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Junior Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Mentor junior members of the team and help establish engineering best practices. * Communicate cost ... Experience designing systems that integrate sensors, imaging devices, communications, or industrial ...

Senior Electrical Systems Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$104K - $136K/yr

Mentor junior members of the team and help establish engineering best practices. * Communicate cost ... Experience designing systems that integrate sensors, imaging devices, communications, or industrial ...

Mentor junior members of the team and help establish engineering best practices. * Communicate cost ... Experience designing systems that integrate sensors, imaging devices, communications, or industrial ...

Eng Sr Prin - Sys

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Serve as a technical mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting best practices in systems engineering and professional development. * Customer Engagement: Prepare and deliver technical ...

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Junior Systems Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$80.2K

$138.5K

How much do junior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for junior systems engineer in Iowa is $80,222.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,700.00 and $82,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a junior systems engineer?

Junior Systems Engineers are entry-level professionals who assist in designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems and networks. They work under the supervision of senior engineers, helping to troubleshoot issues, configure hardware and software, and ensure system reliability. Their role often includes monitoring system performance, supporting IT projects, and learning industry best practices. This position is ideal for recent graduates or those new to the field, providing valuable hands-on experience and opportunities for growth.

What does a junior systems engineer do?

A junior systems engineer helps develop and maintain all computer systems for a business. As a junior systems engineer, your typical job duties involve installing, monitoring, and troubleshooting operating systems, software, hardware, and other computer infrastructure. For this career, you need a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. Additional qualifications include system administrative experience, excellent technical skills, and familiarity with common programming languages. A junior systems engineer is an entry-level position that often serves as a stepping stone for this career.

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

To thrive as a Junior Systems Engineer, you need a solid understanding of computer systems, networking fundamentals, and troubleshooting, usually supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with operating systems (such as Windows and Linux), scripting languages, and common IT certifications like CompTIA or Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA) is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel in problem-solving and collaborating with teams. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring system reliability, timely issue resolution, and smooth technical operations in an organization.

What are some common challenges faced by junior systems engineers during their first year on the job?

Junior Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to complex IT environments, learning new tools and technologies quickly, and understanding existing system architectures. They may also need to develop effective troubleshooting skills while balancing multiple tasks and deadlines. Collaborating with senior engineers and cross-functional teams is key, as it helps build technical knowledge and confidence in problem-solving within real-time production environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Junior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Junior Systems Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Junior Systems Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Junior Systems Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,222 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Sr. Principal Systems Engineer - Airborne PNT

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site


BAE Systems
National Security and International Affairs • 10K+ employees

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$120K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Description
Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely.
You don't see it, but it's there. Our employees work on the world's most advanced electronics - from saving emissions in the City of Lights to powering the Mars Rover to protecting the F35 fighter jet. At Electronic Systems, you'll be among the brightest minds, working on the aerospace and defense industry's most difficult problems. Drawing strength from our differences, we're innovating for the future. And you can, too. Our flexible work environment provides you a chance to change the world without giving up your personal life. We put our customers first - exemplified by our missions: "We Protect Those Who Protect Us®" and "We Innovate For Those Who Move The WorldTM." Sound like a team you want to be a part of? Come build your career with BAE Systems.
Looking for an exciting career that utilizes your boundless creativity and technical innovation? We're looking for engineers who share our passion in developing industry-leading navigation technologies and equipment to protect our warfighters on all fronts.
Navigate the Future of Defense.
At BAE Systems, our employees develop the world's most critical electronics-from protecting pilots in contested airspace to enabling precision landings at sea. We are seeking an experienced Systems Engineer to join our high-impact team dedicated to the development of military GPS and Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) products for the airborne and maritime market spaces.
In this role, you will be a key technical driver in the development of next-generation navigation solutions supporting programs such as the Maritime and Aviation Receiver Card (MAVRC) and Joint Precision Approach and Landing Systems (JPALS), as well as have the opportunity to work on the advancement of cutting-edge anti-jam technologies like DIGAR™. You will apply deep systems engineering rigor to ensure our products are technologically superior, reliable, and developed through a disciplined process that ensures mission success in the most challenging environments.
You will operate across the full Systems Engineering V-Model-from initial concept and architecture to integration and qualification. This role requires a professional who can bridge the gap between high-level operational requirements and detailed technical specifications for real-time embedded systems, ensuring that every requirement is traceable, verifiable, and aligned with customer needs.
Roles and Responsibilities
  • Systems Development: Lead the analysis, decomposition, and derivation of system-level requirements into detailed software, hardware, and interface specifications.
  • Process Leadership: Implement and drive a disciplined product development process, ensuring high-quality engineering artifacts and robust configuration management.
  • Architecture & Design: Contribute to the architectural design of real-time embedded GPS receivers, focusing on performance, reliability, and seamless integration into complex airborne platforms.
  • Verification & Validation: Develop comprehensive system test plans, procedures, and reports. Lead system integration and verification activities in a lab environment to validate that the product meets all performance and operational requirements.
  • Digital Engineering: Utilize and promote Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) techniques to improve requirements traceability, system modeling, and design communication.
  • Technical Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams-including software, RF, and hardware engineers-to resolve complex technical challenges and perform trade studies.
  • Mentorship: Serve as a technical mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, promoting best practices in systems engineering and professional development.
  • Customer Engagement: Prepare and deliver technical presentations to internal leadership and external government/military customers.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science, or related).
  • Experience:
    • 8+ years with a BS
    • 6+ years with an MS
    • 4+ years with a PhD
  • Systems Rigor: Proven experience across the full product development lifecycle (Requirements, Architecture, Design, Integration and Test).
  • Technical Domain: Experience with real-time embedded systems and a solid understanding of system-level interfaces and hardware/software interaction.
  • Communication: Expertise in documenting and communicating complex technical designs, results, and reports to diverse stakeholders.
  • Security: Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret security clearance.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills
  • Certification Experience: Familiarity with airborne product requirements and development processes used for certification (e.g., DO-178C and DO-254).
  • MBSE Expertise: Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools such as Cameo, MagicDraw, or SysML.
  • PNT Domain Knowledge: Specific experience with military GPS, anti-jam (AJ) technology, or PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) solutions.
  • Tool Proficiency: Experience with requirements management tools (e.g., DOORS) and modeling/analysis tools (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
  • Clearance: Currently hold an active US Government Secret or Top Secret security clearance.
  • Advanced Degree: Master's or PhD in Electrical or Systems Engineering.
  • Applied AI: Proven experience leveraging generative AI tools to enhance and automate engineering tasks.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $120874 - $205486
Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.
About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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About BAE Systems

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US


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Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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