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Professional Software Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

Workiva, Inc.

Staff Data Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Retirement

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey as a Staff Software Engineer! As a technical leader ... lieu of professional experience * 6 years of related experience Preferred Qualifications

RFA Engineering

Data Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience * Demonstrated experience designing and ...

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Data Engineer

Johnston, IA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Engineering, or a related technical field, or equivalent professional experience * Demonstrated experience designing and ...

RFA Engineering

AI Test Automation Engineer

Urbandale, IA · On-site

$90K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RFA Engineering ( www.rfamec.com ) supports industry-leading clients through the full software ... professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own ...

Varsity Tutors

Software Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Deep knowledge of software development methodologies, programming languages, version control ... professional coding practices, understanding architectural decisions, and implementing testing ...

Iowa State University

MLOps Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MLOps Engineer Job Group:Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor ... Write, test, and maintain high-quality, reusable software. * Create and maintain technical ...

Iowa State University

MLOps Engineer

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

MLOps Engineer Job Group: Professional & Scientific Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor ... Write, test, and maintain high-quality, reusable software. * Create and maintain technical ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Structural Engineer (SE) license or able to obtain within 6 months of the start date (if relevant to area of discipline) * Knowledge of software such as Mathcad ...

WesTech Engineering

Project Engineer 2

Ames, IA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Professional Engineer (PE) license or Structural Engineer (SE) license or able to obtain within 6 months of the start date (if relevant to area of discipline) * Knowledge of software such as Mathcad ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsProfessional Software Engineer JobsProfessional Software Engineer Jobs in Ames, IA

Professional Software Engineer information

See Ames, IA salary details

$62.1K

$144.4K

$201.1K

How much do professional software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional software engineer 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional software engineer?

To thrive as a Professional Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (like Git), software development frameworks, and cloud platforms is typically required, and certifications such as AWS Certified Developer or Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate can be beneficial. Excellent communication, teamwork, and adaptability are soft skills that help you collaborate effectively and navigate changing project requirements. These skills ensure you can build robust, scalable solutions while working efficiently within diverse technical teams.

What is a professional software engineer?

Professional software engineers are trained experts who design, develop, test, and maintain software applications or systems to solve problems or meet user needs. They use programming languages, tools, and engineering principles to create reliable and efficient software. In addition to coding, software engineers often collaborate with other team members, participate in code reviews, and follow industry best practices to ensure high-quality software delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by professional software engineers when working on large-scale projects?

Professional software engineers working on large-scale projects often encounter challenges such as managing complex codebases, ensuring effective communication across multidisciplinary teams, and maintaining high code quality under tight deadlines. Coordinating with other engineers, testers, and product managers can be demanding, especially when handling dependencies or integrating new features. Staying updated with evolving technologies and adhering to best practices in version control and documentation are also crucial for successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Professional Software Engineer vs Software Developer?

AspectProfessional Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, certifications optionalSimilar educational background, certifications less common
Work EnvironmentOften in teams, involved in full project lifecycle, may work in corporate or enterprise settingsTypically focused on coding, testing, and implementation, in various settings including startups and freelance
Industry UsageWidely used in corporate, enterprise, and government sectorsCommon in startups, freelance, and smaller companies

The main difference lies in scope and responsibilities. Professional Software Engineers often have a broader role, including design, architecture, and project management, while Software Developers primarily focus on coding and implementation. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds, but the Professional Software Engineer may be expected to handle more complex projects and collaborate across teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Ames, IA are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Professional Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Professional Software Engineer job openings:

Professional Software Engineer jobs near you

Embedded Software Developer C++

Rogers Freels & Associates Inc

Johnston, IA

$75K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) supports industry-leading clients through the full software development lifecycle to build cutting-edge precision agriculture, machine guidance, vehicle automation and autonomy applications. We are seeking passionate, talented engineers to work on exciting projects using the latest tools and technologies including robotics, computer-vision, machine learning, IoT, cloud computing, and much more. Collaborate with a team of industry experts onsite at our client's world-class engineering center and contribute to developing innovative solutions that drive sustainable agriculture practices.

This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.

Embedded Software Engineer

RFA Engineering is seeking a C++ Embedded Software Developer to support the development of precision agriculture technology for off-highway equipment. This role involves designing, coding, and testing embedded software using modern C++ for control systems, sensor integration, and real-time applications. The ideal candidate will have experience with embedded systems, communication protocols, and work closely with cross-functional teams to bring advanced ag-tech solutions to market.

Responsibilities

  • Design, develop, and test embedded software components using C++ for agricultural control systems and sensor interfaces.

  • Work closely with systems engineering to define software requirements and architecture.

  • Integrate software on real-time operating systems (RTOS) and bare-metal environments for 32-bit microcontrollers and embedded Linux platforms.

  • Implement CAN-based communication protocols (e.g., J1939, ISO 11783) for tractor and implement control.

  • Conduct unit testing, system integration, and validation on bench and field equipment.

  • Participate in code reviews, documentation, and software lifecycle planning in compliance with internal quality standards.

  • Troubleshoot hardware/software integration issues in lab and field environments.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including electrical engineers, controls engineers, test engineers, and product managers.

Requirements

  • B.S. or M.S. in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, or related field.

  • 2+ years of experience developing embedded software using modern C++.

  • Proficiency in embedded software development for microcontroller- or processor-based systems.

  • Experience with CAN, SPI, I2C, and UART communication protocols.

  • Familiarity with real-time operating systems (e.g., FreeRTOS, VxWorks) or embedded Linux.

  • Experience with version control tools such as Git.

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in agriculture, off-highway equipment, or automotive embedded systems.

  • Familiarity with ISOBUS or J1939 communication protocol

  • Experience working in Agile development environments.

  • Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing frameworks.

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position

    Pay Range: $75,000-$120,000 – Commensurate with experience

    About RFA Engineering

    RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
    Competitive Benefits

    • Health and Dental Insurance
    • TelaDoc Healthiest You
    • Supplemental Vision Insurance
    • Company Paid Life Insurance
    • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
    • Short-term Disability
    • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
    • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
    • HSA for Medical Expenses
    • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
    • Paid Time Off (PTO)
    • Paid Holidays
    • Bereavement Leave
    • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
    • Education Assistance

    Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly

    #ZR