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Senior System 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 background in metal or steel building systems, and technical leadership that can contribute within the ...

Nuclear Engineer

Mount Pleasant, IA

$88K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Key Responsibilities Provide technical direction in areas such as reactor and fluid systems design ... with senior civilian engineers, naval officers, and technical teams; high expectations for ...

Senior System Engineer information

See Fairfield, IA salary details

$48.8K

$108.7K

$153.4K

How much do senior system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior system engineer in Fairfield, IA is $108,746.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,100.00 and $124,700.00 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 is a senior system engineer?

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.

How much money does a senior system engineer make?

A senior system engineer typically earns between $90,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. They often have specialized skills in network infrastructure, scripting, and certifications like Cisco or Microsoft, which can influence salary levels.

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

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

Infographic showing various Senior System Engineer job openings in Fairfield, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,746 per year, or $52.3 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 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

438th of 538 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

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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