Mechanical Engineering & System Packaging Co-Op (Spring 2027)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Off-site social events

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a mechanical engineering co-op to contribute to design, development, and analysis of systems for national-interest problems. You will use 3D CAD tools like SolidWorks or Creo and run simulations with Ansys under engineer guidance.

Assignments develop practical knowledge of processes and facilities, with exposure to fabrication, metrology, and cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Co-op students must be US citizens who are enrolled in an accredited engineering curriculum and able to work full-time for a 6 month period.
• There is flexibility regarding hours and program duration based on applicant’s school schedule and availability.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with ability to work independently or in a team environment.

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 a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems as well as their interrelationships within engineering disciplines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

MS Office

Education

Engineering student enrolled

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

Ansys

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 is seeking a mechanical engineering co-op student to help design, develop, and analyze novel solutions to problems of national interest. As a student in the Mechanical Engineering Division, you will be exposed to a broad range of technical challenges where you can apply your knowledge as well as learn new skills while seeing how problems of national interest are solved. Your experience can range from applying engineering principals while designing and analyzing components, to working directly with engineers and technicians to fabricate and assemble systems. While working under the guidance of engineers, you can create detailed designs using 3-D CAD software (specifically SolidWorks and/or PTC Creo) or analyzing performance of systems by conducting simulations using finite element software (such as Ansys). While working on tasks, you will gain a better understanding of how to design with consideration for manufacturability, proper drawing creation and tolerancing and/or analysis for structural and thermal performance. When parts need to be fabricated, you will have the opportunity to work with highly skilled operators in Draper’s extensive machine shop, rapid prototyping lab featuring multiple 3D printers or circuit card assembly facility. You will also have the opportunity to interact with other facilities such as materials characterization or metrology. Assignments are designed to develop a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems as well as their interrelationships within engineering disciplines. Assignments will also provide an opportunity to develop valuable networking connections which will help prepare and develop your skills for future career opportunities. Actual project tasks will depend on immediate program priorities.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Co‑op students must be US citizens who are enrolled in an accredited engineering curriculum and able to work full‑time for a 6 month period.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with 3D CAD, specifically SolidWorks or Creo


• Familiarity with fabrication and assembly of prototypes and proof‑of‑concept models


• Familiarity with considerations for manufacturability, proper drawing creation, and tolerancing


• Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Clearance

Job Location

• 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.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

• 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


• Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role.

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].