Software Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

Collins Aerospace; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 82,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation eligibility

Annual incentive programs

Job summary

Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, IA is seeking an Associate Software Engineer to help shape the software foundation powering modern aircraft. You will collaborate across engineering and customer teams to drive high‑impact, safety‑critical solutions within civil and military certification scopes.

You will contribute to architecture, development, and verification across the full lifecycle, leveraging modern C++ and DO‑178 practices in a collaborative, onsite role in Cedar Rapids.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained by start date.
• Experience may be obtained through on‑the‑job experience, research, coursework, or projects.
• Must have a minimum of 60 hours of credit by the start of the internship / co‑op session.

Responsibilities

• Develop the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements.
• Work with technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety‑critical software (DO‑178).
• Develop software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems.
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object‑oriented design principles.
• Develop DO‑178 certification artifacts, including DAL‑A deliverables.
• Perform certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities.
• Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives.

Skills

C++

Software architecture

Safety-critical systems

DO-178

Certification artifacts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Job description

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124

Date Posted: 2026-10-06

Country: United States of America

Location: US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-124 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 124

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 the growing Collins Aerospace Core Systems and Libraries team and play a key role in shaping the software foundation that powers modern aircraft. We are seeking an Associate Software Engineer who thrives on solving complex technical challenges and driving high‑impact solutions across safety‑critical systems.

In this role, you will help lead the architecture and development of core software components, libraries, and tools that enable scalable, certifiable avionics platforms. You’ll work across the full software lifecycle, partnering with cross‑functional teams to deliver high‑quality solutions aligned with civil and military certification standards.

This is a unique opportunity to influence system‑level design, advance open architecture initiatives, and contribute to technologies that define the future of aerospace.

Location: Onsite in Cedar Rapids, Iowa

• Develop the architecture and design of core software components, libraries, and tooling aligned to avionics system requirements
• Work with technical direction and execution across development and verification activities for safety‑critical software (DO‑178)
• Develop software requirements, decomposition, and traceability across complex systems
• Develop and verify software using modern C++ and object‑oriented design principles
• Develop DO‑178 certification artifacts, including DAL‑A deliverables
• Perform certification efforts, including engagement with customers and regulatory authorities
• Conduct and contribute to peer reviews to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance across the lifecycle
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with engineering, program leadership, and customers to align technical solutions with program objectives

Willing and Able to travel as required (domestic and international)

What You Will Learn

• Gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of avionics and aerospace systems
• Build end‑to‑end expertise across the full product lifecycle, from requirements and design through verification and delivery of safety‑critical systems
• Develop a deep understanding of software certification (DO‑178) and how world‑class avionics products meet rigorous regulatory standards
• Learn how to design, scale, and sustain software product lines that support a wide range of platforms and global customers

Qualifications You Must Have

• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major obtained by start date.
• Experience may be obtained through on‑the‑job experience, research, coursework, or projects.
• Must have a minimum of 60 hours of credit by the start of the internship / co‑op session.

Qualifications We Prefer

• Prior RTX internship, co‑op, or work experience.

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

• 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.

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 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.