Cable And Harnessing Intern (Summer 2027)

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Burlington (MA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 94,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA offers an Engineering Student internship to support R&D across hardware, software, and manufacturing life cycle. Interns contribute to projects using LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS, Mentor Graphics, Python, and GitLab, collaborating with engineers to build and test systems.

You will design, test, document, and present results; gain hands-on experience across disciplines; flexible hours for undergraduate or graduate students; strong communication and

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with ability to work independently or in a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

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.
• Complete assignments designed to develop practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Problem-solving

Education

Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

COMSOL

ANSYS

Mentor Graphics

Python

GitLab

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

Engineering Student internships support the research and development of new or existing computer systems (hardware, software, components, and materials) or may assist in sustaining and improving the quality processes across the full engineering and manufacturing life cycle. Student interns will contribute to projects in various engineering disciplines such as computer hardware or software design and development, electro-optical design, optical and thermal model development, bioengineering, materials testing, electrical system design, hardware assembly, testing, etc. Student interns will test and evaluate products, systems, or components and work with various applications such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS, Mentor Graphics, Python, and GitLab. Student interns collaborate with engineers or technicians to build and test systems, hardware, or components on various projects. They may also be involved in ensuring quality products are produced and quality procedures are upheld.

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: Summary

We are seeking a motivated intern with a strong interest in cable harness and interconnect design. In this role, you will have the opportunity to learn and contribute to the early stages of development programs by supporting the creation of rugged, high-reliability interconnect solutions that enable mission-critical systems to perform in the most demanding environments. You’ll gain hands-on experience in the design and development of wiring harnesses, cabling, and connector systems that support RF and other sensitive signals, as well as board-to-board and system-level interconnects. Working alongside a highly collaborative mechanical design team, you’ll participate in the full product lifecycle — from concept development and trade studies through prototyping, testing, and delivery. Your contributions will help advance systems used in defense, space, and autonomous platforms, where performance and reliability are essential.

What You’ll Bring

• A strong interest in cable and harness design and development.
• A systems-level mindset that considers electrical, mechanical, and manufacturability trade-offs.
• Motivation to learn and take ownership of design tasks, growing from concept exploration to hardware delivery.
• Curiosity and creativity in solving complex interconnect challenges that have real-world national security impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn to design and develop high-reliability cable harnesses, interconnects, and connector assemblies for ruggedized systems and harsh environments (high-G, vibration, temperature extremes).
• Partner with electrical, mechanical, and systems engineers to define requirements and ensure design compatibility across disciplines.
• Apply and expand your knowledge of MIL-STD connectors, IPC Class 2 & 3 cable/connector standards, and other relevant industry specifications.
• Support trade studies, tolerance analyses, and material selection activities to improve reliability and performance.
• Create and refine 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and documentation to support manufacturing and assembly.
• Collaborate with production teams and suppliers to support builds, resolve non-conformances, and validate designs.
• Contribute ideas to continuous improvement efforts that enhance interconnect design processes and tooling.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary

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. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits & Culture

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.

Inclusive Environment Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. 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].

About Draper

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.