Acoustic and Vibration Technologies Intern (Summer 2027)

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, is seeking current undergraduate and graduate students to join the Acoustic Hardware Development internship.

You will contribute to research and development of sensing and communication systems, including sensors, electronics, and DSP algorithms. The role emphasizes design, testing, data analysis, and documentation, with flexible hours based on your school schedule.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Demonstrated coursework or interest in acoustics or related field.
• Strong communication and ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance engineering solutions for challenging problems.
• Implement, test, perform analysis, and provide documentation support.
• Generate and present test reports including plots, tables, evaluation criteria, and conclusions from data collected and analyzed throughout the test process.
• Pursue practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems within engineering disciplines.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Team collaboration

MS Office

Education

B.S./M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering or related

Tools

C

C++

MATLAB

Python

LTspice

Simulink

COMSOL

Job description

Overview: Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking current undergraduate and graduate students to assist in the engineering of technology that solves critical problems of national importance. As an Acoustic Hardware Development intern, you will focus on the research and development of novel sensing and communication systems, including constituent sensors, electronics, and signal processing.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhancement engineering solutions for challenging problems.
• Implement, test, perform analysis, and provide documentation support.
• Generate and present test reports including plots, tables, evaluation criteria, and conclusions from data collected and analyzed throughout the test process.
• Complete assignments designed to develop a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems as well as their interrelationships within engineering disciplines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Program Requirements

• Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program required.
• There is flexibility regarding hours and program duration based on applicant’s school schedule and availability.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent work ethic with the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to ever-changing environments, risks, and vulnerabilities.
• Strong computer skills including MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Additional Job Description

• custom and COTS sensors that are used for advanced acoustic sensing and communication low-noise analog and digital signal conditioning hardware architectures embedded processors (FPGAs, microcontrollers, and ASICs) and DSP algorithms for filtering, classification, and control simulation and modeling of acoustic and other phenomenology that includes the relevant physics, sensors, and signal processing methods
• Experience with any of the following engineering hardware and software tools is desired: C, C++, and/or MATLAB (Python) for algorithm development on a variety of devices and instruments LTspice, MATLAB (Python), Simulink, COMSOL and/or other multi-domain modeling applications Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, and/or similar test and data acquisition systems
• Candidates must be pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field with demonstrated coursework, research, and/or interest in the field acoustics.

Job Location - City: Cambridge

Job Location - State: Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code: 02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $20.00 - $45.00

Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role.

Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.