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Senior Firmware Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Secmation

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA · On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Senior RF Communications Engineer $140,000-$175,000 Base Salary Signing Bonus • Equity • ... Experience integrating software with firmware-based SDR or embedded radio platforms. * Experience ...

Secmation

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Ely, IA · Hybrid

$140K - $175K/yr

Senior RF Communications Engineer $140,000-$175,000 Base Salary Signing Bonus • Equity • ... Experience integrating software with firmware-based SDR or embedded radio platforms. * Experience ...

NV Energy

Network Operations Engineer 3

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$85 - $110/hr

Serve as a senior escalation point for complex or high‑impact network incidents, leading incident ... firmware upgrades, end‑of‑support remediation, and capacity expansions. * Lead the operational ...

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Senior Firmware Engineer information

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$131.8K

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How much do senior firmware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior firmware engineer in Iowa is $131,804.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $112,200.00 and $148,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior firmware engineer?

Senior Firmware Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and maintain the low-level software (firmware) that enables hardware devices to function correctly. They typically work with embedded systems, programming microcontrollers or processors using languages like C or C++. In addition to writing and debugging code, they often lead projects, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate closely with hardware and software teams to ensure seamless integration and optimal device performance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a senior firmware engineer?

To thrive as a Senior Firmware Engineer, you need deep expertise in embedded systems, strong coding skills in C/C++ or similar languages, and a degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with hardware debugging tools, version control systems like Git, and real-time operating systems (RTOS) is typically required, along with relevant certifications such as Certified Embedded Systems Engineer. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure robust firmware development, seamless hardware-software integration, and successful collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

What are the most common challenges faced by senior firmware engineers when collaborating with hardware teams?

Senior Firmware Engineers often work closely with hardware teams to ensure seamless integration of software and hardware components. One common challenge is managing communication gaps due to differing technical languages and priorities between software and hardware disciplines. Additionally, hardware prototypes may evolve rapidly, requiring firmware engineers to adapt code frequently, troubleshoot unexpected behavior, and adjust to shifting specifications. Building strong cross-functional relationships and maintaining clear, frequent communication helps address these challenges and ensures project success.

How much money does a senior firmware engineer make?

A senior firmware engineer typically earns between $100,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often work with embedded systems, real-time operating systems, and programming languages like C and C++.

What does a senior firmware engineer do?

A senior firmware engineer designs, develops, and tests low-level software that controls hardware devices. They often work with embedded systems, use programming languages like C or C++, and collaborate with hardware engineers to ensure proper functionality and performance. This role typically requires strong problem-solving skills and experience with debugging tools and real-time operating systems.

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

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

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Senior Firmware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Firmware 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 $131,804 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

Senior RF Communications Engineer

Secmation

Ely, IA • On-site

$140K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Senior RF Communications Engineer
$140,000-$175,000 Base Salary
Signing Bonus • Equity • Relocation Assistance
Hybrid | Huntsville, AL | Full-Time | 9/80 Schedule
This isn't another defense contractor job.
Join a mission-focused engineering team developing next-generation RF communications and Electronic Warfare capabilities for national defense. This role is centered on the hands-on development of operational RF communications systems, including waveforms, signal processing, SDR implementation, system integration, and performance in challenged or contested RF environments. Work across SDR, radar, resilient networking, secure communications, and RF sensing technologies while contributing directly to systems from design through integration, testing, and field demonstration.
Why experienced engineers choose Secmation
  • Spend your time building, integrating, and testing advanced RF systems.
  • Contribute to system development from early design through field deployment.
  • Work directly with experienced engineers, DoD customers, and mission users.
  • Solve challenging RF, Electronic Warfare, SDR, radar, and secure communications problems.
  • Collaborate with a small, highly technical team where every engineer has real impact.
  • Build technology designed to transition into operational use.

What you'll build and contribute
Contribute directly to the development of advanced RF technologies that support critical defense missions. This is a highly hands-on individual-contributor role focused on communications-system design and implementation, modeling, integration, HWIL testing, field demonstration, validation, and operational deployment. A core focus is developing and evaluating RF communications capabilities that must perform in challenged or contested environments. The position does not carry technical team-lead responsibilities.
You'll work across:
  • Electronic Warfare capabilities and applications, with opportunities to support Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, and countermeasure development.
  • Software Defined Radiosolutions, including software, embedded processing, and integration with firmware-based radio platforms and secure embedded communications systems.
  • Tactical RF communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, and RF sensing technologies.
  • AI-enabled RF analysis, mission systems, and adaptive signal-processing capabilities as part of the broader program environment.
  • RF algorithm development, communications-system modeling, mission simulation, and scenario development using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools.
  • System integration, hardware-in-the-loop testing, field testing, validation, and live customer demonstrations.
  • Close collaboration with RF, software, hardware, cybersecurity, and systems engineers across the program.

What we're looking for
  • U.S. citizenship and an active DoD Secret security clearance arerequired, with the ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of relevant experience in RF systems, communications engineering, SDR, radar, Electronic Warfare, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience developing RF communications systems from design through implementation, integration, test, and operational demonstration or deployment.
  • Experience with SDR frameworks and platforms such as GNU Radio, REDHAWK, USRP/UHD, Epiq, or comparable technologies.
  • Experience using MATLAB, Python, or comparable tools for RF modeling, simulation, algorithm development, or data analysis.
  • Experience with C/C++ for embedded or systems-level applications.
  • Experience supporting system integration, HWIL testing, mission simulation, field testing, validation, or customer demonstrations.
  • Experience with one or more of the following: tactical communications, SATCOM, resilient networking, radar, RF sensing, or Electronic Warfare systems.
  • Deep understanding of communications-system design, including waveforms, modulation/demodulation, coding, synchronization, link performance, RF/DSP tradeoffs, waveform performance analysis, and related signal-processing techniques.
  • Ability to independently lead analysis of communications-system behavior in challenged or contested RF environments and develop technical approaches to improve friendly-system performance, resilience, and mission effectiveness or to influence/degrade adversary RF system performance.
  • Ability to independently execute complex technical tasks while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
  • Strong technical communication skills, including the ability to document and present findings to internal teams, program leadership, and government stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Electronic Attack, Electronic Support, Electronic Protection, or countermeasure development.
  • Experience integrating software with firmware-based SDR or embedded radio platforms.
  • Experience supporting defense or government programs through field testing or operational deployment.
  • Exposure to AI-enabled RF analysis or adaptive mission systems.

Compensation & Benefits
  • $140,000-$175,000 base salary
  • Signing bonus
  • Company equity
  • Relocationassistance
  • Hybrid 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off
  • Paid time off and flexible work schedules
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life and short- and long-term disability insurance
  • 401(k) retirement benefits with company contribution

Work Environment
  • Hybrid role with on-site workrequired in Huntsville, Alabama.
  • Flexible 9/80 work schedule supporting every other Friday off.
  • Collaborative,fast-paced, and technically innovative environment with distributed team integration.

About Secmation
Secmation develops AI-enabled software, embedded cybersecurity, secure RF systems, and advanced communications technologies for the U.S. defense community. Our mission is to deliver next-generation secure technologies for Electronic Warfare, autonomous systems, and critical defense applications.
Small company. Big mission. Real engineering.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Secmation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to any status protected by applicable law.
The salary range represents a general guideline. Secmation considers the scope and responsibilities of the position, as well as a candidate's experience, education, skills, work location, current market conditions, and other bona fide factors when determining compensation.

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