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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge and Experience with Collins Aerospace engineering processes including: * Analysis, Requirements, Design, User documentation creation and execution * Test / Verification Plans, Procedures ...

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Aerospace Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$39.4K

$102K

$155K

How much do aerospace engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for aerospace engineering in Iowa is $102,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,100.00 and $124,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an aerospace engineer?

To thrive as an Aerospace Engineer, you need a strong background in mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Familiarity with CAD software, simulation tools, and knowledge of industry standards like FAA regulations and certifications such as EIT or PE are commonly required. Problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for designing, testing, and collaborating on complex aerospace projects. These skills and qualifications are vital for ensuring the safety, efficiency, and innovation necessary in the demanding aerospace industry.

What are some common challenges aerospace engineers face when working on multidisciplinary teams?

Aerospace engineers often collaborate with professionals from various disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across different specialties, as each team may use distinct terminology and have unique technical priorities. Balancing conflicting requirements—like optimizing for both weight reduction and structural integrity—requires strong problem-solving and negotiation skills. Building effective working relationships and maintaining flexibility are key to overcoming these challenges and achieving successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Aerospace Engineering vs Mechanical Engineering?

AspectAerospace EngineeringMechanical Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Aerospace or Aeronautical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering
Work EnvironmentAircraft, spacecraft, and defense industriesManufacturing, energy, automotive, and robotics sectors
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, aerospace firms, government agenciesManufacturers, engineering consultancies, research labs
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both Aerospace Engineering and Mechanical Engineering share foundational engineering principles, Aerospace Engineering specializes in aircraft and spacecraft design, aerodynamics, and propulsion systems. Mechanical Engineering offers a broader scope, covering various industries like automotive, energy, and manufacturing. The choice depends on your interest in aerospace-specific projects versus a wider range of mechanical systems.

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are responsible for improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed, and weight, while ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their work can involve designing new technologies for aviation and space exploration, analyzing project proposals, and overseeing manufacturing and maintenance processes. Aerospace engineers typically specialize in either aeronautical (aircraft) or astronautical (spacecraft) engineering.
What are the most commonly searched types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa? For Aerospace Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Aerospace Engineering jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Aerospace Engineering job openings:
Infographic showing various Aerospace Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,040 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Software Engineering

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

$135K - $164K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-17

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-105 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 105

Position Role Type:

Unspecified

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

Security Clearance Type:

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Rockwell Collins Inc. d/b/a Collins Aerospace has an opening for a Senior Engineer, Software Engineering in Cedar Rapids, IA.

Joining Collins Aerospace isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about embarking on a journey to redefine the future of aerospace technology.

What YOU will do

  • Support software engineering teams through development and certification by reviewing design and development documentation, per internal standards, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements (e.g., DO-178, "Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification").
  • This includes, but is not limited to, reviews of software design, Development Plans, Certification Plans, Requirements, Software Code, Software Defects (Open Problem Reports), and Accomplishment Summaries.
  • Perform civil safety assessment process in accordance with ARP4761, deriving safety requirements towards systems/ software/ hardware and required DO-178 Design Assurance Levels (DALs).
  • Responsible for software development tasks (including design and review) for internally developed tools/applications (e.g., support analysis, automation, and engineering workflow improvements).
  • Serve as a leader for a cross-functional agile team, facilitating team planning, retrospectives, stand-ups, and ensuring continuous delivery of high-quality deliverables.
  • Accountable to team members and organizational leadership for committed work and responsibilities.
  • Develop and maintain expertise in assigned areas (e.g., Flight Management System Application or Display Applications).
  • Collaborate with customers, stakeholders, and organizational leaders to develop plans.
  • Review analyses of peer engineers and mentor and train less experienced engineers.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Must possess at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field and 5 years of progressive experience as a Software Engineer or related role. In the alternative, at least a master’s degree or its equivalent in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Avionics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or a related field and 3 years of experience as a Software Engineer or related role would be acceptable.
  • Must possess at least 3 years of experience developing embedded software (using Ada and Python) and verification.
  • Must possess at least 3 years of experience with agile leadership as a scrum master with SAFe Scrum Master training.
  • Must possess at least 1 year of experience performing civil aviation safety assessments, including DAL allocation and Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) using CAFTA, for system, hardware, and software development in accordance with ARP4754A, ARP4761, DO-254, DO-178C, and DO-297.
  • Must possess at least 1 year of experience in reliability prediction using 217Plus to estimate MTBF and component failure rates, incorporating field performance data and neutron SEU susceptibility analyses.
  • Non-US Person - Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the company’s immigration sponsorship now or in the future. The company will not offer immigration sponsorship for this position. The company will not seek an export authorization for this role. 

Learn More & Apply Now!

Avionics: Our Avionics team advances flight deck solutions, airborne communications, vision systems, sensors and fire protection for commercial and military customers around the world. That means we’re helping people reach their destination safely and keeping pilots, passengers, flight crews, airlines, airports and military personnel connected and informed. And we’re providing industry-leading fire protection and safety systems that our customers can count on when it matters most. Are you ready to learn from the most knowledgeable experts in the industry, develop the technologies of tomorrow and reach new heights in your career? Join our Avionics team today.

Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work onsite. This

includes all production and maintenance employees, as they are essential to the

development of our products.

The salary range is $135,803.00 to $164,000.00 USD per year. 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.

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.

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.

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About Collins Aerospace

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Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Charlotte, NC, US

Year founded

2018