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Senior Embedded Systems Engineer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$102.30K - $140K/yr

Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications ... Pacific Defense is developing a comprehensive portfolio of embedded communications waveforms that ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102.30K - $140K/yr

Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications ... Pacific Defense is developing a comprehensive portfolio of embedded communications waveforms that ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Embedded Systems Engineer information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$61.4K

$134.9K

$188.6K

How much do senior embedded systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior embedded systems engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA is $134,870.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $160,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded C/C++ programming, microcontroller architectures, and hardware-software integration, typically backed by a degree in electrical engineering or computer science. Familiarity with real-time operating systems (RTOS), debugging tools like JTAG, and industry certifications such as IEEE or ARM accreditation is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and leadership capabilities help drive project success and mentor junior engineers. These competencies are essential for delivering reliable, high-performance embedded solutions and ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration.

What are some common challenges a Senior Embedded Systems Engineer faces when integrating hardware and software components?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers often encounter challenges related to ensuring seamless communication between hardware and software elements, particularly when dealing with real-time constraints and limited system resources. Debugging and troubleshooting issues at the intersection of hardware and firmware can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of both domains. Additionally, they may need to balance performance optimization with system reliability while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams such as hardware designers, software developers, and quality assurance engineers.

What are Senior Embedded Systems Engineers?

Senior Embedded Systems Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain embedded systems, which are specialized computing systems that perform dedicated functions within larger systems. They work with both hardware and software components, often programming in languages like C or C++, and ensuring seamless integration and performance. These engineers typically lead teams, manage complex projects, and mentor junior engineers, contributing to the development of products ranging from consumer electronics to automotive control systems.

What is the difference between Senior Embedded Systems Engineer vs Embedded Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Embedded Systems EngineerEmbedded Software Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science; experience in embedded systemsBachelor's in Computer Science or related; programming skills in C/C++
Work EnvironmentDesign, develop, and test embedded hardware/software in industrial, automotive, or consumer electronicsDevelop embedded software for devices, often in teams, within tech or manufacturing companies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in industries like automotive, aerospace, consumer electronicsCommon in consumer electronics, IoT, and industrial automation

The main difference is that Senior Embedded Systems Engineers typically oversee complex projects, integrate hardware and software, and may lead teams, while Embedded Software Engineers focus primarily on developing and coding embedded software components. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the senior role involves more responsibility and system-level understanding.

What are the most commonly searched types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA? The most popular types of Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA? For Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Embedded Systems Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA are:
Sr. Embedded SW Engineer, DevSecOps Specialist - Active Secret (Onsite)

Sr. Embedded SW Engineer, DevSecOps Specialist - Active Secret (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 59 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-02-16

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Join a team that’s shaping the future of military communications. We’re looking for a Senior DevSecOps Software Engineer to help build cutting-edge systems that keep our military personnel safe, connected, and informed. Work alongside industry experts on next-generation embedded software, advanced satellite communications, cryptography, and state-of-the-art computing architectures.

You’ll develop resilient, high-performance networks for UAVs, fighter jets, aircraft carriers, and ground vehicles—featuring low latency, high throughput, anti-jamming capabilities, mobile ad hoc operations, and secure IP connectivity. If you’re ready to push the boundaries of embedded software and communications technology, this is the opportunity for you!

What You Will Do​

  • Develop DevSecOps pipelines for our embedded systems in air-gapped environments

  • Integrate tooling, apps, and scripts into the development pipelines

  • Participate in the selection of DevSecOps technologies to enable automation for product development teams

  • Develop applications and scripts to support integration of software updates.

  • Integrate the automation of test, deployment, and software artifact generation in pipelines

  • Collaborate with cross-functional product development teams

  • Work in an agile environment (SAFe)

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience

  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

  • Proven programming experience in Bash, Python, developing scripts and automation for complex workflows.

  • Hands-on experience with Git version control (e.g., BitBucket, GitLab) in collaborative software development.

  • Practical experience with CI/CD pipelines (Bamboo, Jenkins, or similar) for building, testing, and deploying software.

  • Experience developing and deploying containerized applications using Docker, Podman, Kubernetes, or equivalent.

  • Demonstrated proficiency in Linux environments, including scripting, configuration, and software deployment.

  • Familiarity with software artifact management tools such as JFrog Artifactory or equivalents.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Experience with configuration management (Ansible, Chef, Puppet) and Infrastructure as Code tools (Terraform).

  • Familiarity with observability/monitoring tools (Grafana) and RESTful API integration.

  • Strong Linux and application administration skills, with knowledge of software development lifecycle practices and configuration management processes.

  • Comfortable programming in C, C++, and Java, with experience in multi-threaded embedded application software and communication systems.

  • Knowledge of IP networking and networking protocols.

  • Experience with Atlassian tool administration (Jira, Confluence) and Agile team environments.

  • Strong team collaboration skills, commitment to meeting project milestones, and producing high-quality results.

What We Offer:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

  • Tuition reimbursement program 

  • Student Loan Repayment Program  

  • Life insurance and disability coverage  

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

  • Adoption Assistance           

  • Autism Benefit  

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

  • And more!  

Relocation Eligibility

  • Eligible for relocation

Learn More & Apply Now!

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today. 

* Please consider the following role type definitions as you apply for this role.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products.


At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other – propel us all higher, again and again.
Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.

Employee Referral Eligible

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018