Optoelectronics Electrical Engineering Co-Op (Spring 2027)

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:

Optoelectronics Electrical Engineering Co-Ops at Draper will primarily support the research and development of receivers and transmitter technologies in optical communication, LIDAR, and remote sensing applications. Successful candidates are self-starters and team-players with a desire to learn new things and advance technology while working with our results-oriented teams. This position will directly impact the national security of the United States of America and push the boundaries of what is technically possible. Successful candidates will be matched with an appropriate team based on their skills and experience. Students will have the opportunity to work with senior technical staff on various programs and will be expected to effectively communicate their work both orally and in written memos and presentations.

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:

As a student you will participate in all aspects of the product development process including design and prototyping, analysis and simulation, and modeling and test. You may work on various system types including the following:

- Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) and single photon avalanche photodiode (SPAD) receivers.

- Electronic components such as transimpedance amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, comparators, level shifters, time of flight (ToF) components.

- Pulsed laser diode drivers.

- Design, fabrication, integration, and test of printed circuit boards (PCBs).

- Digital systems that utilize microcontrollers and ASICs to implement algorithms for signal processing.

DURATION:

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

QUALIFICATIONS:

Students must be US citizens who are enrolled in an accredited engineering curriculum. Candidates will be matched to a group based on their relevant experience and interests. Below is a list of broad qualifications sought across the division. Candidates are not expected to have every skill listed but should have experience with two or more of the following:

- Scripting and modeling in MATLAB, Simulink, Labview, Python, etc..

- Simulation tools such as SPICE, CST, COMSOL, and ANSYS HFSS/SIwave.

- Board & chip design tool sets, such as Cadence and Mentor Graphics, and KiCAD.

- Signal integrity, layout, and grounding design principles.

- Hands on experience in digital and/or analog electronics design, test, and debug.

- Hands on experience with photonic test bench equipment, such as power meters, attenuators, oscilloscopes, spectrometers, interferometers, fiber- and free-space systems, etc..

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

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. 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.