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Radiation Effects Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Radiation Effects Engineer information

What does a radiation engineer do?

A radiation effects engineer analyzes how radiation impacts electronic components and systems, often working to improve their durability and performance in radiation-prone environments. They use specialized testing, modeling, and simulation tools to assess radiation risks and develop mitigation strategies, typically requiring knowledge of radiation physics and engineering standards.

What is a Radiation Effects Engineer job?

A Radiation Effects Engineer evaluates and mitigates the impact of ionizing radiation on electronic components and systems, primarily for aerospace, defense, and space applications. They analyze radiation environments, perform testing, and develop shielding or design strategies to ensure reliable operation in harsh conditions. Their work is crucial for satellites, space probes, and high-altitude electronics where radiation exposure can cause failures or degradation.

What engineers make 500,000 a year?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or certain senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often including bonuses and stock options. These positions typically require advanced skills, extensive experience, and often involve leadership or executive responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Radiation Effects Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Radiation Effects Engineer, a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field, alongside expertise in radiation effects on electronic systems, is typically required. Familiarity with simulation tools such as SPICE, radiation test equipment, and industry standards like MIL-STD-883 or ESA standards, as well as relevant certifications like IEEE, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for success in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies ensure effective assessment and mitigation of radiation risks, which are critical for the reliability and safety of aerospace and electronic systems.

What does a radiation effects engineer do?

A radiation effects engineer designs and tests electronic components and systems to ensure they can withstand radiation exposure, often for aerospace, military, or nuclear applications. They analyze radiation interactions, perform simulations, and develop mitigation strategies, frequently using specialized tools and adhering to safety standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by Radiation Effects Engineers on the job?

Radiation Effects Engineers often encounter the challenge of accurately predicting how electronic components will respond to various forms of radiation, particularly in space or nuclear environments. Staying updated with evolving standards and ensuring compliance with stringent testing protocols can be demanding. Additionally, they must frequently collaborate with design teams, test engineers, and clients to integrate radiation-hardened solutions efficiently into complex systems. Addressing unexpected test results or failures requires both rigorous analytical skills and adaptability, making the role both technically demanding and intellectually rewarding.

What engineers make 300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain roles in high-demand industries or with significant responsibilities, certifications, and geographic locations may also contribute to higher compensation levels.
What are the most commonly searched types of Radiation Effects Engineer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Radiation Effects Engineer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Radiation Effects Engineer job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.
Engineer II, Electrical Engineer (Onsite)

Engineer II, Electrical Engineer (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Collins Aerospace rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 248 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 61 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-07-13

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-IA-CEDAR RAPIDS-106 ~ 400 Collins Rd NE ~ BLDG 106

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: Top 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.

The Environmental Effects Engineering (EEE) organization at Collins Aerospace is seeking a motivated Electrical Engineer to support the Nuclear Effects Survivability Team’s efforts. In this role, you’ll work across key stages of the product lifecycle, including requirements development, electrical design, hardware integration, and test verification/validation. This position requires you to independently manage multiple projects and technical tasks and will require Domestic travel (25%) with some foreign travel possible.

In this role, you will be a key contributor, applying your electrical testing experience to support parts-level, circuit-level, and system-level radiation effects testing that will directly impact certification of Collins Aerospace product lines.

Your primary responsibilities will include planning, executing, and supporting nuclear radiation characterization testing of electronics used in radio and display systems. This work ensures survivability in specialized environments/effects such as Total Ionizing Dose (TID), Neutron Displacement Damage (NDD), Gamma Dose Rate (DR), and Single Event Effects (SEE).

You will be expected to help prepare clear, well‑supported technical documentation, contribute to design reviews, and advise on risk mitigation strategies as part of a cross-disciplinary team.

A motivated engineer will thrive here, supported by deep subject‑matter expertise and trusted with meaningful responsibility from day one. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate while directly influencing product robustness. If you’re energized by technical depth, hands‑on problem‑solving, and opportunities to grow while supporting a premier engineering capability, this role is a strong fit.

What You Will Do:

In this Electrical Engineer role, you will support the following types of activities:

  • Design, document, test and troubleshoot electrical hardware.
  • Evaluate the radiation response of semiconductor devices such as MOSFETs, DC/DC converters, FPGAs, and DDR memory components.
  • Advise parts selection based on internal and external test data.
  • Develop test plans and reports.
  • Lead program personnel through test procedures to meet cost and schedule constraints.
  • Execute radiation effects testing events alongside other experienced engineers at external facilities (up to 25% travel).
  • Serve as a technical reference and subject matter expert of radiation effects on electrical devices.
  • Drive improvements to Collins’ radiation test capabilities in alignment with industry best practices.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Ability to obtain a US DoD Top Secret Security Clearance (Selected Candidate will be subject to a government security investigation/reinstatement and must meet eligibility requirements)
  • 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
  • Electrical testing experience: test design, troubleshooting, executing test plans, analysis, and writing test reports.
  • Circuit design experience: analyzing circuits, using schematic capture tools, PCB layout/design, and providing board design guidance

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • BS in Electrical Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, Physics or related field
  • Ability to apply digital design techniques and show working familiarity with RF concepts or RF test equipment.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform hands-on troubleshooting using engineering lab equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, power meters, etc…).
  • Experience developing test automation using tools such as LabVIEW or Python.
  • Demonstrated understanding of semiconductor device operation and/or basic nuclear physics concepts relevant to electronic parts.
  • Ability to read/understand electrical schematics.
  • Ability to perform statistical reduction and interpretation of test data.
  • Demonstrated ability to write and present technical material clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to manage tasks and meet cost, schedule, and performance objectives with minimal oversight.

This position is part of a larger team that creates a variety of Environmental Effects for TEMPEST, Nuclear, Electromagnetic Compatibility/Interference (EMC/EMI) and Power Quality qualification testing of Company products and programs to various military and commercial industry standards.

The EEE Lab is a world-class, full-service, 18,000 sqft (and growing) Environmental Qualification Test Lab located in Cedar Rapids, IA capable of creating nearly any sub-system environment required in the avionics industry.  While EEE reports up through Central Engineering Solutions, they support testing for all Collins Aerospace and Raytheon Technologies as needed. EEE services not only includes a full suite of Climatics, Dynamic, EMI/EMC, Lightning, and TEMPEST test capabilities; our industry experts also offer design support, analysis, test failure troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and much more.

What We Offer

  • 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!  

May be eligible for relocation

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​

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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.  ​

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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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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