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Systems Engineering Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

A growing organization is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead its engineering department across ... Apply expertise in HVAC, piping, and plumbing systems * Ensure timely and accurate processing of ...

BAE Systems is currently looking for a Hardware Engineering Manager to lead a team focused on advancing the Hardware Technologies for the Precision Strike (PS) organization. This position offers ...

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Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA

$103K - $141K/yr

Manager, Director of Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No ... Verify system components and technologies have excellent performance and long life and can be ...

... systems Process required documentation in a timely and accurate manner Serve as the point of ... schedule of engineering staff with project managers Attend design meetings with clients and ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Manager, Director of Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No ... Verify system components and technologies have excellent performance and long life and can be ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA

$102K - $140K/yr

Manager, Director of Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No ... Verify system components and technologies have excellent performance and long life and can be ...

... systems • Process required documentation in a timely and accurate manner • Serve as the point ... of engineering staff with project managers • Attend design meetings with clients and partners ...

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Showing results 1-20

Systems Engineering Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$56.8K

$133.4K

$184.1K

How much do systems engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineering manager in Iowa is $133,441.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,100.00 and $162,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a systems engineering manager?

To thrive as a Systems Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in systems engineering principles, project management experience, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with systems modeling tools (such as SysML), requirements management software, and relevant industry certifications like INCOSE CSEP are often required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you effectively guide teams and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure project success, technical excellence, and seamless integration of complex systems.

What are some common challenges faced by systems engineering managers, and how can they be addressed?

Systems Engineering Managers often navigate challenges such as coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring clear communication across departments, and balancing technical leadership with project management duties. They may also face difficulties in aligning system requirements with organizational goals and managing resource constraints. To address these, effective managers foster open communication, implement structured processes for requirement management, and prioritize continuous training for their teams. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and promoting a culture of collaboration can also help overcome these challenges.

What does a systems engineering manager do?

A Systems Engineering Manager oversees a team of engineers responsible for designing, integrating, and maintaining complex systems within an organization. They coordinate project activities, ensure technical requirements are met, and manage resources to deliver efficient solutions. Additionally, they serve as a liaison between engineering teams and other departments, helping to translate business needs into technical specifications. Their role often involves mentoring staff, managing budgets, and ensuring projects are completed on time and within scope.

How much should a systems engineering manager be paid?

The average salary for a systems engineering manager typically ranges from $110,000 to $160,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Higher salaries are common in sectors like aerospace, defense, and technology, especially for managers with advanced certifications and leadership skills.

What is the difference between Systems Engineering Manager vs Systems Engineer?

AspectSystems Engineering ManagerSystems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering, relevant technical certifications
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, oversees system developmentDesigns, develops, tests systems, works on technical tasks
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in tech, aerospace, defense, and manufacturing companiesCommon in similar industries, often as technical staff
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding managerial roles, leadership responsibilitiesTechnical skills, system design, implementation

The main difference between a Systems Engineering Manager and a Systems Engineer lies in their roles and responsibilities. The manager oversees teams and projects, focusing on leadership and strategic planning, while the engineer concentrates on technical system development and implementation. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and are vital in industries like aerospace, defense, and technology.

What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa? For Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineering Manager jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Systems Engineering Manager jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Systems Engineering Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Systems Engineering Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, 8% Temporary, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $133,441 per year, or $64.2 per hour.

Systems Engineering Manager - Guidance Quality Algorithms (ONSITE)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


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:

2026-08-04

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-130 ~ 5350 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 130

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ 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 after day 1

Collins Aerospace, an RTX company, 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.

The Precision Landing team delivers high assurance landing solutions to customers around the world. We are looking for a Systems Engineering Manager to lead our Guidance Quality (GQ) Algorithms team. This team utilizes cutting-edge tools and techniques in Model-Based-Development to incorporate advanced mathematical and physical logic in to algorithms that safely recover aircraft and pilots.

We are seeking a decisive, collaborative technical leader who operates with clarity, drives results, anticipates change, and builds high-performing teams while demonstrating integrity and accountability. The successful candidate will lead a systems engineering team to meet cost, schedule, and technical performance commitments while partnering closely with project engineers and program management. They will provide technical leadership, oversee design and development execution, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and approve proposals.

What You Will Do
    • Lead and mentor a team of 10-20 systems engineers on complex projects as Section Lead
    • Coach your team through all V&V activities in their supported programs
    • Perform Cost Account Management (CAM) duties for Guidance Quality as part of larger projects
    • Seek out complex problems to solve within your team’s assigned scope
    • Take on individual contributions involving high level math and physics concepts
    • Challenge your team’s overall execution performance, identifying methods to improve work quality and be more cost competitive
    • Lead a wide range of entry-level to highly experienced engineers
    • Stay updated on industry trends and advancements in systems engineering and requirements management with respect to Mathworks product line
    • Collaborate with all domains in all phases of the Systems Engineering Lifecycle, including bid & pursuit
    • Travel up to 10% annually

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

Qualifications You Must Have
    • Subject Matter Expert with MATLAB, Simulink and simulation data analysis
    • Extensive experience as a CAM
    • Previous exposure to Autoland algorithms
    • Experience with Global Trade and U.S. export regulations including ITAR and EARStrong communicator, able to interface with the spectrum of individual contributors to execute leadership
    • A proven track record of success of meeting high rigor software standards such as MIL-STD-882E and DO-178. Experience contributing to TINA-compliant bids
    • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience

Qualifications We Prefer
    • Experience with Polyspace and other MATLAB plug-ins
    • Previous experience working with components of the Joint Precision Approach and Landing System
    • Experience working across business units and interfacing with external entities
    • Strong critical thinking and analytical skills
    • Strong communication behaviors with team members, internal stakeholders, and external customers

What We Offer
    • 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
    • This position is eligible for relocation assistance
    • And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now! 

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.

*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.  

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.  

Employee Referral Eligible

#MISENG

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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