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Research Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA ยท On-site

$80.93/hr

Software Engineer (Generative AI & Aerospace Technologies) Help Build the Future of Aviation with ... Contribute technical expertise across multiple research and development projects * Provide ...

Software Engineer

Johnston, IA ยท On-site

$85K - $125K/yr

Research and evaluate new technologies, tools, and approaches to solve engineering challenges ... Bachelor's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a relevant field preferred

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Work with software architects and developers to research and investigate project specific applications * Develop test cases to perform unit testing and regression testing for various aftermarket ...

Work with software architects and developers to research and investigate project specific applications * Develop test cases to perform unit testing and regression testing for various aftermarket ...

Embedded Software Engineer

Dubuque, IA ยท On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Work with software architects and developers to research and investigate project specific applications * Develop test cases to perform unit testing and regression testing for various aftermarket ...

Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with other engineers in the planning, design ... Familiarity with Agile software development cycle * U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S ...

Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with other engineers in the planning, design ... Familiarity with Agile software development cycle * U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S ...

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Showing results 1-20

Research Software Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$104.7K

$193.5K

How much do research software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for research software engineer in Iowa is $188,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $192,500.00 and $192,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research software engineer do?

As a Research Software Engineer, your daily work often involves designing and implementing software to support cutting-edge research projects, collaborating with scientists to understand their computational needs, and ensuring code reliability and reproducibility. You may spend time optimizing algorithms, writing unit tests, documenting software, and participating in code reviews within a collaborative team environment. Additionally, you might help deploy research applications on high-performance or cloud computing platforms and contribute to research publications. Balancing independent programming tasks with ongoing communication is key to making meaningful contributions to both the research and software development processes.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a research software engineer?

To thrive as a Research Software Engineer, you need strong programming skills (often in Python, C++, or Java), a solid understanding of algorithms, and an academic or industry background in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, cloud platforms, and experience using scientific computing libraries and frameworks are valuable, while a master's or Ph.D. can be advantageous for specialized roles. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and collaborative skills help in working closely with researchers and multidisciplinary teams. These capabilities are crucial for successfully translating complex research problems into robust, reproducible software solutions that advance scientific inquiry.

What are popular job titles related to Research Software Engineer jobs in Iowa?

For Research Software Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What are popular job titles related to Research Software Engineer jobs in IA?

For Research Software Engineer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Research Software Engineer job openings in Iowa as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $188,332 per year, or $90.5 per hour.

Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

PDS Tech Commercial
Recruiting and Staffing Servicesย โ€ขย 5 - 10K employees

$80.93/hr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Software Engineer (Generative AI & Aerospace Technologies)
Help Build the Future of Aviation with AI. Transform Aerospace Innovation Through Software.
PDS Tech Commercial is partnering with a leader in the aviation and aerospace industry to hire a Software Engineer specializing in Generative AI and Aerospace Technologies in Cedar Rapids, IA. If you're passionate about Artificial Intelligence, Full Stack Development, and solving complex engineering challenges, this is your opportunity to work on next-generation avionics systems that will shape the future of aerospace technology.
Location: Cedar Rapids, IA 52498
Job Type: Full-Time Consultant (12-Month Assignment)
Schedule: Monday-Friday | First Shift
Pay Rate: $80.93 per hour
Revolutionize Aerospace Through AI
As a Software Engineer, you'll join an innovative Aerospace Technologies Development Sandbox team focused on advancing revolutionary development processes, accelerating innovation, reducing lifecycle costs, and increasing software reusability across future aerospace systems.
You'll help design, develop, and validate cutting-edge Generative AI solutions that support the development of safety-critical avionics technologies while collaborating with a team dedicated to transforming how aerospace software is built and deployed.
This is more than a software engineering role. It's an opportunity to influence the future of aviation.
What You'll Do
In this exciting role, you will:
  • Design, develop, and execute experiments that explore and advance the use of Generative AI in aerospace applications
  • Help create innovative software solutions that accelerate engineering and business capabilities
  • Develop and deploy Generative AI-powered applications and tools
  • Build and maintain full-stack software solutions supporting advanced research and development initiatives
  • Utilize Python and modern software development practices to create scalable, high-impact solutions
  • Work within Linux/Unix environments to develop and test software applications
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams focused on next-generation avionics and aerospace technologies
  • Contribute technical expertise across multiple research and development projects
  • Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and support to fellow team members
  • Rapidly prototype, test, evaluate, and improve AI-driven solutions
  • Participate in problem-solving initiatives that reduce technical debt and improve development processes
  • Present technical concepts, findings, and recommendations to technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Support the development of innovative tools and frameworks that improve engineering efficiency and product development cycles
Required Qualifications
  • Strong professional software development experience
  • Proficiency in Python with at least 3+ years of experience
  • Proficiency in Unix/Linux environments
  • Strong experience in Full Stack Development
  • Experience developing and delivering complex software systems
  • Understanding of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning fundamentals through professional experience, research, or personal projects
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience with AI, Machine Learning, or Generative AI technologies
  • Experience deploying Generative AI-powered applications
  • Experience using Large Language Model (LLM) frameworks such as:
    • LangChain
    • Haystack
    • Similar AI development frameworks
  • Strong communication and presentation skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to large audiences
  • Demonstrated initiative, curiosity, and problem-solving capabilities
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting aerospace, aviation, or safety-critical systems
  • Experience working with next-generation AI technologies and experimental development environments
  • Proven ability to lead technical initiatives and influence engineering best practices
  • Background in avionics, embedded systems, or aerospace software development
  • Experience mentoring engineers and collaborating across multiple project teams
  • Residency in or near the Cedar Rapids, IA area is strongly preferred
  • Passion for innovation, rapid experimentation, and emerging technologies
What Makes You Successful Here?
We're looking for engineers who:
  • Take ownership of challenges and drive solutions from concept to completion
  • Thrive in collaborative environments built on trust, transparency, and innovation
  • Prioritize impact over process
  • Are naturally curious and eager to explore emerging technologies
  • Make data-driven decisions and embrace experimentation
  • Are willing to challenge conventional thinking to discover better solutions
  • Value teamwork and believe great ideas can come from anyone
Why Join Us?
At PDS Tech Commercial, we connect exceptional talent with opportunities to work on some of the most exciting advancements in aerospace technology.
What You'll Gain
  • Competitive pay of $80.93 per hour
  • Opportunity to work on groundbreaking AI and aerospace initiatives
  • Exposure to next-generation avionics technologies and development methodologies
  • Hands-on experience with cutting-edge Generative AI applications
  • Collaborative culture that encourages innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning
  • Opportunity to influence how future aerospace software is developed
  • Work alongside highly skilled engineers, researchers, and technology leaders
  • Meaningful projects that support the future of aviation and aerospace systems
  • Professional growth through challenging, high-visibility initiatives

This is your chance to combine your passion for AI with the excitement of aerospace innovation while helping redefine what's possible for the aviation industry.
Ready to Engineer the Future?
If you're an experienced software engineer with expertise in Python, Full Stack Development, and Generative AI, we want to hear from you.
Apply today and join PDS Tech Commercial in partnership with a leading aerospace innovator. Help create the next generation of AI-powered aviation technologies and leave your mark on the future of flight.
This position requires use of information or access to facilities subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). These regulations may limit access of controlled technologies: 1) to U.S. Persons, including U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other narrow categories including refugees and asylees, or 2) to certain foreign nationals that have received an export license.

Pay Details: $80.93 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.pdstech.com/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Ref: US_EN_33_022581_2597577

PDS Tech logo

About PDS Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1977, PDS Tech, Inc. is one of the nation's premier specialty staffing firms with 31 offices nationwide.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1977

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