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Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems integration * Experience working in a fast-paced ...

Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems integration * Experience working in a fast-paced ...

Engineering Work Model: Full-time, On-site - No Travel Required Schedule : Monday - Friday 8am-5pm ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems integration * Experience working in a fast-paced ...

Job Title: Test Engineer Reports to: Manager, Compliance Department: Engineering Work Model ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems integration * Basic knowledge of compliance and ...

Job Title: Test Engineer Reports to: Manager, Compliance Department: Engineering Work Model ... Basic knowledge of computer hardware and systems integration * Basic knowledge of compliance and ...

Manage and maintain local computer hardware, including peripherals and specialized site equipment. * Ensure all systems remain secure and functional through routine firmware patching and security ...

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Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Cedar Rapids, IA salary details

$107.7K

$143.2K

$175.6K

How much do computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer hardware engineer in Cedar Rapids, IA is $143,158.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,100.00 and $168,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer hardware engineer?

Computer hardware engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test computer systems and components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, networks, and routers. They work to ensure that computer hardware functions efficiently and integrates seamlessly with software. These engineers are often involved in research, prototyping, and overseeing the manufacturing of hardware equipment. Their work is crucial in advancing technology and improving the performance of computer systems.

What do computer hardware engineers do?

Computer hardware engineers design and test new computer hardware components, such as screens, motherboards, and memory. They may also work with products that include a computer system, such as cars, home entertainment components, and appliances that connect to the internet. Your responsibilities include creating design drawings and collaborating with manufacturers to ensure the devices are produced to specifications. You may also work with software developers to ensure compatibility. You must be able to read and design technical drawings and be able to communicate effectively with all participants in the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer hardware engineer?

To thrive as a Computer Hardware Engineer, you need a solid background in electrical engineering, computer architecture, and circuit design, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in computer or electrical engineering. Familiarity with hardware description languages (such as VHDL or Verilog), CAD software, and industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco is often important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help engineers collaborate and innovate within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure the effective design, testing, and optimization of reliable hardware systems that meet modern computing needs.

What are some common challenges faced by computer hardware engineers in collaborative projects with software teams?

Computer hardware engineers often collaborate closely with software developers to ensure seamless integration between hardware components and software applications. A frequent challenge is aligning timelines and technical requirements, as hardware development cycles can differ from software schedules. Effective communication and a strong understanding of both disciplines are essential to address compatibility issues and meet project deadlines. Building strong cross-functional relationships helps resolve these challenges and leads to successful product development.

What is the difference between Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Network Architect?

AspectComputer Hardware EngineerComputer Network Architect
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Engineering or related field; certifications like Cisco CCNA are commonBachelor's in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related; certifications like Cisco CCNP are typical
Work EnvironmentDesigning, testing, and developing computer hardware; labs and engineering facilitiesDesigning and implementing network systems; offices and data centers
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, hardware manufacturing, research labsTelecommunications, large enterprises, data centers

Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing and developing physical computer components, while Computer Network Architects plan and build data communication networks. Both roles require technical certifications and often work in technology-driven environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly in scope and focus.

What exactly does a computer hardware engineer do?

A computer hardware engineer designs, develops, tests, and improves computer components such as processors, circuit boards, memory devices, and peripherals. They often work with CAD software, troubleshoot hardware issues, and ensure compatibility with software systems, requiring knowledge of electronics and engineering principles.

What cities near Cedar Rapids, IA are hiring for Computer Hardware Engineer jobs?

Cities near Cedar Rapids, IA with the most Computer Hardware Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Cedar Rapids, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,158 per year, or $68.8 per hour.

Electrical Engineer II - Digital Hardware

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 251 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-08-19

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-137 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 137

Position Role Type:

Onsite

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

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

The Resilient Connectivity Products (RCP) Hardware Technologies team is seeking a Hardware Electrical Engineer II to help develop the next generation of advanced communication systems in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Fort Wayne, IN. In this role, you will contribute to high-speed digital electronics that power mission-critical communication products supporting the defense of our nation—including advanced software-defined radios and data links used across ground, airborne, and space platforms.

We are looking for a driven and curious Electrical Engineer with a passion for digital circuit card design and a desire to work on technologies that operate in some of the most demanding aerospace environments. In this role, you will support the full lifecycle of circuit card development—from requirements and schematic capture through PCB layout, build, integration, testing, and final design verification in the lab.

The ideal candidate is motivated, collaborative, and detail-oriented, with a strong foundation in electrical circuits and PCB design. You’ll work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and program partners, helping deliver innovative, reliable solutions that enable resilient connectivity for critical missions.

Potential Locations: (Placement for this Onsite role is based on business need and departmental requirements; therefore, any resulting offer may be designated for any of the listed facility locations)

  • Cedar Rapids, IA

  • Fort Wayne, IN

What You will do

  • You will perform circuit card design lifecycle activities including requirements capture, schematic capture, design documentation, signal integrity analysis, creation of board stackup and routing instructions, coordination and review of printed wiring board layout, creation of test plans, root cause analysis, test, and integration.

  • You will design, document, verify, support, test and troubleshoot digital hardware for communication products using electrical engineering principles and techniques. Designs may include the use of FPGA, processors, and DDR memory components, and industry interfaces, such as Ethernet, I2C, SPI, and UART.

  • You will collaborate with a multi-discipline team of Engineers to develop proven hardware designs that meet system performance and operational specifications

  • You will contribute to new product development, as well as both engineering and production test hardware that include circuit card assemblies (CCAs), test fixtures, test interface adapters, cabling

What You Will Learn

  • Take the steps to become a subject matter expert in the domain area of high-speed digital design.

  • Gain hands on experience with technologically advanced communication/radio hardware in production that will help propel your career.

  • This role will help you broaden your knowledge and opens the door to many possibilities – becoming a leader, promotional opportunities, and direct interfacing with customers. We are growing so can you. 

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Prior experience with schematic capture of electrical circuit designs and PCB layout. Includes familiarity with a schematic capture tool (examples may include Siemens/Mentor Graphics Xpedition, Altium, Cadence Allegro, EAGLE, KiCAD, etc.) for creation of circuit card designs.

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 2 years of prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field.

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience with electrical designs that contain digital electronics such as processors, FPGAs, high-speed transceivers, DDR, and flash memories.

  • Experience with generating Printed Wiring Board (PWB) layout constraint guidelines and overseeing the routing, layout, fabrication, and assembly of the design

  • Experience with using Hyperlynx (or similar) for performing signal integrity and timing analyses for creation of robust circuit card designs.

  • Familiarity with Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) Test Equipment, such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, power supplies, etc.

  • Familiarity with designing and integrating circuit cards, test fixtures, and/or cables. 

  • Experience with Agile for Hardware Development, including planning, tracking, and managing hardware development projects in JIRA is a plus.

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

  • This role may be eligible for relocation

  •  And more! 

Do you want to be a part of something bigger? A team whose impact stretches across the world, and even beyond? At Collins Aerospace, our Mission Systems team helps civilian, military and government customers complete their most complex missions — whatever and wherever they may be. Our customers depend on us for intelligent and secure communications, missionized systems for specialized aircraft and spacecraft and collaborative space solutions. By joining our team, you’ll have your own critical part to play in ensuring our customer succeeds today while anticipating their needs for tomorrow. Are you up for the challenge? Join our mission today.

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

At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form – with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again.

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

#MISENG

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 68,900 USD - 131,100 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