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

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Part time

Job summary

Draper, an independent nonprofit research and development company in Cambridge, MA, invites a Co-Op in the Mechanical Engineering Division. You will work on a broad range of technical challenges, from design to fabrication, and gain hands-on experience with 3-D CAD tools and simulations.

The role emphasizes live programs, mentorship, and exposure to Draper’s machine shop and rapid prototyping lab, with opportunities to interact with metrology and materials labs.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Flexibility regarding hours and program duration based on school schedule and availability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and ability to work in a team.
• Proficiency with MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

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.
• Complete assignments to develop practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment and systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel

Education

Enrolled in accredited undergrad/grad program

Tools

SolidWorks

PTC Creo

ANSYS

MS Word

PowerPoint

Excel

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:

As a Co-Op in the Mechanical Engineering Division, you will be exposed to a broad range of technical challenges where you can apply your knowledge and learn new skills while seeing how problems of national interest are solved. Your experience can range from applying engineering principles while designing and analyzing components to working directly with engineers and technicians to fabricate and assemble hardware systems.

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.

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.

Our Co-Ops create detailed designs using 3-D CAD software (specifically SolidWorks and/or PTC Creo) and may analyze the 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.

Our interns work on ‘live’ programs, and will develop a practical knowledge of processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, and systems. 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.

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

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. 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.

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].