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Software Development Engineer Intern Jobs in Iowa City, IA

As an Automation Engineering Intern at Cytiva (a Danaher company), you would help improve our ... Supporting the development and testing of DeltaV automation software * Troubleshooting system and ...

Embedded C++ Software Engineer - Avionics Display Systems This role focuses on designing ... You will work across the full software development lifecycle, from low-level requirements through ...

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Software Development Engineer Intern information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$13

$24

$37

How much do software development engineer intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for software development engineer intern in Iowa City, IA is $24.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.24 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a software development engineer intern do?

A Software Development Engineer Intern assists in designing, coding, testing, and maintaining software applications under the guidance of experienced engineers. Interns typically work on real projects, write code, debug issues, and collaborate with team members to learn the software development lifecycle. This role helps interns gain practical experience, improve programming skills, and understand how software teams operate in a professional environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a software development engineer intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Software Development Engineer Intern, you typically need proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, and a solid understanding of computer science fundamentals, often supported by coursework or personal projects. Familiarity with development tools like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and sometimes cloud platforms or version control systems is expected. Strong problem-solving abilities, eagerness to learn, and effective communication help interns collaborate and adapt quickly. These skills and qualities enable interns to contribute meaningfully to projects while growing their technical and teamwork abilities in a real-world environment.

What types of projects do software development engineer interns typically work on, and how much ownership do they have over their work?

As a Software Development Engineer Intern, you will often contribute to real-world projects that may range from feature development and bug fixes to prototyping new tools or improving existing systems. Interns are usually paired with a mentor and integrated into agile teams, where they are encouraged to take ownership of their assigned tasks and present their solutions. While guidance and code reviews are standard, interns are trusted to design, implement, and test their code, allowing for meaningful hands-on experience and a direct impact on product outcomes.

What is the difference between Software Development Engineer Intern vs Software Engineer?

AspectSoftware Development Engineer InternSoftware Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recently completed a bachelor's or master's degree in computer science or related fieldUsually holds a bachelor's degree or higher in computer science or related discipline
Work EnvironmentInternship programs, often part-time or summer roles within tech companiesFull-time employment in software development teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across tech companies, startups, and large corporations for entry-level rolesFull-time professional role in similar environments
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level experience and career progressionRepresents a standard professional role in software development

The main difference between a Software Development Engineer Intern and a Software Engineer is the experience level and employment status. Interns are typically students gaining practical experience, while Software Engineers are full-time professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software products.

What cities near Iowa City, IA are hiring for Software Development Engineer Intern jobs?

Cities near Iowa City, IA with the most Software Development Engineer Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Software Development Engineer Intern job openings in Iowa City, IA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,730 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Principal Software Engineer - Embedded Cybersecurity (Onsite)

Collins Aerospace

Cedar Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago


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:

2026-08-05

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

At the forefront of innovation, our Crypto team within the Secure Mission Solutions directorate is pioneering advanced embedded cryptographic capabilities for U.S. military communications products. By collaborating closely with the NSA, we ensure that our military communications are both secure and trustworthy.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a crucial role in leading the design, development, integration, and verification of our embedded encryption algorithms. Your expertise in C++, Python, and embedded Linux will enable you to drive impactful projects and mentor other engineers, shaping the next generation of secure communications technology.

While knowledge of secure systems, secure software development, or cryptographic applications is advantageous, it’s not a strict requirement. Experience in an Agile environment is also preferred.

Join us and be part of a team that is not just building technology but actively shaping the future of secure military communications. Your contributions will make a significant difference. Are you ready to take on this exciting challenge?

Sign-on Bonus Eligible

What YOU will do:

  • Champion Software Development and Integration: Lead the architecture and evolution of a multi-threaded embedded C++ product codebase, setting the standard for innovation and excellence at the forefront of technology.

  • Architect Cutting-Edge Embedded Solutions: Spearhead the design and development of advanced embedded cryptographic solutions and communications products, ensuring they align with long-term strategic goals and industry standards.

  • Steer Project Success: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define comprehensive requirements, oversee software implementation, and drive test case development, verification test execution, and certification processes.

  • Mentor and Inspire: Cultivate a high-performing engineering culture by mentoring and empowering software developers, enhancing technical expertise and promoting best practices for process improvement.

  • Elevate Security and Reliability: Take a proactive role in shaping products that significantly enhance the security and reliability of critical communications systems, influencing best practices and guiding the direction of future innovations.

Qualifications You Must Have:

  • Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and minimum 8 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of experience

  • Software development and integration experience embedded C and C++ product software.

  • Software development and integration experience on complex multi-threaded product software code bases.

  • Experience with standard full lifecycle software development practices and configuration management tools.

Qualifications We Prefer:

  • Knowledge and experience in embedded security software development and integration.

  • Comfortable working in a Linux development environment, with experience in mutexes, semaphores, queues, and inter-process communication.

  • Exposure to crypto algorithms and their implementation

  • Ability to mentor engineers on software development skills and practices.

  • Strong desire to collaborate in a team environment, with experience in Agile methodologies.

  • Proven track record of meeting project milestones and driving process efficiency improvements.

  • Experience leading teams and managing projects through the full software lifecycle.

  • Proficiency in scripting languages like Python and experience with IP networking and networking protocols.

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

  • And more! 

Learn More & Apply Now!

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

Please ensure the role type defined below is appropriate for your needs before applying to this role. This position is classified as:

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 107,500 USD - 204,500 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