GNC Systems Engineering Co-Op (Spring 2027)

Draper•Cambridge, MA

3d•$20 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

Draper’s Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) System Architecture group seeks a motivated co-op student to help apply and optimize systems engineering methodologies for multi-domain national-security programs. This six-month role provides experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, requirements management, technical planning and direction, and GN&C system architecture development. The co-op will work with systems engineers to build SysML-based models using MagicDraw and create new tool capabilities. The role supports development of functional and physical GN&C architectures, requirements traceability, systems engineering process improvements, and technical review milestones. The student will implement and test engineering solutions, analyze and document results, prepare and present technical artifacts, and record discoveries and lessons learned. The position is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Co-op students must be able to work full-time for a six-month period, though hours and program duration may be adjusted based on school schedule and availability. Applicants selected may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Requirements

Be enrolled full-time in an accredited undergraduate or graduate engineering curriculum.
Be currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
Be able to work full-time for a six-month period as a co-op student; hours and program duration may be flexible based on school schedule and availability.
Be a U.S. citizen.
Have excellent written and oral communication skills.
Have a strong work ethic and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Be adaptable to changing environments, risks, and vulnerabilities.
Have strong computer skills, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Be a self-starter and team player with a desire to learn.
Be familiar with Draper’s core business areas and technologies and understand systems engineering and engineering design concepts.
Have strong modeling skills and be comfortable using new software and tools.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with MBSE tools and object-oriented programming languages, such as MagicDraw, SysML, MATLAB, Java, C++, or Python.
Experience working with complex systems throughout each phase of the engineering lifecycle.
Experience relevant to Guidance, Navigation, and/or Control technologies.
Understanding of systems engineering activities across a system development lifecycle.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and enhance engineering solutions for challenging problems.
Implement and test solutions, perform analysis, and provide documentation support.
Generate and present test reports containing plots, tables, evaluation criteria, and conclusions based on collected and analyzed data.
Work with systems engineers to build SysML-based models using MagicDraw and create new tool capabilities.
Support development of functional and physical GN&C architectures and requirements traceability using MBSE methodologies.
Optimize systems engineering processes to streamline program technical planning and decision making.
Support program execution of technical review milestones with internal and external stakeholders.
Regularly present progress and technical artifacts to the team.
Document discoveries, best practices, and lessons learned.
Complete assignments designed to develop practical knowledge of engineering processes, procedures, equipment, facilities, systems, and their interrelationships.
Perform other duties as assigned.