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Senior Principal Software Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Principal Software Engineer information

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$77K

$146K

$201.5K

How much do senior principal software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior principal software engineer in Iowa is $145,990.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $117,900.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior principal software engineer?

A Senior Principal Software Engineer is a highly experienced and skilled professional who leads the design, architecture, and development of complex software systems. They often act as technical experts, providing guidance on best practices, code quality, and system scalability. In addition to coding, they mentor other engineers, influence technology strategy, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver business-critical solutions. Their role typically requires extensive industry experience and a deep understanding of both software engineering and business requirements.

How does a senior principal software engineer typically contribute to strategic decision-making within a technology organization?

Senior Principal Software Engineers play a key role in shaping technical direction and architecture at an organizational level. They often collaborate closely with engineering leadership, product managers, and cross-functional teams to evaluate technology choices and align projects with long-term business goals. This role involves mentoring other engineers, driving adoption of best practices, and proactively identifying technical risks and opportunities. By influencing architectural decisions and setting technical standards, Senior Principal Software Engineers help ensure the scalability, reliability, and maintainability of critical systems.

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

To thrive as a Senior Principal Software Engineer, you need deep expertise in software development, architecture design, and advanced problem-solving, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or a related field. Mastery of programming languages (such as Java, C++, or Python), cloud platforms (like AWS or Azure), and experience with CI/CD tools or architectural frameworks is essential, with certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect being advantageous. Exceptional leadership, communication, and mentorship skills set outstanding candidates apart by enabling them to guide teams and influence technical direction. These competencies ensure the delivery of robust, scalable solutions and drive organizational innovation and efficiency.

What is the difference between Senior Principal Software Engineer vs Lead Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Principal Software EngineerLead Software Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, extensive experienceBachelor's/Master's in CS or related field, significant experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic, architecture, and high-level technical leadershipProject management, team coordination, technical guidance
Industry UsageResearch, enterprise, large-scale tech companiesProduct teams, startups, mid-sized companies

The Senior Principal Software Engineer typically focuses on strategic technical direction and architecture, often working across teams and influencing company-wide technology decisions. In contrast, the Lead Software Engineer manages project execution and team coordination. Both roles require advanced technical skills, but their focus areas differ, with the Senior Principal emphasizing long-term vision and the Lead emphasizing project delivery.

How much does a senior principal software engineer get paid?

A senior principal software engineer typically earns between $130,000 and $200,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often have advanced skills in system architecture, leadership, and may receive bonuses or stock options as part of compensation.

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Principal Software Engineer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Principal Software Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $145,990 per year, or $70.2 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer- Embedded Comms, Active Secret ( Onsite)

Raytheon Technologies

Cedar Rapids, IA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Date Posted:
2026-08-04
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:
Secret - Current
Security Clearance Status:
Active and existing security clearance required on day 1
Collins Aerospace, an RTX 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.
Collins Aerospace Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) Engineering seeks a Principal Software Engineer to join the Platform Services Software Team who's ready to make an impact. Our team solves defense customers' toughest problems through rapidly developing, integrating, and demonstrating software solutions that employ cutting-edge signal processing and networking innovations. We pride ourselves on creativity, facing challenging and complex problems head on, and pushing the limits of the possible - all to provide the Warfighter with the most responsive and disruptive capabilities that navigate the intersection of communications; position, navigation & timing (PNT); cyber space; and other radio frequency (RF) systems.
Here, you'll collaborate with top-tier engineers and industry experts, leveraging advanced technologies to push the boundaries of what's possible. Whether you're building on trusted systems or breaking ground on new innovations, your contributions will directly support mission-critical operations across the globe.
Join Collins Aerospace and help us connect the battlespace of tomorrow!
Sign-on Bonus Eligible
What You Will Do
  • Participate in the requirements, design, development and testing of software to include development of new work products or enhancement of existing applications and systems
  • Design, code, test, integrate, and document software solutions
  • Participate in internal review of software components and systems
  • Collaborate with project managers and other professionals within Engineering
  • Follow established development practices and processes to maintain the configuration management of software products
  • Participate in the advancement of the software development environment and DevOps practices within Engineering
  • Design and develop innovative solutions for communication, navigation, radar and electronic warfare applications
  • Derive requirements for new concepts and systems from overall project goals
  • Develop, champion and pursue new approaches and solutions
  • Collaborate closely across multi-disciplinary teams to rapidly identify and implement innovative, effective solutions
  • Create and deliver technical presentations that articulate design approaches and their relevance to project objectives
  • Support assigned tasks with accountability for technical execution, cost, schedule, and design-to-cost/manufacturability targets
  • Ability to travel up to 15%

Qualifications You Must Have
  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and 8 years of prior relevant experience OR an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience
  • 5+ years experience developing in modern programming languages (e.g. C++, Java) in a Linux environment
  • 5+ years experience with rapid prototyping and development of software solutions
  • 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

Qualifications We Prefer
  • Experience with embedded software development and software/hardware integration
  • Experience with software defined radios (SDRs) or multi-function radio frequency (MFRF) systems
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) and Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) systems
  • Experience with Object Oriented Design/Development and multithreading
  • Experience with Agile/SCRUM, DevOps, and test automation practices
  • Experience with using configuration management and defect tracking tools (Git, JIRA, etc.)
  • Experience in software development, testing, and deployment in languages such as Python and C/C++
  • Experience with software defined radios (SDRs) or multi-function radio frequency (MFRF) systems
  • Experience with Electronic Warfare (EW) and Position, Navigation & Timing (PNT) systems
  • Familiar with Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning techniques

What We Offer:
Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
  • 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
  • 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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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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