GNC Systems Engineering Intern (Summer 2027)

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

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory (Draper) in Cambridge, MA is seeking a motivated intern to join the GN&C System Architecture group for a 3-month program. You will work with SysML models using MagicDraw, contribute to MBSE activities, and gain exposure to requirements management and technical planning for national-security programs.

You will collaborate with systems engineers, present artifacts to the team, and develop practical engineering solutions while learning Draper’s core engineering

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
• U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhancement engineering solutions for challenging problems.
• Support MBSE-based modeling and architecture development for GN&C systems.
• Assist with requirements traceability and technical planning.

Skills

Communication skills

Independent / team player

Adaptability

MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Modeling basics

Education

Enrollment in accredited undergrad/grad program

Tools

MagicDraw

SysML

MATLAB

Java

C++

Python

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

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) System Architecture group is seeking a highly motivated intern student interested in working on a team responsible for the application and optimization of systems engineering methodologies for multi-domain national-security programs. In this 3-month role, the student will gain experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, requirements management, technical planning and direction, and architecture development for GN&C systems.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and enhancement engineering solutions for challenging problems.

Program Requirements

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

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

• Work closely with systems engineers to build SysML-based models using MagicDraw and create new capabilities within the tool.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of functional and physical GN&C architectures and requirements traceability following MBSE methodologies.
• Optimize systems engineering processes to streamline technical planning and decision making for the program.
• Support program execution of technical review milestones with internal and external stakeholders.
• Regularly present progress and technical artifacts to the team.
• Document discoveries, best practices, and lessons learned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
• US Citizenship.
• Is a self-starter and team-player with a desire to learn new things.
• Is familiar with Draper's core business areas and technologies and understands concepts of systems engineering and engineering design.
• Has strong modeling skills and is comfortable using new software and tools.

Desired Skills

• Has familiarity with MBSE tools and object-oriented programming languages e.g. MagicDraw, SysML, MATLAB, Java, C++, Python, etc.
• Has experience working with complex systems throughout each phase of the engineering lifecycle.
• Has experience relevant to Guidance, Navigation and/or Control technologies.
• Has an understanding of systems engineering activities across a system development lifecycle.

Applicants selected for this position may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

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.

Our work is very important to