Role Overview

As a Device Engineer at Arrow Electronics through eInfochips Inc in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you'll join an elite team driving innovation in avionics technology at Collins Aerospace. This fully onsite position demands precision engineering for Flight Management Systems that power modern aircraft navigation and control. Your expertise will directly contribute to safety-critical systems deployed across global aviation fleets.

eInfochips, an Arrow company with Fortune #154 backing, brings two decades of product engineering excellence to this role. With strategic partnerships including Qualcomm, NVIDIA, and Texas Instruments, you'll leverage cutting-edge semiconductor design capabilities. Arrow's $38B revenue powerhouse provides unmatched stability and resources for your technical career trajectory.

This Device Engineer role focuses on the complete development lifecycle—from system requirements analysis through verification and certification. Working onsite at Collins Aerospace's Integrated Propulsion Systems (IPS) facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, you'll collaborate with aerospace industry leaders on DO-178C compliant solutions that meet rigorous FAA standards.

Day in the Life

Your typical day begins at 8:00 AM in the secure Collins Aerospace facility in Cedar Rapids. After badge access and safety briefings, you dive into requirements analysis, tracing high-level system specs down to low-level software implementations. Morning hours focus on developing test cases for Flight Management System modules.

By 10:30 AM, you're in verification mode—executing test procedures on hardware-in-the-loop simulators. Lunch at the onsite cafeteria offers networking with Collins engineers. Afternoon sessions involve artifact reviews, collaborating via Microsoft Teams with distributed eInfochips specialists while maintaining your Cedar Rapids workstation.

3:00 PM brings utility development time, coding Python scripts to automate regression testing and slash cycle times. Dry Run preparations occupy late afternoons, ensuring RFS (Ready For Show) milestones hit targets. Days end with documentation updates and team stand-ups, typically wrapping by 5:00 PM with Iowa's golden sunsets visible from campus windows.

Weekly rhythms include Thursday peer reviews and Friday certification planning sessions. Occasional travel to Arrow client sites adds variety, but Cedar Rapids remains your technical home base.

Why Cedar Rapids, Iowa?

Cedar Rapids anchors Eastern Iowa's aerospace corridor, hosting Collins Aerospace's global headquarters and major R&D facilities. This isn't just a job location—it's the epicenter of aviation innovation where Rockwell Collins pioneered fly-by-wire technology decades ago. The city's 133,000 residents enjoy Midwestern affordability with big-city amenities.

Engineering professionals thrive here: median home prices hover at $220,000 (vs. $400,000+ nationally), and Iowa's 4.1% unemployment rate signals economic stability. Cedar Rapids Regional Airport (CID) connects you to Chicago O'Hare in 60 minutes, perfect for industry conferences or Arrow travel.

Culture blends Czech and Slovak heritage (New Bo District festivals) with modern craft breweries and the expansive NewBo City Market. Outdoor enthusiasts paddle the Cedar River or hike Palisades-Kepler State Park. Iowa's no state income tax on retirement accounts sweetens long-term planning, while family-friendly schools rank among Midwest leaders.

For avionics engineers, Cedar Rapids offers unmatched density of aerospace expertise. Collins employs 4,000+ locally, creating natural networking hubs. Combined with eInfochips' global reach and Arrow's enterprise backing, this location positions you at technology's forefront without coastal living costs.

Career Growth Path

Arrow Electronics structures clear advancement ladders for Device Engineers. Year 1 focuses on mastering Collins workflows and DO-178C processes. By Year 2, you'll lead verification subgroups, mentoring junior engineers on test automation.

Senior Device Engineer (Years 3-5) responsibilities expand to architectural design reviews and cross-project requirements leadership. Principal Engineer roles (5+ years) influence Collins program roadmaps, interfacing with FAA certification authorities.

eInfochips' global portfolio opens doors to Qualcomm 5G projects, NVIDIA AI accelerators, or Texas Instruments motor control systems. Arrow's 345 worldwide locations enable international rotations—Singapore semiconductor design, Germany automotive avionics, or Austin edge computing.

Tuition reimbursement supports MSEE or MBA pursuits at University of Iowa (20 minutes away). Internal promotions average 18 months; 70% of leadership roles fill from within. Technical tracks parallel management paths, letting you specialize in verification excellence or broaden into systems architecture.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive salaries reflect Cedar Rapids' cost structure and aerospace premiums. Beyond base pay, Arrow offers performance bonuses tied to project milestones and RFS completions. The comprehensive benefits suite rivals Silicon Valley packages at Midwest prices.

Health coverage includes low-deductible PPO plans with HSA contributions. 401k matching reaches 5% with immediate vesting. Unlimited PTO accrual (within reason) plus 10 paid holidays support work-life balance. Tuition benefits cover 100% of job-related degrees.

Unique perks include eInfochips' innovation sabbaticals after 3 years and Arrow's global mobility program. Disability coverage provides 60% salary replacement, while life insurance offers 2x base coverage at no cost.

Team & Culture

eInfochips teams blend Silicon Valley innovation with Iowa's collaborative spirit. Your 12-person pod includes Collins Aerospace liaisons, eInfochips verification leads, and Arrow program managers. Flat hierarchies encourage idea-sharing; weekly tech talks showcase personal projects.

Cedar Rapids office culture emphasizes results over face-time. Casual Fridays feature Hawkeye game watches and eInfochips trivia contests. Diversity initiatives draw from Arrow's global talent pool—30% international hires bring fresh perspectives to avionics challenges.

Mentorship pairs pair you with 10-year veterans, accelerating your DO-178C mastery. Social committees organize Cedar Rapids River Kings hockey outings and Amana Colonies retreats. High retention (92%) reflects genuine investment in people over projects.

How to Apply

Ready to power the skies from Cedar Rapids? Submit your resume highlighting avionics experience, DO-178C projects, and test automation tools. Include GitHub links to utilities you've developed. Cover letters should address your passion for flight-critical systems and Cedar Rapids appeal.

Arrow's Phenom platform processes applications instantly. Recruiters respond within 48 hours to qualified candidates. Phone screens lead to technical interviews with Collins engineers, followed by coding challenges and artifact review simulations. Offers extend within 2 weeks.

Day 1 onboarding includes security clearance processing and eInfochips orientation. Relocation assistance covers moving costs for qualified external hires. U.S. citizenship required for Collins Aerospace facility access.

FAQ Section

Q: Is this position remote or hybrid?
A: Fully onsite at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids, Iowa from Day 1. Occasional travel to Arrow client sites possible.

Q: What clearance level is required?
A: U.S. citizenship required for facility access. No active security clearance needed at hire.

Q: Does Arrow sponsor visas for this role?
A: No visa sponsorship available for this Collins Aerospace position.

Q: What DO-178C levels does this work support?
A: Primarily Level A and B for Flight Management Systems—safety-critical applications.

Q: Are there relocation benefits?
A: Yes, comprehensive relocation package for qualified external candidates including temporary housing.

Q: What tools does the team use?
A: DOORS NextGen, Polarion, VectorCAST, LDRA, Python, MATLAB/Simulink, Git.

Q: Can I transfer to other Arrow locations later?
A: Yes, Arrow's global mobility program supports internal transfers after 18 months.

Q: What's the team size and structure?
A: 12-person pod with Collins liaisons, eInfochips verification specialists, Arrow PMs.

Q: Are there overtime expectations?
A: Standard 40-hour week. Occasional crunch before RFS milestones compensated at 1.5x.