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Systems Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Systems Engineer A Systems Engineer is responsible for developing and maintaining clear, comprehensive requirements documentation that guides both software development and testing processes for ...

Systems Engineer

Peterson, IA · On-site

$61K - $141K/yr

Systems Engineer The Opportunity: Are you looking for an opportunity to combine your technical skills with big picture thinking to make an impact on national security? Your ability to translate real ...

Systems Engineer Reports to: Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

Systems Engineer Reports to: Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

Systems Engineer Reports to: Manager, Project Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

Control Systems Engineer

Dubuque, IA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Control Systems Engineer As a Control Systems Engineer, you will work with a cross-functional engineering team to develop, test, and optimize machine control algorithms that improve machine ...

Help Protect Those Who Protect Us as a Systems Engineer! Advance Mission-Critical Navigation Technology with PDS Tech Commercial Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Schedule: Core hours are 9:00 AM-3:00 PM ...

Sr. Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Sr. Systems Engineer Temporary to Permanent opportunity 50.00 - 56.00 hourly Position Overview: The Mission Systems Multi-Domain Assured Navigation and Timing Applications (MANTA) Systems/Hardware ...

New

Engineering - Systems Location: Cedar Rapids, IA Zip Code: 52498 Duration: 2 Months Pay Rate: $57.18/hr. Keyword's: #CedarRapidjobs; #SystemsEngineeringjobs ; Start Date: Immediate 'We provide a ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

Senior Systems Engineer

Hiawatha, IA · On-site

$103K - $141K/yr

Senior Systems Engineer Reports to: Director, Engineering Department : Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm Company & Benefit Information ...

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Showing results 1-20

Systems Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$46

$76

How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for systems programmer in Iowa is $46.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.85 and $58.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical challenges faced by systems programmers, and how can they overcome them?

Systems programmers often face challenges such as debugging low-level code, ensuring compatibility across different hardware or operating systems, and addressing performance bottlenecks. These tasks require a deep understanding of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or Assembly. Collaborating closely with other IT professionals, such as network administrators and application developers, can help identify and resolve issues more efficiently. Staying current with industry developments and using robust version control and debugging tools are also essential strategies for overcoming these challenges.

What Is a Systems Programmer?

A systems programmer is a skilled computer technician that develops application software with a variety of programming languages. In this career, you must have experience working with a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and mainframe. Your job duties include developing application programs, testing the functionality of the software, and troubleshooting issues found by users. You also work on a variety of computer hardware such as servers and mainframes, so your skills must extend beyond software and coding. You can find systems programmer positions with third-party IT companies and in the IT departments of larger companies.

What is the difference between Systems Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectSystems ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with knowledge of low-level programmingUsually holds a degree in computer science, software engineering, or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentWorks closely with operating systems, hardware, and system utilities in enterprise or technical settingsDevelops applications and software solutions for various platforms, often in business or consumer environments
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT departments, tech companies, and organizations managing complex systemsWidely employed across tech firms, startups, and any industry requiring software solutions

While both roles involve programming, Systems Programmers focus on low-level system software and hardware interaction, whereas Software Developers create applications and user-facing software. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are systems programmers?

Systems programmers are specialized software developers who design, develop, test, and maintain the low-level software that enables computer hardware and software to work together effectively. They often work on operating systems, firmware, device drivers, and other system-level components. Their main focus is on optimizing system performance, ensuring reliability, and enabling hardware-software interoperability. Systems programmers typically have strong knowledge of computer architecture, operating systems, and programming languages like C or assembly.

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

To thrive as a Systems Programmer, you need expertise in low-level programming languages (such as C or Assembly), operating system concepts, and a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe or server environments, system debugging tools, and certifications in relevant platforms (like IBM z/OS or Linux) are highly beneficial. Strong problem-solving, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are crucial for optimizing system performance, maintaining reliability, and ensuring seamless integration between hardware and software components.
What are popular job titles related to Systems Programmer jobs in Iowa? For Systems Programmer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Programmer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Programmer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Programmer jobs in IA? For Systems Programmer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - zVM

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - zVM

Ensono

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$85K - $148K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer – zVMRemote - United StatesJR012366

A Senior IBM z/VM Systems Programmer ensures the stability, integrity, and efficient operation of information systems that support core organizational functions and clients. This is achieved by monitoring, maintaining, supporting, and optimizing all operating systems assigned. This position reports to the Manager of the z/VM, z/Linux team and is responsible for assisting in the management of the z/VM operating systems across multiple LPARS and multiple clients

Key Areas of Focus for this Role

  • Storage management, system backup/restore, tape encryption, disaster recovery planning

  • Support Incident and Change Management processes

  • Provide metrics tracking operational performance and quality of services delivered

  • Assist Data Center Operations to ensure SLAs are met

  • Coordinate system modifications with IT and business unit managers

  • Support multiple annual Disaster Recovery exercises across a diverse set of client environments

  • Manage z/VM systems:

  • Software

  • Availability

  • Network

  • Capacity and performance

  • Storage

  • Directory and security

  • Working in a collaborative multi-client Environment.Knowledge preferred of software:

  • Velocity Performance Suite (zVPS, zPRO, zVRM)

  • Broadcom / CA VM:Manager and composite products

  • IBM Dirmaint

  • IBM RACF

  • Off Hours Support as required/Participate in On-Call Schedule

  • Platforms: z/VM, z/VSE, Linux on IBM Z

What the Ideal Candidate Brings to this Role

Required Qualifications help to assure new Associates are set up for success in their role with Ensono. To be considered for this career opportunity, it is important that you meet all Required Qualifications. Candidates that may meet some, but not all, Other Qualifications are still encouraged to apply.

Required Qualifications

  • Minimum of 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience

  • Ability to upgrade and maintain z/VM using VMSES

  • Install/administer z/VM related ISV products (e.g. CA-VM:Manager)

  • Working knowledge of managing z/VM security with VM:Secure and RACF is preferred

  • z/VMperformance/capacity tuning & reporting experience is preferred

  • Experience with Installation and implementation of SSI (Single System Image) is desired

  • Experience with, storage administration, DFSMS/VM, and virtual tape is helpful

  • Experience supporting z/VM to facilitate workloads:

  • Linux on IBM Z

  • VSEn and z/VSE

  • CMS

  • z/OS

  • Ability to provision and manage virtual machines by manually manipulating VM directory and/or using tools such as VM:Secure or DirMaint

  • System network design and configuration at operating system level required with OSA, TCP/IP, and VSWITCH. Experience with OSA-ICC, RSCS and VTAM is also helpful.

  • Storage management, system backup/restore, tape encryption, disaster recovery planning

  • Support Incident and Change Management processes

  • Provide metrics tracking operational performance and quality of services delivered

  • Assist Data Center Operations to ensure SLAs are met

  • Coordinate system modifications with IT and business unit managers

  • Support multiple annual Disaster Recovery exercises across a diverse set of client environments

  • Mentor junior team members with all areas of responsibility

  • Familiarity with the tool ServiceNow is preferred

WhyEnsono (https://www.ensono.com/company/culture/) ?

Ensono is a place to make better happen – for our clients and for your career. You can do great things through innovation or collaboration, by learning or volunteering, or to promote diversity and inclusion. You can do great things for your own health or for a healthier planet. Whatever it means to you to do great things we want Ensono to be the place you can do it.

We are a client-facing business, but we do encourage clients to allow us to work remotely most of the time so if you are not required to be on a client site, you can choose to work from home or in our Ensono offices.

Some of our benefits include:

  • Unlimited Paid Days Off

  • Three health plan options through Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • 401k with company match

  • Eligibility for dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life and AD&D coverage, and flexible spending accounts

  • Paid Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, and Sabbatical Leave

  • Education Reimbursement, Student Loan Assistance or 529 College Funding

  • Enhanced fertility coverage

  • Wellness program

  • Flexible work schedule

  • Depending on location, ability to take advantage of fitness centers

As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this role is $85,000 to $148,000 annually based on a full-time schedule. Please note that placement in the range may vary based on numerous factors including but not limited to skills, experience, internal equity, and business needs. In addition to base salary, other compensation programs, depending on eligibility, include an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, and an equity grant under our Associate Equity Appreciation Program.

Ensono is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to providing equal employment to our Associates and building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.

Pay transparency nondiscrimination statement/posting OFCCP’s pay transparency policy can be found onOFCCP’s website (https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/OFCCP/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf) .

If you need accommodation at any point during the application or interview process, please let your recruiter know or email USTalentAcquisition@ensono.com .

JR012366


Ensono logo

About Ensono

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Ensono, our **Purpose is to be a relentless ally, disrupting the status quo and unleashing our clients to** **_Do Great Things!_** We enable our clients to achieve key business outcomes that reshape how our world runs. As an expert technology adviser and managed service provider with cross-platform certifications, Ensono empowers our clients to keep up with continuous change and embrace innovation.

Industry

It services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Downers Grove, IL, US

Year founded

1969

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