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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 Sep 14, 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 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.

More about Senior Systems Engineer jobs

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:

What are popular job titles related to Senior Systems Engineer jobs in IA?

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

Senior Systems Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Systems Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,156 per year, or $56.3 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer - Avionics & Embedded Systems

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.
See more jobs at Quest Defense Systems & Solutions, Inc.external

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Immediately Hiring! 

We're seeking engineers who thrive on solving hard problems and turning bold ideas into real-world solutions. If you're driven to design, develop, and test technology that truly makes an impact, you'll feel at home here. 

Quest Defense Systems & Solutions is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer with experience in embedded systems, System-on-Chip (SoC) platforms, and hardware/software integration to help design, integrate, and verify advanced aerospace systems.

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is required.

Location: onsite Cedar Rapids, IA. Relocation assistance is available.  There is limited remote consideration for candidates exceeding requirements. 

In this role, you'll work closely with systems, hardware, software, and Airborne Electronic Hardware (AEH) teams to define requirements, support system integration, troubleshoot technical challenges, and validate system performance. This is an excellent opportunity for engineers who enjoy solving complex technical problems while working across multiple engineering disciplines.

Key Responsibilities:   

  • Develop, capture, and manage system requirements, designs, test cases, and verification plans.
  • Support board-level and device-level systems engineering for System-on-Chip (SoC) and embedded avionics platforms.
  • Collaborate with systems, hardware, software, FPGA, and AEH teams to integrate and validate complex embedded systems.
  • Define and verify hardware- and software-allocated requirements.
  • Perform system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting in a laboratory environment.
  • Support development activities aligned with ARP4754B, DO-254, and DO-178C.
  • Maintain technical documentation, requirements traceability, and engineering artifacts using Jama, Jira, and Git.
  • Develop system use cases, concepts of operation, and technical solutions.
  • Support automation and scripting activities to improve engineering and test efficiency.
  • Participate in technical reviews and communicate risks, issues, and recommendations across engineering teams.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or another STEM-related field with 8+ years of experience, or a Master's degree with 5+ years of experience.
  • Experience with Systems Engineering for embedded hardware, avionics, or processor-based systems.
  • Experience integrating hardware and software for complex embedded systems.
  • Experience developing, managing, and validating system requirements.
  • Working knowledge of ARP4754A/B, DO-254, and/or DO-178C.
  • Experience with system integration, verification, validation (V&V), and troubleshooting.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience supporting Collins Aerospace programs or similar aerospace development environments.
  • Experience with System-on-Chip (SoC) or other embedded computing platforms.
  • Experience with avionics certification and product development lifecycles.
  • Hands-on experience testing embedded hardware and software.
  • Experience using Jama, Jira, and Git.
  • Experience with scripting or test automation.
  • Experience troubleshooting hardware, software, and systems integration issues.
  • Strong technical writing and documentation skills.

The QDSS Advantage

At QDSS, our advantage is purpose-driven work, collaborative teams, and complex challenges that push boundaries and build lasting impact. You'll grow your career while contributing to mission-critical programs that demand excellence and shape the future. 

What You'll Find Here 

  • Work That Matters - Next-generation, safety- and mission-critical projects where your contributions have real-world impact. 
  • Growth That's Supported - Competitive compensation, employer-matched 401(k), certification assistance, and clear opportunities for advancement. 
  • A Culture That Works - A flexible, collaborative, and people-first environment where teamwork, innovation, and balance are valued. 

Benefits Include 

  • Competitive pay, comprehensive medical/dental/life and disability coverage, 401(k) with employer match, professional development support, and a flexible, friendly workplace. 

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