Mechanical Engineering Co-Op (Winter/Spring 2027) - Group 07-71

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory's Mechanical Engineering Group in Lexington, MA is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Co-Op for Winter/Spring 2027 to support cutting-edge research and program execution in a dynamic Mechanical/Aerospace environment.

The role involves CAD design (SolidWorks), structural analysis with finite element models, prototyping, 3D printing, and hands-on assembly and testing of mechanical, opto-mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics/Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics.
• Completion of Mechanics of Materials or equivalent class.
• CAD, finite element analysis or prototyping experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with engineering design using CAD (SolidWorks) to create part models and drawings.
• Perform structural analysis via finite element models and analyze results.
• Prototype, 3D print, assemble, integrate and test mechanical/electro-mechanical systems.

Skills

CAD (SolidWorks)

Finite element analysis

Prototyping

Mechanical design

Education

Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering

Tools

3D printing

Job description

Mechanical Engineering Co-Op (Winter/Spring 2027) - Group 07-71

Date: Sep 28, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

The Mechanical Engineering Group provides innovative mechanical solutions for a wide range of advanced technologies. Our work has been in the areas of laser communication, high-energy lasers, telescopes, biomechanical materials, hypersonics, and radars, for systems deployed on ground, maritime, air- and space-borne platforms. We have expertise in precision engineering, opto-mechanisms, electronics packaging, large structures, composite materials, and additive manufacturing. We are the Engineering Division's center for 3D design and data management, and are involved in every step of a program's execution from conceptual design to system integration and test.

Position Description

The group seeks a CO-OP to assist technical staff members with cutting-edge research and program execution in the Mechanical/Aerospace engineering field. Duties could include:

• Engineering design including concept development using CAD software (SolidWorks) to make part models, generating drawings, manage assemblies, and ensure proper fabrication of parts.


• Structural analysis including creating and running finite element models, analyzing model results, structural or thermal testing, and creating databases.


• Hands-on work including prototyping, 3D printing, assembly, integration and testing of mechanical, opto-mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems. Testing duties may include test design, execution, and data analysis.

In addition to specific technical tasks, an employment experience at Lincoln Laboratory offers:

• The opportunity to generate real-world impact to national security and broader society through your work on challenging technology problems.


• Exposure to a broad and deep range of technologies, expertise, and senior government stakeholders.


• A strong culture of team success through individual growth. This includes technical and professional development courses, and mentorship opportunities to continue your career journey.


• A diverse workplace with an emphasis on work-life balance, employee resource groups, and other exciting opportunities.

The successful candidate will be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program of study in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics/Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics and have completed Mechanics of Materials or equivalent class. CAD, finite element analysis or prototyping experience is preferred, but not required.

Compensation:

• Technical Co-Op: $25 - $32 per hour (based on year in school)


• Administrative Co-Op: $23 - $27 per hour (based on year in school)

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.