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Software Engineer Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... management solutions nationwide. If you are seeking a rewarding career at a dynamic company built ... Description The Software Engineer utilizes skills and resources to effectively engineer software ...

As an Intermediate Software Engineer, you will build features using specdriven development and Kiro ... Managers may assign other duties and responsibilities as needed. In the event an employee or ...

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... management solutions nationwide. If you are seeking a rewarding career at a dynamic company built ... Description The Software Engineer utilizes skills and resources to effectively engineer software ...

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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 Jul 14, 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.

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.

How much do software engineer managers get paid?

Software engineer managers typically earn between $100,000 and $180,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and company size. Senior managers or those in high-cost areas may earn higher salaries, often supplemented with bonuses and stock options.

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 technology industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working at large tech companies or in high-cost-of-living areas. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options or equity. Achieving this level typically requires strong technical expertise, leadership abilities, and a track record of impactful projects.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior software engineers, especially those in high-cost-of-living areas or working at major tech companies, can earn $500,000 or more annually through base salary, bonuses, and stock options. Roles requiring advanced skills in areas like machine learning, cloud infrastructure, or executive-level management are more likely to reach this compensation level.

What does a software engineer manager do?

A software engineer manager oversees software development teams, coordinates project planning, and ensures timely delivery of high-quality software products. They also handle team management, performance evaluations, and collaborate with other departments to align technical goals with business objectives.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $159,094 per year, or $76.5 per hour.
Senior Software Engineer (Onsite)

Senior Software Engineer (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

$119K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 248 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-06-23

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-179 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 179

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

Active and transferable U.S. government issued security clearance is required prior to start date.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance​

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required on day 1

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX 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. 

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Software Engineer with a focus on Mission Engineering to join our team. In this role, you will lead the development of software solutions to support mission-critical systems and architectures. You will leverage your expertise in software design, simulation, and integration to enable the delivery of high-value capabilities for aerospace and defense applications.

This is an onsite role that can be supported either in Cedar Rapids, IA or Sterling, VA, working onsite five days a week.

What You Will Do:

  • Design, develop, and implement mission-critical software systems, tools, and applications.

  • Perform mission analysis and develop software solutions to model, simulate, and evaluate mission scenarios.

  • Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to define software requirements and architecture for mission systems.

  • Implement and optimize algorithms for mission planning, decision support, and system performance analysis.

  • Develop and maintain software tools for modeling and simulation of mission environments (e.g., AFSIM, RCADE, C++, Python).

  • Perform software integration and testing to ensure system functionality and reliability.

  • Support software verification and validation efforts to meet mission objectives and requirements.

  • Lead trade studies, technical reviews, and risk assessments for software-focused mission engineering tasks.

  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership in software development and mission engineering.

  • Ensure compliance with RTX software engineering processes, cybersecurity standards, and best practices.

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

  • Active and transferable U.S. government issued SECRET security clearance is required prior to start date

  • Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or similar.

  • Experience with software modeling and simulation tools (e.g., Simulink, STK, or similar).

  • Familiarity with software development processes (e.g., Agile, DevSecOps, CI/CD) and tools (e.g., Git, Gitlab, JIRA).

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a secret U.S. Government security clearance.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.

  • Experience developing software for aerospace, defense, or mission-critical systems.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on mission-driven software solutions.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • Expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), or optimization algorithms for mission applications.

  • Experience working with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)

  • Previous experience working with government or military customers.

  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams and manage complex software projects.

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.  

What We Offer:

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  

  • Eligible for relocation assistance

  • And more!  

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. 

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. 

Learn More & Apply Now!

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.

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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