I almost didn’t apply for my first aerospace internship. Sat there staring at the application page for Collins Aerospace, convinced I wasn’t qualified, and closed the tab. My roommate literally reopened it and told me to stop overthinking it. That was one of the better pieces of advice I’ve gotten, and it’s why I think it’s worth walking through what the Collins Aerospace internship program actually looks like — because there’s a good chance you’re underestimating yourself too.
A Quick Look at Collins Aerospace
Probably should have led with this. Collins Aerospace is a unit of RTX (formerly Raytheon Technologies). It came together from the merger of Rockwell Collins and United Technologies Aerospace Systems, which means the company has deep roots in both avionics and aircraft systems. They work across commercial aviation, military programs, and space systems. It’s a big operation with global reach, and that scale means interns get exposed to stuff you just can’t find at smaller companies.
What Kinds of Internships Are Available
The range is wider than most people expect. Engineering roles get the most attention — think systems engineering, software development, mechanical design — but there are also positions in supply chain management, business operations, IT, finance, and marketing. I know someone who interned on the supply chain side and ended up with a full-time offer before graduation. The point is, you don’t have to be an engineering major to find a fit here.
The Application Process
It starts online. You upload your resume and cover letter through their career portal. One thing I learned the hard way: tailor your materials. A generic resume that you blast out to fifty companies isn’t going to cut it. Mention specific Collins Aerospace programs or technologies that interest you. If you get shortlisted, you’ll go through interviews — sometimes virtual, sometimes in person depending on the role and location.
What the Day-to-Day Looks Like
This isn’t a “fetch coffee and make copies” kind of internship. You work alongside full-time engineers and analysts on actual projects. You sit in meetings, contribute to design reviews, and your work ends up in real deliverables. There’s a mentorship component too — you get paired with an experienced employee who helps bridge the gap between what you learned in class and what happens on the job. That mentorship piece was probably the most valuable part of the experience for several people I’ve talked to.
Real Projects, Real Responsibility
What you work on depends entirely on your department. Engineering interns might design components, run simulations, or write code for embedded systems. Business interns could work on market analysis, competitive intelligence, or financial modeling. The common thread is that your project matters. It’s not busywork. Your manager expects deliverables, and that pressure — while occasionally stressful — teaches you more than any classroom assignment ever could.
Skills You’ll Actually Develop
On the technical side, you’ll sharpen whatever tools are relevant to your role. CAD software, programming languages, data analysis tools — it varies. But the soft skills are where I think the real growth happens. You learn how to present to a room of engineers who have been doing this for twenty years. You learn how to ask good questions without feeling like you’re wasting someone’s time. Teamwork across departments, written communication, time management — all of it gets exercised daily. That’s what makes this program endearing, honestly. It treats interns like professionals, and you rise to that expectation.
Networking Without Being Awkward About It
There are company events, intern cohort activities, and social gatherings built into the program. You meet other interns from different schools and different disciplines. You interact with senior leaders during presentations and Q&A sessions. I’m not going to pretend networking comes naturally to everyone — it definitely didn’t for me — but the structured opportunities make it a lot less intimidating. And those connections genuinely matter later when you’re job hunting.
Compensation and Perks
Collins Aerospace pays its interns competitively. You’ll get a stipend, and depending on the location and role, housing assistance might be included. Access to company resources, professional development workshops, and internal training platforms round things out. It’s not just about the paycheck, but the paycheck is decent.
The Culture Inside Collins
The corporate culture emphasizes innovation, integrity, and accountability. In practice, that means people are willing to help you learn, but they also expect you to take ownership of your work. It’s inclusive in a genuine way — not just a poster on the wall. I talked to interns from very different backgrounds who all felt like they belonged and were taken seriously.
Feedback and How You’re Evaluated
You’ll get regular check-ins with your supervisor. Formal evaluations happen at the midpoint and end of the program. Constructive feedback is the norm, not something you have to beg for. I actually appreciated the directness — when something needed improvement, I heard about it early enough to fix it, which is way better than finding out on the last day that you missed the mark.
What Happens After the Internship
Strong performers sometimes get return offers, either for another internship or a full-time position. It depends on performance and headcount, obviously, but the pipeline from intern to employee is real. Several people I know started as interns and are now engineers and program managers at Collins. Having that internship on your resume carries weight even if you go somewhere else, because hiring managers in aerospace know the name.
Where the Internships Are Located
Collins has locations across the country — Cedar Rapids, Iowa is a big one, along with sites in Texas, Florida, California, Connecticut, and elsewhere. Your assignment depends on the role. Some locations are near manufacturing facilities, others are engineering centers. It’s worth considering location when you apply, because where you spend your summer matters for quality of life too.
Tips for Making the Most of It
Be proactive. Ask questions even when you feel dumb asking them. Seek out feedback rather than waiting for it. Build relationships with people outside your immediate team. Volunteer for extra projects if you have bandwidth. The interns who get the most out of the program are the ones who treat it like a real job, not a temporary placeholder.
Apply Early — Seriously
The program is competitive. Positions fill up, and early applicants tend to get more attention. Don’t wait until the deadline. Get your materials ready in the fall for summer positions. Use your university career services, attend Collins Aerospace recruiting events if they visit your campus, and lean on LinkedIn and alumni networks. Every advantage helps.
Interview Prep That Works
Research the company. Know their major programs and recent news. Understand the role you’re applying for specifically. Practice behavioral interview questions — “Tell me about a time when…” — because you’ll get those. And have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewer. Asking something specific about a project or technology shows you did your homework and actually care about being there.
A Genuinely Diverse Workplace
Collins Aerospace puts real effort into diversity and inclusion. Interns come from all sorts of backgrounds — different schools, different majors, different countries. That mix of perspectives makes the work better and the experience richer. I noticed it in the design reviews especially, where someone from a completely different discipline would ask a question that reframed the entire problem.
Bottom Line
A Collins Aerospace internship gives you hands-on experience, professional mentorship, and a legitimate head start on your career. The work is real, the people are generous with their knowledge, and the name on your resume opens doors. If you’re on the fence about applying, just do it. Close the overthinking tab and hit submit.
