Systems Engineer Co-Op (Summer/Fall 2027)
RTX· Defense· Oct 7, 2026 · 20d ago
Cedar Rapids, IA
In office
Internship
Mid
$115K–$166K est.
Job description
Date Posted:
2026-10-07 Country:
United States of America Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-182 ~ 1100 Cimmie Ave Ne ~ BLDG 182 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.
What You Will Do *
Help ensure mission-critical avionics software performs flawlessly in the real world. As a Systems Engineer Co-Op supporting Mission Sensors, Weapons, and IFF (Identification Friendly or Foe) avionics systems, you’ll play a key role in primarily developing requirements, tests, verification, along with software and systems integration that support aerospace and defense applications. You’ll work within a highly collaborative Agile team, helping develop and translate requirements into robust software solutions and test strategies while supporting system integration and verification efforts. If you enjoy solving complex technical challenges, improving engineering processes, and working across disciplines to deliver reliable systems, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
You will help design and define software requirements using DOORs.
You will develop automated and semi-automated test scripts using Python to validate software functionality and system performance.
You will verify software builds in integrated lab environments and support formal verification events for major program deliveries.
You will collaborate with cross-functional engineering teams to refine system requirements and design solutions that meet customer needs.
You will present technical progress and status updates to Agile team members and engineering leadership.
You will contribute to improving test development processes, tools, and best practices while maintaining compliance with company standards.
What You Will Learn
You will gain experience integrating Line Replaceable Unit (LRU) software supporting mission sensors, weapons, and IFF avionics systems.
You will deepen your expertise across multiple phases of the aerospace systems lifecycle within a collaborative Agile environment.
You will strengthen your systems engineering skills by supporting requirements development, verification and integration efforts.
Qualifications You Must Have *
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Experience with scripting using Python (or similar).
Must be pursuing Bachelor’s or Advanced degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and actively enrolled through the completion of the internship/co-op session.
Qualifications We Prefer
Familiarity with Requirements Development
Learn More & Apply Now
Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:
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.
Hybrid: Employees who are working in Hybrid roles will work regularly both onsite and offsite. Ratio of time working onsite will be determined in partnership with your leader.
Remote: Employees who are working in Remote roles will work primarily offsite (from home). If you live within a reasonable commute of an RTX site with other colleagues you interact with, your manager will discuss whether there is a degree of onsite presence associated with this role.
Candidates will learn more about role type and current site status throughout the recruiting process. For onsite and hybrid roles, commuting to and from the assigned site is the employee’s personal responsibility.
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.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms
Application prep
Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.
Keywords to mirror
agilepython
- Platform
- workday
- Effort
- long
Benefits
Benefits detected in the listing.
Dental
Vision
401(K)
Paid Time Off
Parental Leave