Electro-Mechanical Instrument Summer Intern

Overview

Draper is an independent, non‑profit 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.

Electro‑Mechanical Instrument Student Co‑op or Intern at Draper will primarily support the research and development of precision inertial guidance instruments for existing customers. Interns will contribute to projects that include electro‑mechanical design, thermal model development, magnetics design, materials testing, hardware assembly, test, and debug. Specific projects include instrument component design using CAD and FEA tools, collaboration with Draper’s prototype machine shop to determine machinability of components, building and testing hardware with Draper technicians, and coordinating with Draper’s Center for Additive Manufacturing to produce 3D printed parts.

Students will work with 3‑D modelling software packages such as CREO and Solid Works and analysis software such as ANSYS or COMSOL, and possibly LabVIEW and MATLAB for various applications.

• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Enrolled in an accredited full‑time undergraduate or graduate degree program.
• Flexibility regarding hours and program duration based on applicant’s school schedule and availability.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong 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.

DURATION: This position will run for 10‑12 weeks, from June 1 2026 through return to school.

QUALIFICATIONS: Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or Applied Physics (or similar) student with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and hands‑on experience required. Experience with mechanical design using CREO or Solid Works preferred. Intuitive understanding of the physical universe is mandatory. Additional desirable experience:
Design, precision mechanics, magnetics, thermal control, electro‑mechanical, fluids, circuit theory, machine shop interaction, technical assembly, Excel, LabVIEW, MATLAB, MCAD.

Citizenship: Due to the nature of the work at Draper, US citizenship is required. Draper is unable to sponsor or hire individuals holding H1B or student visas. Dual‑citizens are not accepted for this position.

Apply now:

City:
Cambridge

State:
Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139‑3563

Base salary range: $20.00 – $45.00 per hour. Compensation is determined by role, level and location. Individual pay is based on job‑related skills, experience, and applicable training.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact