Co-Op - AI DSP Applied Research

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

Job summary

RTX is seeking a Coop Intern Engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA, to join the Applied Research & Technology organization. The role focuses on developing networked mission systems, signal processing and AI solutions, taking ideas from lab prototypes into fielded technologies.

You will frame problems, test hypotheses, and implement AI algorithms or systems as part of a small, high‑impact team. This internship emphasizes hands‑on experimentation and fast iteration in aerospace and defense contexts.

Qualifications

• Pursuing an Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering and actively enrolled through the completion of the internship/co‑op session.
• Experience planning and executing experiments or evaluations and using data to drive design decisions.

Responsibilities

• Join a small, high‑impact team developing resilient networked mission systems for next generation aerospace and defense systems.
• Frame problems and test hypotheses with teammates into clear demonstration outcomes.
• Implement software or firmware AI algorithms/systems that push the edge of what is possible.
• Build and evolve prototypes-simulations, software, lab setups, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop supporting defense technology missions.
• Design and run experiments, analyze data and iterate fast on concepts, models, and implementations.
• Support integration, test, and demo events-lab, field, or flight to show capability and refine designs.
• Contribute to proposals, white papers, and technical briefings that shape future research and development.

Skills

Experiment design

Data-driven design

Education

Advanced degree in CS/EE

Job description

What You Will Do

• Join a small, high‑impact team in Collins Aerospace's Applied Research & Technology organization developing resilient networked mission systems for next generation aerospace and defense systems. As a Coop Intern Engineer, you will be on the cutting edge of signal processing and artificial intelligence, bringing emerging and innovative solutions out of the lab and into our products in the field.
• Frame problems and test hypothesis with teammates into clear demonstration outcomes.
• Implement software or firmware AI algorithms / systems that pushes the edge of what is possible.
• Build and evolve prototypes-simulations, software, lab setups, and hardware‑in‑the‑loop- supporting defense technology missions.
• Design and run experiments, analyze data and use the results to iterate fast on concepts, models, and implementations.
• Support integration, test, and demo events-lab, field, or flight-to show capability, collect feedback, and refine designs.
• Contribute to proposals, white papers, and technical briefings that shape future research and development.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Pursuing an Advanced Degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering and actively enrolled through the completion of the internship/co‑op session.
• Experience planning and executing experiments or evaluations and using data to drive design decisions.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical/Computer Engineering with published research or project work in networking, DSP, electronic warfare, or AI/ML.
• Experience in applied research or advanced development (roughly TRL 3-6) in aerospace, defense or cyber‑physical domains.
• Evidence of technical leadership in multi‑disciplinary efforts, or contributing to patents and publications.

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

Other Details

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108

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.

U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

Security clearance: Not required.

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.