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Aerospace Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Quality Engineer

Orange City, IA · On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

SEKISUI Aerospace is currently hiring a Quality Engineer for our Orange City, IA location. We offer health benefits, 401k, PTO, tuition reimbursement, job growth, and continued professional ...

Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Ag Engineering from an accredited institution. Excellent verbal written communication skills with the ability to work interact at ...

Showing results 41-60

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 Manager - Foundation Software Engineering (Hybrid)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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:

2026-07-23

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-131 ~ 5450 C Ave NE ~ BLDG 131

Position Role Type:

Hybrid

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

The company will offer immigration sponsorship for this position, if needed.​ ​ The company will seek an export authorization for this role, if required. RTX must be able to obtain and maintain the U.S. export authorization.

Security Clearance Type:

None/Not Required

Security Clearance Status:

Not Required

Shape the Future of Aerospace Software Leadership

Join the growing Collins Aerospace Foundation Software team and play a pivotal role in defining the next generation of avionics. We are looking for a highly experienced Engineering Manager who is energized by building innovative software solutions and leading high-performing teams at the forefront of aerospace technology.

In this role, you will not just manage projects, you will drive the development of cutting-edge, safety-critical software systems that power modern aircraft. You will lead the design and development of the Foundation Software that boots, configures, and orchestrates advanced avionics computing platforms, overseeing the full lifecycle and championing open architecture approaches that advance our product lines.

This is a unique opportunity to influence how next-generation avionics are built, leveraging emerging technologies and best-in-class engineering practices to deliver scalable, certifiable solutions for both commercial and military platforms. Your decisions and leadership will directly support architectural strategy, platform scalability, and long-term capability growth across multiple programs and products.

We are looking for a leader who combines technical depth with strong execution and people leadership, and who thrives in an environment where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement are key.

What You Will Do

  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing software engineering team, fostering technical growth and career development.

  • Drive the architecture, design, and delivery of safety-critical avionics software for civil and military applications.

  • Own program execution, ensuring successful delivery within scope, schedule, and budget.

  • Champion engineering excellence by implementing best practices across software development, verification, and certification.

  • Partner with program leadership, systems engineering, and customers to align technical solutions with business and mission objectives.

  • Lead technical strategy and support bid and proposal efforts, including solution development and scope estimation.

  • Build and strengthen the engineering organization through strategic hiring, workforce planning, and talent development.

  • Influence long-term product strategy through technology roadmaps, technical planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.

  • Identify program risks early and drive proactive mitigation strategies to ensure successful execution.

  • Travel domestically and internationally as needed to support customers, programs, and business objectives.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 10 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 7 years of experience

  • Proven leadership experience managing software development projects in certification environments with responsibility for cost, schedule, and execution.

  • Strong background in Earned Value Management (EVM).

  • Experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineering teams, including staffing, performance management, and career development.

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Hands-on experience with DO-178C and/or MIL-STD-516C software development processes.

  • Experience developing safety-critical embedded software, including applications, drivers, operating systems, graphics, and middleware.

  • Familiarity with multicore processing environments and open architecture concepts.

  • Working knowledge of Agile and Waterfall software development methodologies.

  • Experience with lab integration, system-level testing, and engineering development tools.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage risk and technical complexity.

  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

Collins Aerospace makes modern flight possible. Of course, that wouldn’t be possible without the capabilities and technologies of our organization, as well as our engineers – a highly skilled, accomplished network that spans more than 180 sites, 24 countries and 6 Strategic Business Units (SBUs).  

Our industry-leading experts are setting the standards for the aerospace industry and paving the way for the future. But as new challenges present themselves, we need fresh, creative and motivated minds to overcome these hurdles, help us break barriers and achieve new levels of innovation. Do you have what it takes to join a global organization that doesn’t shy away from big opportunities? If so, we invite you to join our ranks and create the next generation of aerospace technologies.  

Together, we will nurture an engineering culture that values intellectual curiosity, risk takers and integrity. A place where we will challenge ourselves, our teams, and the status quo and where we will work to find a way – the right way – to achieve what others can only dream of. 

What We Offer:

Some of our competitive benefits package includes:   

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance  

  • Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees  

  • Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option  

  • Tuition reimbursement program 

  • Student Loan Repayment Program  

  • Life insurance and disability coverage  

  • Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection 

  • Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits 

  • Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning  

  • Adoption Assistance           

  • Autism Benefit  

  • Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions  

  • Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program 

  • Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits  

  • Bright Horizons, child and elder care services 

  • Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program  

  • Eligible for relocation assistance

  • And more!  

Learn More & Apply Now!

*Please ensure the role type (defined below) is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. 

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. 

 Apply now and be part of the team that’s redefining aerospace, every day.   

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 132,400 USD - 251,600 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.

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About Collins Aerospace

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

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