Digital Engineering-Requirements Engineering Co-Op (Spring 2027)

Draper Labs; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper invites motivated undergraduates to join the DREAM Group as a Junior Requirements Engineer co-op or intern in Lowell, MA. Under a lead engineer, you will define, analyze, and document system requirements for national-security programs, gaining hands‑on experience with digital twins, MBSE, and data workflows.

Eligible students are pursuing a bachelor’s or graduate degree in engineering, CS, physics or STEM, and must be a US citizen with strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program in engineering, CS, physics or STEM.
• US Citizenship.
• Python programming experience for custom analysis scripts.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a process‑oriented, collaborative environment.
• Experience translating high‑level objectives into verifiable requirements and linking to architecture.
• Ability to perform trade-space analysis within a model‑driven environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhance engineering solutions for challenging problems.
• Generate and present test reports with plots, tables, and evaluation criteria.
• Maintain requirement traceability matrices and translate requirements into technical decisions.
• Draft sections of technical reports and requirement documents with minimal guidance.
• Collaborate with lead engineers and interdisciplinary teams in a process‑oriented environment.
• Identify gaps in requirements and propose mitigations and updates to best‑practice processes.
• Participate in MBSE, TSE, and Python‑based data workflows training.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent work

Adaptability

Python

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, physics or STEM field

Tools

MagicDraw

SysML tools

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:

We are looking for a motivated undergraduate student to join the Digital Retrieval, Engineering, Architecture, and Management (DREAM) Group as a Junior Requirements Engineer coop or intern. Working under the guidance of a lead engineer, you will help define, analyze, and document system and data requirements for multi-domain national-security programs (e.g., strategic deterrent, missile-defense, hypersonic, space, precision-guided munitions, autonomous air/sea vehicles). This co-op/internship provides hands‑on experience with digital twins, digital threads, and model‑driven engineering while building a solid foundation in systems engineering and data architecture.

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:

- Requirement Gathering & Documentation: Assist in eliciting functional and non‑functional requirements from stakeholders and translate them into clear, verifiable specifications.

- Traceability & Architecture Support: Help maintain requirement traceability matrices and contribute to translating requirements into technical and architectural decisions.

- Technical Writing: Draft sections of technical reports, presentations, and requirement documents with minimal guidance.

- Collaboration: Work closely with a lead engineer and interdisciplinary teams (systems engineering, machine learning, data science) in a process‑oriented environment.

- Process Improvement: Identify gaps or conflicts in requirements, propose mitigations, and assist in updating best‑practice processes.

- Learning Activities: Participate in training on Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Trade Space Exploration (TSE), and Python‑based data workflows.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in engineering, Computer Science, Physics or STEM related field
• US Citizenship
• Scientific programming experience in Python (useful for custom requirement‑analysis scripts).
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Ability to thrive in a process‑oriented, collaborative environment and adapt to shifting priorities.
• Experience translating high‑level mission objectives into detailed, verifiable requirements specifications and linking those requirements to architectural elements and test cases.
• Ability to conduct trade‑space analysis (TSE) within a model‑driven environment to evaluate alternative designs and assess performance impacts.

Desired Skills

• Demonstrated interest and knowledge in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), and Data Science.
• Familiarity with MagicDraw (or other SysML tools) for creating requirement models and managing traceability.
• Exposure to trade‑space exploration, data‑state management, and multi‑domain data architectures.

Job Location - City: Lowell

Job Location - State: Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code: 01854

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.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. 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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you.

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].