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Systems Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Senior Systems Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

S. Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications Waveform Development engineering team. As a member of the Pacific Defense group of companies, our ...

As a QMS systems Engineer you will be responsible for the following: * QMS Process Development & System Configuration: Design, develop, and maintain global QMS processes and translate them into ...

The Network and Systems Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for the design, implementation, automation, and operational support of enterprise network and systems infrastructure. This ...

The Network and Systems Engineer is an individual contributor responsible for the design, implementation, automation, and operational support of enterprise network and systems infrastructure. This ...

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How much do systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 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 Systems Engineer

Senior Systems Engineer

Pacific Defense

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

** Due to the classified nature of our work, U.S. citizenship is required. Candidates must be willing to obtain and maintain a DoD Security Clearance.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA, Mukilteo, WA, Nashua, NH

Pacific Defense, a small fast-growing company that develops and provides advanced multi-function RF systems for the U.S. Department of Defense, is looking for a Senior Systems Engineer to work in our Communications Waveform Development engineering team. As a member of the Pacific Defense group of companies, our growth is accelerating. Pacific Defense designs and builds advanced, military standards-based, modular open systems architecture (MOSA) systems. These systems conform to the Army's C4ISR Modular Open Suite of Standards (CMOSS) and the Air Force's Sensor Open Systems Architecture (SOSA) Standard. These CMOSS /SOSA systems are used for multi-mission electronic warfare, tactical communications, signals intelligence, cyber-EW, high performance computing and often simultaneous operation of these capabilities.

Who are we looking for:

Are you a talented and enthusiastic Senior Systems Engineer with outstanding technical, organizational and communication skills? Our high-performance computing systems are used for a variety of applications such as networking, signals intelligence, secure/covert digital communications, threat detection, RF jammers, and radio direction finding. To build these systems, we utilize state of the art hardware components including the latest FPGAs, SoCs, GPUs, DSPs, and advanced software and firmware techniques that allow intuitive command and control of systems as well as data collection and processing on 3U OpenVPX CMOSS/SOSA aligned platforms.

Pacific Defense is developing a comprehensive portfolio of embedded communications waveforms that are hosted on 3U OpenVPX modules permitting our customers to pick and choose a wide variety of capabilities to tailor the capability to the mission.

Requirements

Waveform Knowledge:

  • Familiarity with a range of tactical and military communication waveforms, including SINCAGRS, VULOS ATC, MUOS, SATURN, HAVEQUICK I/II, and LINK-16.
  • Familiarity  with advanced and proprietary waveforms such as BE-CDL, TSM, WREN-TSM, KATANA, WREN-NB, and public safety protocols like P25.

Experience:

  • RF performance parameters (IP2/IP3, sensitivity / Noise Figure, Phase Noise, etc.) ,
  • Dynamic range analysis (really EW and receiver design)
  • Digital modulation formats
  • Red/Black system architectures
  • Experience with NSA certification/evaluation processes

Familiarity with NCDSMO certification process

  • Waveform integration and test with Voice and Data
  • Proficiency in programming and/or hardware description languages such as C, C++, Python, VHDL/Verilog
  • Familiarity with embedded platforms including ARM and Xilinx MPSoC with embedded Linux
  • Familiarity with IPMI Out of Band Management. BMC/Redfish familiarity is a plus.

Networking

  • IP networking and VLANs
  • SOSA MORA and Army VICTORY messaging
  • Familiarity with STIG/SRGsFamiliarity with the RMF ATO process

System Integration

  • Experience configuring and managing lab test systems
  • Supervising Integration and Test teams
  • Familiarity with RF measurements and radio configuration tools.Experience with DoD Type 1 evaluations / certifications a plus.
  • Experience with Cameo/MagicDraw (or similar) Digital Modeling and simulation a plus

Responsibilities:

  • Decompose the system architecture into consumable tasks for engineering teams.
  • Manage and analyze Customer and derived requirements
  • Work with embedded software, applications software, FPGA, and hardware teams daily to solve difficult engineering challenges.
  • Lead a multi-functional agile-based development team.
  • Bid estimates to include Cost and Schedule generation
  • Interface with suppliers to provide best value technical solutions
  • Write test plans/procedures
  • Work with limited supervision
  • Manage project deliverables meeting cost/schedule objectives

Education

  • Minimum requirement: BS in EE, CS, or relevant discipline
  • MS in EE, CS, or a relevant discipline preferred.

Benefits

Pacific Defense provides competitive salaries and immediately vested 401K match. We provide 100% coverage options for the employee, and 75% coverage for dependents' medical, dental, vision, and life insurance premiums, as well as a flexible spending account for incidental health care expenses. We offer paid time off and federal holidays to spend time with family, pursue outside interests, or just get some extra rest.

Pacific Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor.