Acoustic and Vibration Technologies Intern (Summer 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.

Job Description Summary

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking current undergraduate and graduate students to assist in the engineering of technology that solves critical problems of national importance. As an Acoustic Hardware Development intern, you will focus on the research and development of novel sensing and communication systems, including constituent sensors, electronics, and signal processing.

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

The ideal candidate will use their scientific education in acoustics or related disciplines to develop complex technology solutions, including:

• custom and COTS sensors that are used for advanced acoustic sensing and communication
• low-noise analog and digital signal conditioning hardware architectures
• embedded processors (FPGAs, microcontrollers, and ASICs) and DSP algorithms for filtering, classification, and control
• simulation and modeling of acoustic and other phenomenology that includes the relevant physics, sensors, and signal processing methods

Experience with any of the following engineering hardware and software tools is desired:

• C, C++, and/or MATLAB (Python) for algorithm development on a variety of devices and instruments
• LTspice, MATLAB (Python), Simulink, COMSOL and/or other multi-domain modeling applications
• Audio Precision, National Instruments, Liquid Instruments, and/or similar test and data acquisition systems

Candidates must be pursuing a B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field with demonstrated coursework, research, and/or interest in the field acoustics.

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.