Draper

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:

Do you want to help innovate solutions to some of our nation’s most pressing military and space technology challenges?

The System Concepts & Design division is seeking a highly-motivated undergraduate or graduate student for a full-time fall 2025 engineering co-op. The position will support guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) systems engineering tasks by assisting with development of high-fidelity flight vehicle simulations and/or mission performance analyses.

Specific tasks include:

• Enhance usability of existing GNC simulation and analysis tools
• Develop system and subsystem models
• Integrate new algorithms, models, or features into simulation tools
• Conduct Monte Carlo analysis or Trade Space Exploration
• Create informative visualizations of model outputs
• Work with engineering team to understand stakeholder needs and use cases
• Regularly present progress and technical products to the team for peer review

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.

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.

Additional Job Description:

Required qualifications

• Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in engineering, math, or physics
• Basic programming skills in MATLAB or Python
• Ability to learn quickly both working closely with engineers and independently
• Comfortable using new software and tools

Any of the following additional qualifications would be highly desirable:

• Coursework in system dynamics, flight dynamics, orbital mechanics, control systems, state estimation, aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, or design optimization
• Additional programming experience (e.g. Simulink, R, C, C++, etc.)
• Familiarity with model-based systems engineering (MBSE)
• Familiarity with strategic/tactical missile or rocket systems

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

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 hr@draper.com.