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Senior Systems Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102.30K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$102.30K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103.70K - $141.90K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA

$103.70K - $141.90K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

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Showing results 1-20

Senior Systems Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$52.6K

$117.2K

$165.3K

How much do senior systems engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior systems 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 a Senior Systems Engineer?

A senior systems engineer is an IT (information technology) professional tasked with designing and maintaining network systems and security. Examples include large server or storage systems, computer networks, and mainframes. As a systems engineer, your primary duties are to oversee the daily operations of your facility and lead a team of engineers in designing new systems to replace old ones. You may work for a company that provides engineering services and solutions for other businesses, or you may be part of a large university or other institution's IT department. Skills needed for the career include the ability to work independently, leadership, and analytical problem-solving. A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or IT and significant experience in a lower systems engineering position are essential qualifications.

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

To thrive as a Senior Systems Engineer, you need expertise in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and network administration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field and several years of relevant experience. Familiarity with virtualization platforms, cloud services (like AWS or Azure), automation tools (such as Ansible or PowerShell), and certifications like CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco are often required. Outstanding problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help you lead initiatives and collaborate effectively across teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring system reliability, scalability, and security in complex IT environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Senior Systems Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing infrastructure?

Senior Systems Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and new technologies, minimizing downtime during migrations, and addressing unforeseen security vulnerabilities. Effective integration requires thorough planning, cross-team collaboration, and detailed testing to avoid disruptions to business operations. Staying current with emerging technologies and adopting best practices for change management are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring smooth implementation.

What are Senior Systems Engineers?

Senior Systems Engineers are experienced professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining complex IT systems within an organization. They oversee the integration of hardware and software, ensure system reliability, and troubleshoot advanced technical issues. Senior Systems Engineers often lead projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with other departments to meet organizational goals. Their role is critical in maintaining the infrastructure that supports business operations.

What is the difference between Senior Systems Engineer vs Systems Administrator?

AspectSenior Systems EngineerSystems Administrator
CertificationsCompTIA Security+, Cisco CCNA, Microsoft certificationsCompTIA A+, Network+, Microsoft certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systemsManaging daily system operations and user support
Industry UsageIT, technology, enterprise environmentsIT support, small to medium businesses

While both roles involve working with IT systems, Senior Systems Engineers focus on designing and implementing complex infrastructure, whereas Systems Administrators handle routine maintenance and user support. The senior role typically requires more advanced certifications and experience, and often involves strategic planning and system architecture.

What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Systems Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Senior Systems Engineer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Senior Systems Engineer job openings:
Senior Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Pacific Defense

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$102.30K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 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.