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Senior Backend Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview: The Senior Software Engineer - Full Stack is responsible for designing ... Design, develop, and maintain front-end and back-end systems, APIs, and integrations * Maintain and ...

Senior Software Engineer

Cedar Falls, IA · On-site

$113K - $150K/yr

Web development using HTML, JavaScript, Ajax, and/or Flash ( Action Script 3.0 ) PHP scripting on back end systems Familiarity with Object Oriented Programming techniques and languages (in particular ...

We are expanding our QA department and looking for Senior Software Engineer in Test. This role ... Our SQA team is responsible for testing multiple back-end applications, with a primary focus on a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Backend Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$19.1K

$142.5K

$199.6K

How much do senior backend engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior backend engineer in Iowa is $142,543.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,100.00 and $167,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Backend Engineer, you need advanced proficiency in server-side programming languages (such as Java, Python, or Node.js), database management, and experience with scalable system architecture, typically supported by a relevant degree and several years of professional experience. Familiarity with frameworks, APIs, containerization tools (like Docker and Kubernetes), and cloud platforms (such as AWS or Azure) is essential, along with knowledge of version control systems like Git. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and mentorship skills help you collaborate across teams and guide junior developers. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, efficient, and maintainable backend systems that support business objectives and seamless user experiences.

What are some common challenges senior backend engineers face when scaling backend systems, and how are they typically addressed?

Senior Backend Engineers often encounter challenges related to system scalability, such as database bottlenecks, latency issues, and maintaining system reliability under increased load. Addressing these challenges typically involves optimizing database queries, implementing caching strategies, and designing microservices architectures to distribute workloads efficiently. Collaboration with DevOps and frontend teams is also crucial to ensure seamless integration and monitoring. Proactively identifying potential scalability issues and participating in code reviews are key responsibilities in this role.

What does a senior backend engineer do?

A senior backend engineer designs, develops, and maintains server-side applications and systems that support web and mobile platforms. They often work with programming languages like Java, Python, or Node.js, and use databases, APIs, and cloud services to ensure scalable and efficient backend operations. Additionally, they review code, mentor junior developers, and ensure system security and performance standards are met.

What is a senior backend engineer?

Senior Backend Engineers are experienced software professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining the server-side components of web applications or systems. They work with databases, APIs, and application logic to ensure robust, scalable, and efficient backend operations. Their role often involves collaborating with frontend engineers, managing system architecture, reviewing code, and mentoring junior developers. Senior Backend Engineers also play a key role in optimizing performance, ensuring security, and integrating new technologies into existing systems.

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

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

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Backend Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Backend Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Backend Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $142,543 per year, or $68.5 per hour.

Senior Back-End Developer

Cliftonlarsonallen

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$118K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


CliftonLarsonAllen rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 22 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.

CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.

CLA is growing and seeking to hire an experienced Senior Back-End Developer to join our talented Information Technology team. The position offers growth, flexibility and a collaborative work environment.

In this position you should have the following; excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate at all levels. Strong problem solving and creative skills and the ability to exercise sound judgment. Most important, demonstrate a high level of integrity and dependability with a strong sense of urgency and results-orientation.

This role is responsible for developing solutions that support business goals, in a wide variety of solutions and applications.

How you'll create opportunities in this Senior Back-End Developer role:

  • Design and Development: Develop solutions using existing and emerging technology platforms, etc. Designs, codes tests, debugs, documents, maintains, and modifies computer programs of high complexity, and risk. Leads technical staff and clients to investigate, analyze, and resolve complex technical problems
  • Testing & Documentation: This individual will perform unit testing and assist the BA in defining test plans. Perform design, coding, testing, implementation and documentation of solutions as well as aid in application maintenance, debugging, and upgrades. Creates architectural and code level documentation.
  • Maintenance: Ensures that expected analytic levels are achieved. Identifies and manages interfaces, service levels, standards, and configurations. Projects: Assist in providing cost and time estimates for project tasks and defining project tasks. Complete project work within agreed upon deadlines.
  • Client Service: Effectively communicates with a wide range of clients (partners, business users, IT team members, vendors, management). Interacts with senior leaders and team members to discuss requirements, explore solutions, and demonstrate functionality.

What you will need:

  • 4 years relevant experience required
  • Databricks experience preferred
  • Bachelor's degree or a combination of relevant experience and training may be considered in lieu of a degree.

Technical Competencies:

  • Strong proficiency in one or more backend programming languages, including Python or TypeScript.
  • Experience designing and working within cloud-based architectures; Microsoft Azure experience is preferred.
  • Familiarity with one or more of the following technologies is preferred:
    • Azure Service Bus
    • Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)
    • Azure API Management (APIM)
    • Azure Event Grid
    • Apache Spark

#LI-DJ1


Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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Wellness at CLA

To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.


To view a complete list of benefits, click here.



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About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012