Optics-Physics Sensor Engineering Co-op (Spring 2027)

Draper; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 28,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work hours

Employee clubs

Work-life balance programs

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper, an independent nonprofit R&D organization in Cambridge, MA, seeks optics-physics sensor engineering co-ops and interns for a 6‑month program (January–June 2027).

You will support R&D on precision inertial guidance and imaging instruments, contributing to optical design, thermal modeling, and hardware assembly. Proficiency with LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, and Python is expected.

Qualifications

• Physics, materials science, or electrical engineering student with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Hands-on lab experience preferred.
• Desirable: optical design, thermal control, circuit theory, Python, MATLAB.

Responsibilities

• Support R&D for precision inertial guidance and imaging instruments.
• Test and evaluate optical and photonic components; assist in design and fabrication of evaluation setups.
• Perform hardware assembly, testing, and debugging; contribute to modeling and simulations.

Skills

Physics background

Electrical engineering

Hands-on experience

Lab experience

Education

Physics/Materials/Electrical Eng student

Tools

LabVIEW

MATLAB

SolidWorks

COMSOL

Python

GitLab

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.

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

Optics-Physics Sensor Engineering Co-ops and Interns at Draper will primarily support the research and development of precision inertial guidance and imaging instruments for existing customers. It is expected that co-ops will contribute to projects that include electro-optical design, optical and thermal model development, materials testing, electrical system design, hardware assembly, test, and debug. Specific task areas include but are not limited to: Optical and photonic component test and evaluation including design and fabrication of custom optical evaluation setups, optical and electronic modeling, optical system assembly including micro.

Students are expected to work with programs such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS, Mentor Graphics, Python, and GitLab.

DURATION: This position will run for 6 months, from January through June of 2027.

Qualifications

Physics, materials science, or electrical engineering student with a minimum of a 3.0 GPA, and hands-on experience required. Additional desirable experience: Optical design, thermal control, electro-optic component test and evaluation, circuit theory, machine shop interaction, technical assembly, Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, ACAD, Mentor Graphics, Python, and GitLab.

• Due to the nature of the work at Draper, US Citizenship status is required. Draper is unable to sponsor or hire individuals holding H1B or Student Visas. Dual-citizens are unable to be accepted for this position.

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

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 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].