Vehicle Design Co-Op - Spring 2027

Specter Aerospace; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Specter Aerospace in Boston Seaport is seeking a Vehicle Design Co-Op (4-6+ month cycle) to contribute to the vehicle design team, designing components and systems for hypersonic flight vehicles and owning subsystems.

The role emphasizes hands-on CAD work, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and preparation for flight testing in a fast-paced, propulsion-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or equivalent.
• Experience using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or student organization.

Responsibilities

• Work in a fast-paced environment, designing systems and parts for hypersonic flight vehicles.
• Create drawings for manufacturing release.
• Own vehicle subsystems.
• Analyze components within a flight vehicle.
• Collaborate across disciplines to optimize novel flight systems to meet internal and customer performance requirements.
• Integrate subsystems into bigger systems ensuring fit and functionality.

Skills

CAD software

Team collaboration

Mechanical understanding

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or aerospace engineering (pursuing)

Tools

SolidWorks

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Vehicle Design Co-Op (4-6+ month cycle) to be a contributor to the vehicle design team. This position will assist the vehicle design team in designing components and systems for hypersonic flight vehicles, owning components and subsystems. A successful candidate for this position will be driven and passionate about design work.

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our Vehicle Design Co-Op will be based in our Boston (Seaport) office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Role Responsibilities

• Work in a fast-paced environment, designing systems and parts for hypersonic flight vehicles
• Create drawings for manufacturing release
• Own vehicle subsystems
• Analyze components within a flight vehicle
• Work between disciplines to efficiently design and optimize novel flight systems to meet internal and customer performance requirement
• Integrate subsystems into bigger systems ensuring fit and functionality

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent
• Prior experience using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)
• Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization
• Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments
• Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work
• Fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles (statics, materials, thermo/fluids, etc…)
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous professional or student team leadership experience relevant to the requirements for this position
• Familiarity with GD&T
• Amateur rocketry experience
• Prior FEA/CFD experience
• Prior DFAM/DFM experience
• Experience with large assembly/builds

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.