutions and highly skilled talent across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and professional staffing. As a ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$27 - $32/hr

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software. * Willingness to support a high-quality laboratory ... Carry out crop genome engineering experiments to support trait optimization and product development.

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $27/hr

Experience with computer systems and standard software programs (excel, PowerPoint, etc.) is ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

Proficient with Microsoft Office software, and experience in databases and/or LIMS (Laboratory ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17.80 - $22.80/hr

Proficient with Microsoft Office software, and experience in databases and/or LIMS (Laboratory ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

Laboratory Technician

Johnston, IA · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

... software. Responsibilities: * Perform daily greenhouse plant care such as checking for watering ... We deliver agile, scalable talent solutions across IT, engineering, life sciences, clinical, and ...

Government Software Engineering information

See Ames, IA salary details

$62.1K

$144.4K

$201.1K

How much do government software engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for government software engineering in Ames, IA is $144,379.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,400.00 and $169,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is government software engineering?

Government software engineering involves designing, developing, and maintaining software systems for government agencies and public sector organizations. These professionals work on projects that support public services, such as healthcare, transportation, security, and administration. Their work often requires adherence to strict security and privacy standards, as well as compliance with government regulations. Government software engineers may collaborate with other IT professionals and stakeholders to create reliable, efficient, and user-friendly solutions that serve citizens and government employees. This field offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on society through technology.

What are government jobs in software engineering?

Government software engineering jobs involve working at the local, state, or federal levels to provide assistance to an area or government agency. In this role, you may set up a network or system, develop customized software, or use testing techniques to see whether or not existing software and hardware are performing as expected. Some government software engineering jobs are directly with the government, while contractors who specialize in specific areas fill other roles. Many government software engineering jobs are geographically centralized. In other words, the more government offices there are in an area, the more software engineering jobs you can expect to find.

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

To thrive as a Government Software Engineer, you typically need a solid background in computer science, proficiency in programming languages like Java or Python, and a relevant degree or security clearance. Familiarity with government-specific systems, secure coding practices, and tools such as Git, CI/CD pipelines, and project management software is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail help you navigate complex regulations and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These skills are vital for building secure, reliable software solutions that support government operations and protect sensitive data.

What are some unique challenges faced by software engineers working in government agencies?

Software engineers in government agencies often work within strict regulatory and security frameworks, which can mean longer approval cycles and more documentation compared to private sector roles. Collaboration across multiple departments is common, as systems must integrate with legacy infrastructure and comply with public sector standards. While these constraints can be challenging, they also offer opportunities to contribute to projects that have a significant impact on public services and society. Engineers typically work in multidisciplinary teams and gain exposure to large-scale, mission-critical applications.

What are popular job titles related to Government Software Engineering jobs in Ames, IA?

For Government Software Engineering jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Government Software Engineering jobs in Ames, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Government Software Engineering jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Government Software Engineering jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Government Software Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Government Software Engineering job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,379 per year, or $69.4 per hour.

Software Engineer

Harris

Nevada, IA • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Harris Computer rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 246 rated software companies


Job description

About SmartCop

SmartCop, part of Harris Computer's Frontline portfolio, delivers integrated public safety software that helps law enforcement and first-responder agencies do their most critical work. Our suite spans Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD), Records Management (RMS), Mobile, and Jail Management - a fully integrated platform designed to keep officers informed, connected, and safe in the field.

Built by people who understand the demands of public safety, SmartCop equips agencies with reliable, real-time tools that streamline operations and improve community outcomes. As part of Harris Computer - a global vertical market software leader with a long-term ownership philosophy - we pair the stability of an established organization with the focus and mission-driven culture of a specialized team.

Join us and build technology that makes a real difference for the officers and communities we serve.

The Software Engineer will work with colleagues to deliver reliable and scalable applications that contribute to keeping first responders in the field safe, efficient, and informed with mission-critical technology that is intuitive and easy to use.
The role supports the delivery, ongoing maintenance, and enhancement of SmartCOP systems by working with cross functional teams throughout the software development lifecycle. The role also encourages the use of AI assisted development tools, where appropriate, to support productivity, improve code quality, and enhance testing practices, in alignment with team standards and best practices.

Technical Requirements

  • Experience developing applications using C# within an objectoriented framework.
  • Experience using AIassisted development tools to support code development, testing, and qualityfocused practices.
  • Experience with objectoriented design and development principles within modern application frameworks (e.g., .NET).
  • Ability to interact with MS SQL Server database, T-SQL, stored procedures.
  • Experience in n-tier web-based architecture / service-oriented architecture and design is a plus.
  • Familiarity developing and consuming web services.
  • Exposure to automated testing practices and quality-focused development.

Other Requirements

  • BS in Computer Science or closely related field or its equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
  • Ability to collaborate and participate in meetings during regular North American Central Time zone business hours.
  • Candidate must be authorized to work in the USA
  • Candidate must be United States-based
  • Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of applicable government background checks required for access to sensitive public safety information.

What you bring

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and professionally with team members and stakeholders.
  • Practical experience leveraging AIassisted tools to enhance development workflows and automation efforts.
  • Problem solving and analytical capabilities. Ability to troubleshoot and debug technical problems and perform (or identify) potential resolutions.
  • Ability to assess technical options and make sound implementation decisions within established guidelines.
  • Ability to manage work effectively within established timelines and priorities.
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a development team
  • Participate in development team code reviews in accordance with team practices.

Salary Range: $70,000 - $80,000 USD per year.


What Harris Computer employees say

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About Harris Computer Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Harris Computer Systems, based in Ottawa, ON, CA, is an established player in the field of public sector software technology. Since its inception in 1976, the company has been striving to make clients' operations more efficient through reliable, practical, and flexible software solutions. Its extensive portfolio primarily serves utility, healthcare, public sector, and educational institutions, contributing to the betterment of public services through technology. Harris strongly believes in the value of forward-thinking technology and the power it has to drive progress for the public sector. This methodology is entirely in line with their mission to ensure customer success by providing reliable, practical, and robust software solutions.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Ottawa, ON, CA

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