Entry Level Government Software Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Date Posted:
2026-06-18
Country:
United States of America
Location:
US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-166 ~ 855 35Th St NE ~ BLDG 166
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
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.
As a Software Engineer II in this organization, you will be involved in the development of state-of-the-art communications, information assurance, and general-purpose processing systems. The Advanced Technology and Capabilities directorate supports some of the most cutting-edge products across the enterprise. We develop innovative solutions that keep our military members safe, connected, and informed. Our team has some of the most knowledgeable experts in the industry and work with all the most recent technologies in embedded software development.
Within Collins Aerospace we work alongside FPGA, hardware, and systems teams in order to seamlessly embed our advanced technology into our Mission Systems product portfolio. Examples of these products range from high-frequency radios to secure, sophisticated software-defined radios that can enable pilots and soldiers to transfer data, voice and imagery over the air.
What You Will Do

• Design, develop and continuously enhance our customized Linux OS ecosystem and maintain ownership over areas such as build toolchain, kernel, root filesystem, bootloader, device drivers, and BSP for a wide variety of hardware boards.
• Contribute to the design, coding, testing, delivery and ongoing support for embedded Linux software systems.
• Participate in root cause analysis and resolution of complex hardware-software issues.
• Prepare software builds for execution in a simulation environment, reference platforms and on the target hardware.
• Understand and utilize the appropriate Collins Aerospace processes and tools during product development, resulting in increased product quality and improving customer satisfaction.
• Contribute to engineering estimates for tasks such as change requests or problem reports.

What You Will Learn

• You will work with an experienced team to learn best practices and Collins' engineering processes for implementing world class embedded solutions.
• You will get to work with cutting edge technologies developed both in house and by external vendors.
• You will learn how embedded Linux and low-level software are used to implement solutions utilized in communications, security, and space-based products.

Qualifications You Must Have

• 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
• Experience may be obtained through on the job experience, research, coursework, or projects
• 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
• Working knowledge of Linux command-line tools and environments
• Experience developing or supporting embedded C/C++ applications
• Familiarity with Python and/or Bash scripting
• Exposure to hardware integration, board bring-up, or embedded systems development
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues using standard debugging tools

Qualifications We Prefer

• Experience with GIT and SVN version control systems
• Experience packaging custom Linux distribution with Buildroot.
• Experience in developing and maintaining Linux board support packages (BSP) for embedded systems
• Development experience Agile methodologies and DevSecOps

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.
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.
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 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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