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Software Engineer Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Software Engineer 2

Davenport, IA · On-site

$92K - $126K/yr

Software Engineer II We are looking for a Software Engineer II with CMS and web development ... Effective project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and ...

The role involves managing the full software development life cycle, maintaining existing programs ... DevOps), JIRA, and Visual Studio • Maintain all existing computer programs. Locate errors in ...

Lead Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · Hybrid

$111K - $135K/yr

Lead Software Engineer The Lead Software Engineer will leverage mainframe and API-driven web ... Control-M, Endevor/Changeman, Xpeditor, Abend-Aid, File Manager, IDCAMS, ICETOOL/SORT. * Three ...

Software Engineer - Mid-Level Location: Johnston, IA Candidates must reside within a 50-mile radius ... Apex Systems Vendor Management. MSA: Blanket Approval Received Client Letter: Will Provide ...

As an agile engineer supporting the Provider Data Management area, you will own the endtoend software development and support lifecycle-designing, developing, testing, deploying, monitoring ...

Software Engineer I The software engineer I participates in the design, programming, testing ... Evaluates software packages, provides recommendations to management and business clients, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Software Engineer Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$93.5K

$159.1K

$188.3K

How much do software engineer manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for software engineer manager in Iowa is $159,094.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $162,500.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Software Engineer Managers when transitioning from an individual contributor role?

Software Engineer Managers often find the shift from coding-focused work to leadership responsibilities challenging. Instead of primarily writing code, their days are filled with mentoring team members, managing project timelines, and facilitating communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Balancing technical oversight with people management, and learning to delegate effectively, are critical skills to develop. Additionally, they must stay current with technology trends while focusing on team growth and performance.

How much money does a software engineer manager make?

A software engineer manager typically earns a salary ranging from $100,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. They often oversee engineering teams, coordinate projects, and require strong leadership and technical skills.

What is the difference between Software Engineer Manager vs Software Developer?

AspectSoftware Engineer ManagerSoftware Developer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in CS or related field; often leadership experienceBachelor's degree in CS or related field; coding skills
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, collaborates with stakeholdersFocuses on coding, designing, and implementing software solutions
Industry UsageCommon in tech companies, startups, large enterprisesWidespread across industries, including tech, finance, healthcare
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, career progressionTechnical skills, coding responsibilities

The main difference between a Software Engineer Manager and a Software Developer lies in their responsibilities. The manager oversees teams, manages projects, and aligns technical work with business goals, while the developer primarily focuses on coding and building software solutions. Both roles require strong technical skills, but the manager also needs leadership and project management abilities.

Can I make 200k a year as a software engineer?

Software engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with seniority, specialized skills, or in high-cost-of-living areas. Roles such as engineering managers or those with expertise in cloud computing, AI, or cybersecurity often reach or exceed this salary level, particularly with experience and relevant certifications. However, salaries vary based on location, company size, and individual skill set.

What is a Software Engineer Manager?

A Software Engineer Manager is a professional who leads a team of software engineers, overseeing the design, development, and deployment of software projects. They are responsible for managing team performance, setting goals, and ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget. In addition to technical expertise, they also handle hiring, mentoring, and career development of team members. Software Engineer Managers often collaborate with other departments to align technical solutions with business objectives. Their role combines leadership, project management, and deep technical knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Software Engineer Manager, you need a solid background in software development, team leadership experience, and often a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira), version control systems (such as Git), and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure) is typically required, along with relevant certifications. Exceptional communication, problem-solving, and mentoring abilities help you build effective teams and drive project success. These skills ensure you can lead technical initiatives, foster collaboration, and deliver high-quality software solutions in dynamic environments.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, engineering managers, and principal engineers in the tech industry often earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with experience, advanced skills, and working at large technology companies or in high-cost regions. Compensation packages may include base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles requiring leadership, specialized expertise, or extensive experience are typically associated with this salary range.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-cost living areas or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, and often leadership roles or equity compensation.
What are the most commonly searched types of Software Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Software Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Software Engineer Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Software Engineer Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Software Engineer Manager job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,094 per year, or $76.5 per hour.
Expert Contributor - Software Engineer

Expert Contributor - Software Engineer

Arise Virtual Solutions

Des Moines, IA

Contractor

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Expert Contributor - Software Engineer
Task-Based Independent Contractor Opportunity
Overview
We're looking for engineers who can operate at an expert level across real-world, end-to-end tasks in terminal environments. Think compiling code, setting up servers, building data pipelines, and handling complex system administration autonomously. You'll design intricate, verifiable terminal tasks spanning Python scripting, automation, data pipelines, software engineering, system administration, and infrastructure. Each task needs a clear, reproducible solution with automated verification criteria. This is a great fit for someone who thrives on deep technical problem-solving and wants flexible, task-based project opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
  • Design complex, verifiable terminal tasks that span Python scripting, automation, data pipelines, and infrastructure setup.
  • Compile code, configure servers, and handle system administration tasks autonomously in terminal environments.
  • Develop clear, reproducible solutions with automated verification criteria for each task.
  • Evaluate and review AI-generated code outputs, identifying suboptimal solutions and suggesting improvements.
  • Provide multi-turn feedback across conversation-based evaluation sessions.
  • Collaborate asynchronously with the project team to refine task quality and difficulty calibration.

Required Qualifications
  • Deep fluency in Python and Linux/Unix environments, shell scripting, containerization (Docker/Kubernetes), and package/environment management.
  • Strong code review instincts with the ability to identify suboptimal solutions, suggest improvements, and evaluate competing approaches across multiple turns of a conversation.
  • Proficiency in at least one major programming language (e.g., Python, C++, Java, Go, JavaScript).
  • 3+ years of professional experience in software engineering, DevOps, or a related technical discipline.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Background in one or more of: DevOps, SRE, Platform Engineering, Backend/Systems Engineering, or Security/Penetration Testing.
  • Familiarity with agent evaluation frameworks, CI/CD integration, or long-horizon planning in automated pipelines.
  • Experience contributing to open-source projects or technical documentation.
  • Comfort with asynchronous, self-directed project execution.