Chemical/Materials Engineering Co-op (Winter/Spring 2027)

Prattwhitney; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 82,000; Part time

Job summary

RTX invites you to join our Cedar Rapids Z-Fab team as a Chemical/Materials Engineer Co-op. You will apply industrial engineering concepts to improve manufacturing processes, quality, and productivity, collaborating with manufacturing engineers and production staff onsite in Cedar Rapids.

You will gain hands-on experience with SAP, CAD tools, and standard work practices while contributing to cost control and process optimization. This co-op role supports career growth in aerospace manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Pursuing Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science.
• Minimum of 60 credit hours.
• Experience with CAD software and manufacturing environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support manufacturing processes including equipment, floor layouts, work sequence and work instructions.
• Review products and processes for quality, safety and producibility risks; liaise with design changes.
• Manage moderate projects or processes and develop tactical plans to address day-to-day challenges.
• Travel to local Iowa regional sites as needed.

Skills

Root Cause Analysis

Team Collaboration

Education

Chemical Engineering

Materials Science

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

eView

PDM

SAP

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-09-27 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-109 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 109 Position Role Type: Onsite U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements: U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. Security Clearance Type: None/Not Required Security Clearance Status: Not Required

Are you ready to explore the world of aerospace and defense? Do you want to learn from and collaborate with some of the greatest minds in the industry? At RTX, our internships, co-ops and full‑time careers provide an exceptional foundation to work on complex problems, advance your skills and create a safer, more connected world. Discover opportunities to make a difference at RTX. At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world‑class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace 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.

Are you looking for a rewarding role? Join our team as an Chemical/Materials Engineering Co‑op on the Z‑Fab (Wafer Fabrication) team in Cedar Rapids, IA, where you'll apply Industrial Engineering concepts and analysis tools to drive transformative changes in manufacturing operations. Your focus will be on improving product quality, reducing costs, and optimizing production flow, contributing directly to our team’s efficiency and competitiveness. This role offers a blend of independent initiative and teamwork, collaborating closely with manufacturing engineers, production personnel, management, and support organizations. Located onsite in Cedar Rapids, IA, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our operational excellence and innovation. If you're passionate about Industrial Engineering and driven to make a meaningful impact in manufacturing, we encourage you to apply and join us in advancing our shared goals of excellence.

What You Will Do:

As a Chemical/Materials Engineer Winter & Spring Co‑op at Collins Aerospace/RTX, You will support manufacturing processes including equipment, floor layouts, work sequence, work instructions, procedures, and workflow. You will conduct studies on cost control, productivity, cost reduction, inventory, and production record systems. You will review products/processes for quality, safety, and producibility risks and work with design to incorporate changes to eliminate the risks. You will manage moderately sized projects or processes. You will develop tactical plans to manage day‑to‑day challenges. You will do some travel to local Iowa reginal sites.

What You Will Learn:

You will learn how to be an engineer supporting varioushigh‑frequency communication radios & circuit board manufacturing processes. Engineering tools used in Z‑Fab & Common Process Area (SAP, Engineering drawings, change control board, Solidworks, AutoCAD, eView, PDM, etc.) You will gain experience with standard work tools and processes. They will execute CORE certification. This role offers a lotof growth within the role and development opportunities to expand your knowledge for other roles. You will gain communication and collaboration skills that are key within the role.

Qualifications You Must Have:

Must be pursuing Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Chemical Engineering or Material Science or something similar and actively enrolled through the completion of the internship/co‑op session. Minimum of 60 credit hours. “Experience may be obtained through on‑the‑job experience, research, coursework, or projects.”

Qualifications We Prefer:

Working towards a BS in Chemical Engineering or Materials Science Engineering. Prior experience in manufacturing environments. Strong background in Root Cause Analysis. Experience with CAD software. Track record of driving continuous improvement in manufacturing operations.

What We Offer:

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

Relocation Eligibility

The salary range for this role is 37,000 USD - 82,000 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.

RTX is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. It comprises three industry‑leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Its 195,000 employees enable the company to operate at the edge of known science as they imagine and deliver solutions that push the boundaries in quantum physics, electric propulsion, directed energy, hypersonics, avionics and cybersecurity. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.