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Systems Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Principal Systems Engineer - Tac Comm (Cedar Rapids, IA) As a key member of the team, you will design and develop military products ensuring safe and protected communication. You will interface with ...

Principal Systems Engineer - Tac Comm (Cedar Rapids, IA) Job Overview: As a key member of the team, you will design and develop military products ensuring safe and protected communication You will ...

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Systems Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$16

$46

$76

How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Systems Programmer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,186 per year, or $46.7 per hour.

Senior Systems Engineer - Secure Systems

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

$102K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-05

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

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 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.

This position is for an experienced Systems Engineering professional.  Join the Mission Systems Secure Systems Department and help shape, define, and design communication solutions that connect militaries around the world!  As a Systems Engineer, you will design and develop military products ensuring safe and protected communication. You will interface with multi-discipline engineering teams to create total system solutions, addressing both domestic and international customer needs. 

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do:

  • Perform analysis, architecture and design at all levels of the total system product including concept, design, fabrication, modeling, test, installation, operation, maintenance and disposal. 

  • Perform functional analysis's, trade studies, requirements allocation and interface definition studies to translate customer requirements into hardware and software specifications. 

  • Provide analyses for the decomposition of customer specifications and system level requirements into sub-system and piece part requirements, and develops verification criteria and plans for the requirements 

  • Perform technical planning, system integration, verification and validation, and supportability and effectiveness analyses for total system solutions.

  • Perform daily tasks in a classified and controlled lab environment

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.

  • 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

Qualifications You Must Have: 

  • Familiarity with the Scaled Agile framework 

  • Exceptionally strong communication skills, experience presenting technical data to program management and executive leadership 

  • Experienced with Cryptographic Hardware architecture/design, Network Encryption specifications and test methodologies

  • Experience with tools such as DOORS, CAMEO or similar, Software Languages such as Rust and Python

  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering

  • Experience with Hardware and Software Integration, Validation & Verification Testing, and Qualification Testing

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

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  

  • Eligible for relocation assistance

  • And more!  

Eligible for relocation.

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.

Role Type

*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.   

#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 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