1

Senior Software Engineer Jobs in Fairfield, IA (NOW HIRING)

Design Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site +1

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a senior-level engineer that is a Licensed Professional Engineer, ideally with a ... Proficient in structural design and modeling software (e.g., RISA, STAAD, AutoCAD, or equivalent)

Design Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a senior-level engineer that is a Licensed Professional Engineer, ideally with a ... Proficiency in using structural design software and a willingness to continuously expand technical ...

Senior Software Engineer information

See Fairfield, IA salary details

$65.8K

$124.9K

$167.4K

How much do senior software engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior software engineer in Fairfield, IA is $124,927.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,800.00 and $140,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a senior software engineer?

A senior software engineer designs, codes, tests, and maintains computer software. While these are your primary responsibilities as a senior software engineer, you may also have supervisory duties. These include overseeing a team of junior software engineers or developers. The senior software engineer title is sometimes used interchangeably with senior developer, and positions for both may share similar job duties and responsibilities. In general, software engineers are distinguished from developers in that software engineers apply engineering principles to software development.

What are some common challenges senior software engineers face when mentoring junior team members?

Senior Software Engineers often mentor junior colleagues, which can be incredibly rewarding but also presents challenges. Balancing mentorship with project deadlines can be demanding, as it requires strong time management and communication skills. Additionally, adapting explanations to different learning styles and levels of experience can be tricky. However, effective mentorship helps build a stronger team and can lead to enhanced leadership opportunities for the senior engineer.

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

AspectSenior Software EngineerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; experience often 5+ yearsBachelor's in CS or related field; entry to mid-level experience
Work EnvironmentDesigning complex systems, leading projects, mentoringWriting code, developing features, debugging
Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, enterpriseCommon in software firms, startups, freelance work
Search & ComparisonOften compared for experience level, responsibilitiesCompared for entry-level to mid-level roles

The main difference between a Senior Software Engineer and a Software Developer lies in experience, responsibilities, and scope. Senior Software Engineers typically have more experience, lead projects, and mentor others, while Software Developers focus on coding and feature development. Both roles are essential in tech companies, but the Senior Software Engineer position involves higher-level planning and leadership.

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

To thrive as a Senior Software Engineer, you need advanced programming skills, deep understanding of software architecture, and several years of experience in software development, often supported by a relevant degree. Familiarity with tools like Git, CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms, and expertise in technologies such as Java, Python, or JavaScript are typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for mentoring teams and collaborating across departments. These skills ensure the delivery of robust, scalable solutions and drive successful project outcomes in complex technical environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA?

The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA?

For Senior Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Senior Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Senior Software Engineer jobs in Fairfield, IA are:

What cities near Fairfield, IA are hiring for Senior Software Engineer jobs?

Cities near Fairfield, IA with the most Senior Software Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Senior Software Engineer job openings in Fairfield, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,927 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Design Engineer

Cornerstone Building Brands

Mount Pleasant, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Cornerstone Building Brands rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 125 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

440th of 539 rated manufacturers


Job description

Company Description

Cornerstone Building Brands is a leading manufacturer of exterior building products for residential and low-rise non-residential buildings in North America. Headquartered in Cary, N.C., we serve residential and commercial customers across the new construction and Repair & Remodel (R&R) markets. Our market-leading portfolio of products spans vinyl windows, vinyl siding, stone veneer, metal roofing, metal wall systems and metal accessories. Cornerstone Building Brands’ broad, multi-channel distribution platform and expansive national footprint includes more than 18,800 team members at manufacturing, distribution and office locations throughout North America. Corporate stewardship and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) responsibility are embedded in our culture. We are committed to contributing positively to the communities where we live, work and play. For more information, visit us at cornerstonebuildingbrands.com.

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW:

We are seeking a senior-level engineer that is a Licensed Professional Engineer, ideally with a background in metal or steel building systems, and technical leadership that can contribute within the engineering department. Building upon foundational engineering experience, this senior role involves greater responsibility in project coordination, design optimization, and potential to mentor junior engineers. Expected to independently manage all complexity level projects, ensuring designs meet structural code requirements, manufacturing standards, and customer expectations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrate proficiency in all metal building system design methodologies, including advanced and highly complex framing systems, custom configurations, and non-standard structural solutions.

• Assumes supervisory responsibilities in the absence of the Engineering Manager, supporting departmental operations and decision-making.

• Engages directly with customers to develop optimized building solutions, offering technical expertise and ensuring alignment with project goals.

• Designs and oversees projects involving high-complexity metal building systems, ensuring compliance with structural codes, customer requirements, and company standards.

• Solid understanding of structural engineering principles, with the ability to apply and adapt company design standards to unique and custom-building conditions.

• Provides professional oversight and responsibility for projects requiring signature and seal, ensuring engineering accountability and regulatory compliance.

• Proficiency in using structural design software and a willingness to continuously expand technical knowledge, particularly in the customization of tools for non-standard applications.

• Adhere to project schedules, effectively managing shifting priorities and last-minute revisions to maintain on-time delivery.

• Exercise sound engineering judgment to ensure public safety, balancing efficiency with appropriate design conservatism.

• Actively mentors and trains junior and mid-level engineers, fostering technical growth and maintaining quality across the team.

• Identify opportunities for design improvements and cost reduction through innovative engineering solutions.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

Design Engineer 

  • Licensed Professional Engineer in multiple states preferred, with the ability to provide sealed design documents where required.
  • Proven ability to design metal buildings of medium to high complexity, ensuring efficiency, safety, and adherence to customer specifications.
  • Consistently drives productivity improvements while maintaining high standards of accuracy and completeness, with a focus on reducing manufacturing and drafting costs and enhancing efficiency and overall customer value.
  • Skilled in balancing and prioritizing multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

EDUCATION/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Structural Engineering (or related field).
  • Professional Engineering (PE or SE) Licensure
  • Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in metal building design or structural engineering.
  • Proficient in structural design and modeling software (e.g., RISA, STAAD, AutoCAD, or equivalent).

Additional Information

Cornerstone Building Brands Canada is committed to an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those with disabilities. We will accommodate applicants’ needs, upon request, throughout all stages of the recruitment process. Please inform us of the accommodation(s) that you may require. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially. 

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $100,000-$150,000 + bonus + medical, dental, vision benefits starting day 1 + 401k and PTO. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. (Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week.)

Why work for Cornerstone Building Brands? 

Our teams are at the heart of our purpose to positively contribute to the communities where we live, work and play. Full-time* team members receive** medical, dental and vision benefits starting day 1. Other benefits include PTO, paid holidays, FSA, life insurance, LTD, STD, 401k, EAP, discount programs, tuition reimbursement, training, and professional development. 

*Full-time is defined as regularly working 30+ hours per week. **Union programs may vary depending on the collective bargaining agreement.

Cornerstone Building Brands 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, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, or status as a protected veteran. You can find the Equal Employment Opportunity Poster here. You can also view Your Right to Work Poster here along with This Organizations Participation in E-Verify Poster here. If you'd like to view a copy of the company's affirmative action plan for protected veterans or individuals with disabilities or policy statement, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or HRCompliance@cornerstone-bb.com. If you have a disability and you believe that you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please contact Human Resources at 281-897-7788 or HRCompliance@cornerstone-bb.com. This email is used exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only emails received for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) of 2018
 

Must be at least 18 years of age to apply.

Note to External Recruiters

Cornerstone Building Brands does not accept unsolicited resumes and will not pay fees for any candidate submissions that were not expressly authorized.

Notice of Recruitment Fraud

We have been made aware of multiple scams whereby unauthorized individuals are using Cornerstone Building Brand's name and logo to solicit potential job-seekers for employment. In some cases, job-seekers are being contacted directly, both by phone and e-mail. In other instances, these unauthorized individuals are placing advertisements for fake positions with both legitimate websites and fabricated ones. These individuals are typically promising high-paying jobs with the requirement that the job-seeker send money to pay for things such as visa applications or processing fees. Please be advised that Cornerstone Building Brands will never ask potential job-seekers for any sort of advance payment or bank account information as part of the recruiting or hiring process.


What Cornerstone Building Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Cornerstone Building Brands logo

About Cornerstone Building Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Cornerstone Building Brands is the largest manufacturer of exterior building products in North America. Our comprehensive portfolio spans the breadth of the residential and commercial markets, while our expansive footprint enables us to serve customers and communities across North America. Our relentless focus on excellence combined with our ongoing commitment to innovation and R&D has driven us to become the #1 manufacturer of windows, vinyl siding, insulated metal panels, metal roofing and wall systems, and metal accessories. We believe every building we create, and every part of that building, positively contributes to communities where people live, work and play.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cary, NC, US

Year founded

1984