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Senior Software Engineer Contract Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Senior Software Engineer Contract information

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$70.9K

$134.6K

$180.3K

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

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer contract in Iowa is $134,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,100.00 and $151,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior software engineer contract?

A Senior Software Engineer Contract refers to a temporary employment agreement where an experienced software engineer is hired for a specific period or project rather than as a permanent employee. These professionals bring advanced technical skills and leadership to design, develop, and maintain complex software systems. Contract roles often focus on delivering specialized expertise, meeting project deadlines, and providing mentorship to junior team members. Compensation and benefits may differ from full-time positions, and contracts can range from a few months to a year or more depending on the project's scope.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer on contract, you need advanced programming skills, a strong understanding of software architecture, and several years of experience, often supported by a relevant degree or certifications. Proficiency with development tools like Git, CI/CD systems, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), and familiarity with Agile methodologies are typically expected. Outstanding problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and adjusting to new projects quickly. These skills and qualities enable contract engineers to deliver high-quality solutions efficiently, integrate smoothly into client environments, and meet project goals within tight timelines.

What are senior software engineer contract jobs?

Senior software engineer contract jobs involve working on software engineering projects on a temporary contract basis. Your duties and responsibilities in this career vary depending on the needs of each client. In general, you utilize your coding skills and computer program knowledge to create software, applications, or operating systems. You typically work with a software company or information technology organization. As a contractor, you work with clients to assess their needs and create or update software or systems to meet the needs of each client.

What are the typical challenges faced by senior software engineers working on contract assignments?

Senior Software Engineers on contract often navigate challenges such as quickly acclimating to new codebases and team cultures, managing time effectively across multiple projects, and balancing client expectations with technical feasibility. Since contracts are temporary, there may be less onboarding support and less time to build deep relationships with permanent team members, making communication skills especially important. However, this environment also allows for exposure to diverse technologies and problem-solving scenarios, which can significantly enhance your expertise and professional network.

What is the difference between Senior Software Engineer Contract vs Software Engineer?

AspectSenior Software Engineer ContractSoftware Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, experience, possibly certificationsBachelor's degree in CS or related field, entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary contracts, often freelance or consultingFull-time employment, ongoing projects within companies
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, startups, consulting agenciesTech companies, software development firms, startups
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for contract roles, freelance opportunities, project-based workSeeking permanent positions, career growth, or full-time roles

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer Contract and a Software Engineer lies in employment type and work setup. Contract roles are temporary, project-focused, and often freelance, while Software Engineers typically work full-time within a company. Both roles require similar technical skills and credentials, but their work arrangements and career paths differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Software Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Senior Software Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Software Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Software Engineer Contract job openings:
Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer Contract job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,589 per year, or $64.7 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - MilAV OPAS (Hybrid)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • Hybrid

$119K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-29

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

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

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

We are currently seeking a qualified candidate to fill the role as the Senior Product Line Software Engineer within the Open Platforms Applications Software department located in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Teams are comprised of cross-functional engineers working in an AGILE environment (approximately 6-10 people) focused on the design and development of software only products. Team culture is extremely collaborative and engaged; we value our customers, our products, and our people (that means you).

This job is focused on Software technical aspects of software development. In addition, our experienced engineers are involved in all aspects of the product life cycle, from bid and proposal to certification and support.

Product Summary: 

FACE (Future Airborne Capability Environment) - Our software products are used to support not only navigation, flight planning, and guidance with our MFMS-1000 solution, but also hazard avoidance in real time as part of our Avoidance Re-Router (ARR-7000), including a software layer in a distributed, layered architecture (like the FACE Technical Standard) responsible for moving data between applications our Transport Segment Services (TSS) and which are being deployed on a variety of emerging platforms and next generation pursuits.  

For more information on these innovative solutions, please refer to the following links:  

ARR-7000: 

  • https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Products-and-Services/Defense/Avionics/Software-Applications/Avoidance-Re-router---ARR-7000.aspx  

MFMS-1000 

  • https://www.rockwellcollins.com/Products-and-Services/Defense/Avionics/Software-Applications/Mission-Flight-Management-Software-MFMS-1000.aspx  

Collins TSS: 

  • https://prd-sc102-cdn.rtx.com/collinsaerospace/-/media/ca/product-assets/marketing/f/future-vertical-lift/mosarc_datasheets/10972-mosarc-software-tss_mah_av_datasheet-v5.pdf?rev=dffd8dc86d5441eab1211be496505d9c&rid=56c45a5d1c97408aa54725b4ecea641c&hash=8C7A5765F6093AF6E2B0CBC1589A77D8 

Mosarc:  

  • https://www.rtx.com/collinsaerospace/what-we-do/industries/helicopters/rotary-wing/mosarc-avionics 

What You Will Do:

  • Participate in technical decisions and development of software solutions that align with the highest standards in quality while maintaining various product line portfolio and customer contracts.
  • Demonstrate time management skills - ability to work unsupervised, multi-task, and coordinate work.
  • Assist in crafting operational plans and developing phased execution strategies to optimize daily workflows and scale production.
  • Collaborate effectively within a geographically dispersed team across various time zones and cultural backgrounds to drive unified project goals.
  • Advance key department initiatives by building interactive prototypes and demonstrations that showcase new concepts and capabilities.
  • Demonstrate management of the relationship between cost and value.
  • Drive team success within a multi-disciplinary environment by proactively coaching peers and fostering a highly collaborative culture.
  • Provide strong technical skills specifically in system-based development.
  • Willingness to travel (domestic and international <35%).

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.
  • Experience working across the full software development lifecycle using C/C++, Html, Javascript and/or Python.
  • Experience programming in Windows and Unix/Linux based development environment.
  • Experience in software integration, testing, and debugging source code.
  • Experience in the design and development of deliverable software (production or consumer facing).

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • AGILE development experience.
  • Knowledge of Avionics regulatory and certification requirements: DO-178B/C.
  • Operational knowledge and experience with Future Airborne Capability Environment (FACE).
  • Design and implement modular, reusable software to accelerate development cycles and ensure long-term system scalability.
  • Familiarity with Git, Jira, and/or Bitbucket for configuration management and workflow management.
  • Familiarity with Docker Desktop and/or containerization
  • Proven capacity for analyzing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex algorithms within distributed software systems.
  • Ability to obtain a DoD Security Clearance if needed.

What We Offer:

Benefits: 

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   
  •  And more!   

This role may be eligible for relocation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite.  Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader. 

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. 

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