1

Senior System Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications ... Red/Black system architectures * Experience with NSA certification/evaluation processes Familiarity ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications ... Red/Black system architectures * Experience with NSA certification/evaluation processes Familiarity ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model ... Select system components and technologies that not only have excellent performance and long life ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model ... Select system components and technologies that not only have excellent performance and long life ...

Senior Systems Operations Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

Genesis10 is currently seeking a Senior Systems Operations Engineer for a contract position with a ... system stability and uptime • Analyze and troubleshoot failed mainframe jobs (JCL) • Perform ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Senior System Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$52.6K

$117.2K

$165.3K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in Iowa is $117,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,200.00 and $134,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Senior System Engineer vs Network Engineer?

AspectSenior System EngineerNetwork Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like CompTIA Network+, Cisco CCNABachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems and infrastructureDesigning, deploying, and managing network infrastructure and security
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsTelecommunications, IT, enterprise networks
Common Search/ComparisonSenior System Engineer vs Network Engineer

While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, Senior System Engineers focus on overall system architecture and integration, whereas Network Engineers specialize in network infrastructure and security. The roles often overlap but serve different core functions within IT teams.

What are Senior System Engineers?

Senior System Engineers are experienced IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, managing, and maintaining complex computer systems and networks within an organization. They play a critical role in ensuring the stability, security, and scalability of IT infrastructure. Their tasks often include troubleshooting system issues, optimizing performance, overseeing upgrades, and mentoring junior engineers. Senior System Engineers typically collaborate with other IT teams and departments to support business objectives and technological needs.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior System Engineers when managing large-scale IT infrastructure projects?

Senior System Engineers often encounter challenges such as coordinating with cross-functional teams, ensuring system scalability, and maintaining high availability during upgrades or migrations. Managing complex environments requires balancing security, performance, and compliance, all while minimizing downtime. Effective communication and proactive planning are crucial to successfully navigating these challenges and delivering robust solutions that meet organizational needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Senior System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Senior System Engineer, you need advanced knowledge of system architecture, network administration, and troubleshooting, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of experience. Familiarity with tools like VMware, Linux/Windows servers, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), and certifications such as CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are commonly expected. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help you lead teams and handle complex technical challenges. These skills are crucial for ensuring system reliability, security, and efficient operation in dynamic IT environments.

What does a senior systems engineer do?

A senior systems engineer designs, implements, and maintains complex IT infrastructure and systems to ensure reliability and security. They troubleshoot issues, optimize performance, and often lead projects or teams, requiring strong technical skills and certifications like Cisco or Microsoft. Their role involves working with hardware, software, networks, and security protocols to support organizational technology needs.
What are the most commonly searched types of System Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of System Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior System Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior System Engineer job openings:
Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Pacific Defense

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, Mukilteo, WA, Nashua, NH

Pacific Defense, a small fast-growing company that develops and provides advanced multi-function RF systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications Waveform Development engineering team. As a member of the Pacific Defense group of companies, our growth is accelerating. Pacific Defense designs and builds advanced, military standards-based, modular open systems architecture (MOSA) systems. These systems conform to the Army's C4ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Air Force's Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) Standard. These CMOSS /SOSA systems are used for multi-mission electronic warfare, tactical communications, signals intelligence, cyber-EW, high performance computing and often simultaneous operation of these capabilities.

Who are we looking for:

Are you a talented and enthusiastic Senior Systems Engineer with outstanding technical, organizational and communication skills? Our high-performance computing systems are used for a variety of applications such as networking, signals intelligence, secure/covert digital communications, threat detection, RF jammers, and radio direction finding. To build these systems, we utilize state of the art hardware components including the latest FPGAs, SoCs, GPUs, DSPs, and advanced software and firmware techniques that allow intuitive command and control of systems as well as data collection and processing on 3U OpenVPX CMOSS/SOSA aligned platforms.

Pacific Defense is developing a comprehensive portfolio of embedded communications waveforms that are hosted on 3U OpenVPX modules permitting our customers to pick and choose a wide variety of capabilities to tailor the capability to the mission.

Requirements

Waveform Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with a range of tactical and military communication waveforms, including SINCAGRS, VULOS ATC, MUOS, SATURN, HAVEQUICK I/II, and LINK-16.
  • Familiarity with advanced and proprietary waveforms such as BE-CDL, TSM, WREN-TSM, KATANA, WREN-NB, and public safety protocols like P25.

Experience:

  • RF performance parameters (IP2/IP3, sensitivity / Noise Figure, Phase Noise, etc.) ,
  • Dynamic range analysis (really EW and receiver design)
  • Digital modulation formats
  • Red/Black system architectures
  • Experience with NSA certification/evaluation processes

Familiarity with NCDSMO certification process

  • Waveform integration and test with Voice and Data
  • Proficiency in programming and/or hardware description languages such as C, C++, Python, VHDL/Verilog
  • Familiarity with embedded platforms including ARM and Xilinx MPSoC with embedded Linux
  • Familiarity with IPMI Out of Band Management. BMC/Redfish familiarity is a plus.

Networking

  • IP networking and VLANs
  • SOSA MORA and Army VICTORY messaging
  • Familiarity with STIG/SRGsFamiliarity with the RMF ATO process

System Integration

  • Experience configuring and managing lab test systems
  • Supervising Integration and Test teams
  • Familiarity with RF measurements and radio configuration tools.Experience with DoD Type 1 evaluations / certifications a plus.
  • Experience with Cameo/MagicDraw (or similar) Digital Modeling and simulation a plus

Responsibilities:

  • Decompose the system architecture into consumable tasks for engineering teams.
  • Manage and analyze Customer and derived requirements
  • Work with embedded software, applications software, FPGA, and hardware teams daily to solve difficult engineering challenges.
  • Lead a multi-functional agile-based development team.
  • Bid estimates to include Cost and Schedule generation
  • Interface with suppliers to provide best value technical solutions
  • Write test plans/procedures
  • Work with limited supervision
  • Manage project deliverables meeting cost/schedule objectives

Education

  • Minimum requirement: BS in EE, CS, or relevant discipline
  • MS in EE, CS, or a relevant discipline preferred.

Benefits

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage options for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents’ medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.