Entry Level Factory Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted:
2026-08-04
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-109 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 109
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
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.
The Operations Engineering Technician is an entry-level contributor based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, supporting the operation, sustainment, and improvement of engineering laboratory equipment used for training, development, and validation of manufacturing technologies. In this role you will perform hands-on equipment support, installation, configuration, testing, troubleshooting, and documentation under moderate supervision. This role also supports Connected Assets activities by assisting with industrial networking, equipment connectivity, and data collection.
This is an onsite role in Cedar Rapids, IA and may have up to 25% travel.
What You Will Do
Laboratory Equipment Support

• Sustain engineering laboratory equipment, work cells, and training systems.
• Perform routine inspections, preventive maintenance, basic repairs, and functional checks.
• Coordinate calibration, service, and vendor support as required.
• Maintain equipment records, configuration information, spare parts, and documentation.
• Support laboratory readiness, organization, equipment moves, and system upgrades.

Engineering Support

• Assist engineers with equipment development, testing, demonstrations, and troubleshooting.
• Install and modify electrical, mechanical, controls, and instrumentation components according to drawings and instructions.
• Support setup and testing of PLC-controlled equipment, sensors, industrial PCs, and manufacturing systems.
• Collect test data, document results, and support commissioning activities.

Connected Assets Support

• Install industrial networking hardware, edge devices, industrial PCs, and sensors.
• Route and terminate industrial Ethernet and low-voltage cabling.
• Assist with configuration of managed switches, edge devices, Kepware, Ignition, and standard industrial protocols.
• Validate equipment communications and troubleshoot routine connectivity issues.
• Support Connected Assets pilots and occasional factory deployments.

Documentation

• Update wiring diagrams, network layouts, equipment records, and configuration documents.
• Document installation steps, maintenance activities, and equipment changes.
• Assist in developing work instructions and standard procedures.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve equipment reliability, safety, organization, and supportability.
• Provide feedback on equipment, hardware, and process standardization.
• Support pilot projects, technology evaluations, and laboratory improvements.

Qualifications You Must Have

• Typically requires HS Diploma or AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience
• Ability to read and understand electrical schematics and technical drawings.
• Willingness to travel (could be up to 25%)

Qualifications We Prefer

• Degree in a related engineering technology field
• Hands-on experience with industrial automation, manufacturing equipment, or engineering laboratory systems. Academic projects, internships, and co-op experience are acceptable.
• Basic understanding of industrial automation, controls, or networking concepts.
• Strong troubleshooting, organization, and documentation skills.
• Experience supporting engineering laboratory or manufacturing equipment.
• Exposure to PLC-controlled equipment.
• Familiarity with industrial Ethernet networks and protocols.
• Experience with Kepware, Ignition, or other SCADA or IIoT tools.
• Experience with managed switches, IO-Link, industrial sensors, or edge devices.
• Basic cybersecurity and machine-safety awareness.
• Familiarity with Visio, AutoCAD Electrical, or similar documentation tools.

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
• And more!

Learn More & Apply Now!
The next chapter of our future as an aerospace company is here, and we are excited about what this means for our employees and customers! Get onboard the Collins Aerospace Operations team and play a part in managing our innovative products from inception to delivery. The Operations team continues to grow and aims to strengthen the connection of Manufacturing Operations, Supply Chain and Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) across Collins Aerospace. In this dynamic environment, you will have the opportunity to network across our businesses and functions, all while improving the productivity, quality and efficiency of our operations worldwide..
*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.
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 41,400 USD - 72,600 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.
Privacy Policy and Terms:
Click on this link to read the Policy and Terms