1

Sensor Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Control Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Analyze machine and sensor data to improve system performance and reliability. * Work with design, software, and test engineers to develop and validate control system solutions. * Translate customer ...

Robotics Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Robotics Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Skilled at teaching robot design, sensor programming, and autonomous behavior development. Guides students through building mechanical structures, wiring electronic circuits, programming ...

Eng Sr - Elec

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$88K - $149K/yr

In our Navigation & Sensor Systems, Test Engineering team located at our state-of-the-art facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa that opened in 2022. Here you'll have the opportunity to design, develop, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Sensor Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$41.3K

$99.9K

$163K

How much do sensor engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for sensor engineer in Iowa is $99,925.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,400.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Sensor Engineer, you need a solid background in electronics, signal processing, and sensor technologies, usually supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, data acquisition systems, programming languages like C/C++, and relevant certifications such as Certified Measurement and Control Technician are highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this field. These skills are crucial for designing reliable sensor systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring seamless integration into larger engineering projects.

What is a sensor engineer?

Sensor Engineers are professionals who design, develop, test, and maintain sensors and sensor systems used to detect and measure physical properties such as temperature, pressure, motion, or chemical composition. They work in various industries including automotive, aerospace, healthcare, and electronics to ensure sensors function accurately and reliably. Their responsibilities often include selecting materials, integrating sensors with electronic systems, troubleshooting issues, and optimizing sensor performance for specific applications.

What are some common challenges sensor engineers face when integrating new sensor technologies into existing systems?

Sensor Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between new sensors and legacy hardware or software, managing data integrity amidst increased data streams, and addressing calibration or environmental factors that may impact sensor accuracy. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, including software developers and hardware engineers, is frequently required to troubleshoot integration issues and optimize system performance. Staying updated with rapidly evolving sensor technologies and industry standards is also essential for successful implementation.

What is the difference between Sensor Engineer vs Electronics Engineer?

AspectSensor EngineerElectronics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical, Mechanical, or related fields; certifications varyBachelor's in Electrical Engineering or related fields; certifications vary
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, R&D departmentsDesign firms, manufacturing plants, R&D departments
Industry UsageDeveloping and testing sensors for various applicationsDesigning electronic systems, circuit boards, and devices
Common Search/ComparisonSensor Engineer vs Electronics Engineer

Sensor Engineers focus on designing, developing, and testing sensors used in various industries, while Electronics Engineers work on designing electronic circuits and systems. Both roles require a background in electrical engineering and often collaborate in product development, but Sensor Engineers specialize in sensor technology specifically.

What are popular job titles related to Sensor Engineer jobs in Iowa? For Sensor Engineer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Sensor Engineer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Sensor Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Sensor Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,925 per year, or $48 per hour.

Senior Software Engineer - Mission Sensor Manager (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

$119K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 71 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-31

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world.

Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

Help ensure mission-critical avionics software performs flawlessly in the real world. As a Senior Software Engineer supporting Mission Sensors, Weapons, and IFF (Identification Friendly or Foe) avionics systems, you’ll play a key role in software development, software integration, test development, and verifying complex software solutions that support aerospace and defense applications. You’ll work within a highly collaborative Agile team, helping develop and translate requirements into robust software solutions and test strategies while supporting system integration and verification efforts. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, improving engineering processes, and working across disciplines to deliver reliable systems, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

What You Will Do:

  • You will support software engineering activities within an Agile development environment, helping develop and translate system and software requirements into effective software, test and verification strategies (heavy focus of this role).
  • You will develop automated and semi-automated test scripts using Python to validate software functionality and system performance (heavy focus of this role).
  • You will update and maintain our Software products using Ada/C.
  • You will verify software builds in integrated lab environments and support formal verification events for major program deliveries (heavy focus of this role).
  • You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine system requirements and design solutions that meet customer needs.
  • You will present technical progress and status updates to Agile team members and engineering leadership.
  • You will contribute to improving test development processes, tools, and best practices while maintaining compliance with company standards.
  • You will help navigate through the bids & pursuits, adhering to Collins Processes.
  • Mentor younger engineers through Software Engineering tasks.

What You Will Learn:

  • You will gain experience integrating Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) software supporting mission sensor, weapons, and IFF avionics systems.
  • You will deepen your expertise across multiple phases of the aerospace systems lifecycle within a collaborative Agile environment.
  • You will strengthen your software engineering skills by supporting complex software development, verification and integration efforts.
  • If desired, you may have the ability to grow into Product Owner, Scrum Master, and/or Cost Account Manager type roles.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 5 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 3 years of experience.
  • Experience working within Agile development teams. 
  • Experience developing software requirements.
  • Experience with testing using Python.
  • Experience with engineering tools such as DOORS, PREP, TLBD, ALM, JIRA, Enterprise Architect, or similar.
  • Experience with systems integration, test execution, and test results documentation

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Experience with Software development in Ada/C.
  • Experience (military or civil aircraft) in avionics systems.
  • Avionics integration and lab test experience.
  • Embedded software integration experience.
  • Working knowledge / understanding of data busses and protocols (Ethernet, MIL-STD-1553B, and ARINC-429).
  • Hands-on experience in systems and software integration including experience with design, development, and testing of customer hardware and software systems & systems of systems of high complexity.
  • Experience interacting with development teams to resolve discrepancies and issues.
  • Experience problem solving and debugging.

What We Offer:

Benefits: 

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:    

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance   
  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees   
  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option   
  • Tuition reimbursement program  
  • Student Loan Repayment Program   
  • Life insurance and disability coverage   
  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection  
  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits  
  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning   
  • Adoption Assistance            
  • Autism Benefit   
  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions   
  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program  
  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits   
  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services  
  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program   
  •  And more!   

This role may be eligible for relocation.

Learn More & Apply Now!

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite. This includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the development of our products. 

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.   

Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day. 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 86,800 USD - 165,200 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX 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, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Privacy Policy and Terms:

Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms


What Collins Aerospace employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Collins Aerospace logo

About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018