1

Senior Hardware Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Eng Sr - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

In our Navigation & Sensor Solutions Hardware Engineering department located at a newly constructed facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you will become part of a Hardware Engineering Team developing ...

Sr. Electrical Engineer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$86 - $126/hr

Senior Electrical Engineer - AER MSD Mission System Division Eaton's AER MSD Mission System ... Minimum of 3 years of professional experience with electrical hardware and electronic PCB design

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior Hardware Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$78.9K

$123.9K

$179.9K

How much do senior hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior hardware engineer in Iowa is $123,896.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,800.00 and $138,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior hardware engineer?

Senior Hardware Engineers are experienced professionals who design, develop, and test computer hardware components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and networks. They lead hardware development projects, oversee junior engineers, and collaborate with software teams to ensure seamless integration. Their responsibilities often include evaluating new technologies, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring products meet quality and performance standards. Senior Hardware Engineers typically have several years of experience and a strong background in electrical or computer engineering.

How does a senior hardware engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

As a Senior Hardware Engineer, you'll frequently collaborate with software engineers, mechanical designers, project managers, and manufacturing teams throughout the product development process. This collaboration involves regular design reviews, troubleshooting sessions, and integration testing to ensure all components work together seamlessly. Clear communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as you'll often act as a technical liaison between departments to address challenges and meet project milestones. Working closely with diverse teams not only enhances the final product but also provides opportunities for professional growth and learning from other disciplines.

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

To thrive as a Senior Hardware Engineer, you need strong expertise in electronic circuit design, hardware architecture, and system integration, typically supported by a degree in electrical or computer engineering. Proficiency with CAD tools like Altium Designer or Cadence, as well as experience with simulation, testing equipment, and relevant certifications such as IPC or FCC, is highly valued. Exceptional problem-solving, teamwork, and project management skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable hardware development, effective cross-functional collaboration, and the successful delivery of complex engineering projects.

What is the difference between Senior Hardware Engineer vs Hardware Design Engineer?

AspectSenior Hardware EngineerHardware Design Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, certifications like Cisco or IPCBachelor's or Master's in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D teamsDesign studios, prototyping labs, development teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturers, R&D firmsConsumer electronics, embedded systems, hardware startups
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for seniority, responsibilities, and experience levelCompared for design focus, technical skills, and project involvement

The main difference is that a Senior Hardware Engineer oversees complex projects, manages teams, and ensures hardware integration, while a Hardware Design Engineer primarily focuses on designing and developing hardware components. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in scope and responsibilities within the hardware development process.

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

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior Hardware Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,896 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Senior Electrical Engineer - RCP Hardware (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

$108K - $144K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-19

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:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ 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 after day 1

Raytheon Company, Managed by Collins Aerospace

The Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) Hardware Technologies organization is seeking a Senior Electrical Engineer to help shape the next generation of secure, high speed communication systems for ground, airborne, and space platforms. You’ll join a team building cutting-edge, high speed digital electronics that power mission critical systems—advanced software defined radios, high bandwidth data links, and secure communication platforms spanning ground, airborne, and space environments.

This is a Hardware Electrical Engineer role where you’ll design and develop high-speed digital circuit card assemblies (CCAs), applying knowledge of FPGAs, processors, and memory to deliver next-generation products. Expertise in digital PCB design, signal integrity, EMI control, manufacturability, and testability is essential. The selected candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners and will support all phases of the hardware development lifecycle—program pursuit, design, integration, verification, and factory transition.

Potential Locations: (Placement for this Onsite role is based on business need and departmental requirements; therefore, any resulting offer may be designated for any of the listed facility locations)

  • Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Fort Wayne, IN

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What You Will Do:

  • Electronic Circuit Design: Design high-speed digital Circuit Card Assemblies (CCAs) from requirements and schematic capture through PCB layout, integration, and production.

  • SI/PI Optimization: Ensure robust signal and power integrity (SI/PI) via advanced modeling, simulation, and hardware validation.

  • Design Optimization: Implement Design to Cost (DTC), Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Test (DFT) principles to ensure producible, cost-effective, and testable designs.

  • Hardware Verification & Test Support: Perform hardware integration and Design Verification Testing (DVT), while providing technical support for Product Qualification Testing, factory production, and formal Root Cause Analysis (RCA).

  • Cross-Functional & Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate across Systems, Software, and Mechanical Engineering teams while serving as the primary technical interface to align internal stakeholders, leadership and customers on program objectives.


Qualifications You Must Have :

  • Expertise in digital design for medium to high complexity multilayer PCBs (12+ layers) with understanding of DFM/DFT, PCB fabrication, controlled impedance design, board assembly, and design verification testing.

  • Demonstrated end to end circuit card development experience — from concept through verification — requirements, schematic capture, layout, bring up, and card level verification testing.

  • Proficiency with PCB design tools like Xpedition, Cadence Allegro, or Altium Designer.

  • SI/PI analysis experience with tools such as HyperLynx, ADS, or SPICE.

  • 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.

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance


 

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Active SECRET Security Clearance or HIGHER

  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex technical info to non-technical stakeholders, leadership, and customers.

  • Advanced knowledge of high-speed protocols, such as PCIe, Ethernet, and high-speed memory interfaces

  • Control Account Manager (CAM) experience with knowledge of the Earned Value Management System (EVMS) principles and practices for performing cost, schedule, and risk management for hardware development projects.

  • Ability to prepare estimates, bids and proposals.

  • Previous experience working in a defense or aerospace company

  • Experience with Agile for Hardware Development as a Scrum Master and/or Product Owner, including planning, tracking, and managing hardware development projects in JIRA is a plus.

Learn More & Apply Now

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits packages include:

  • 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, and 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

  • Eligible for relocation
    And more! 

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 ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to 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.

#MISENG

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.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Collins Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Collins Aerospace logo

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