Co-Op - AI DSP Applied Research

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

401(k) match

Flexible work schedules

Employee Scholar Program

Parental leave

Paid time off

Holidays

Incentive programs

Job summary

RTX is offering a Coop Intern Engineer position at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids to work on resilient networked mission systems. You will explore AI/ML and signal processing techniques, moving lab innovations toward field-ready solutions within a small, high-impact team.

The role emphasizes experimental design, data-driven decision making, and hands-on prototype development across software, firmware, and hardware-in-the-loop environments.

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 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.

Skills

AI/ML

Signal processing

Networking

DSP

Electronic warfare

Education

Pursuing Advanced Degree in CS/EE

Job description

Date Posted: 2026-10-03 Country: United States of America Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-108 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 108 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.

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.

Relocation Eligibility

Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for 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.

Salary and Benefits

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
• holidays
• annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs

Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position 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.

RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted.

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.