GNC Systems Engineering 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

The Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) System Architecture group is seeking a highly motivated intern student interested in working on a team responsible for the application and optimization of systems engineering methodologies for multi-domain national-security programs. In this 3-month role, the student will gain experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) tools, requirements management, technical planning and direction, and architecture development for GN&C systems.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Work closely with systems engineers to build SysML-based models using MagicDraw and create new capabilities within the tool.
• Support the development of functional and physical GN&C architectures and requirements traceability following MBSE methodologies.
• Optimize systems engineering processes to streamline technical planning and decision making for the program.
• 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.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in engineering or a STEM-related field.
• US Citizenship.
• Is a self-starter and team-player with a desire to learn new things.
• Is familiar with Draper's core business areas and technologies and understands concepts of systems engineering and engineering design.
• Has strong modeling skills and is comfortable using new software and tools.

Desired Skills

• Has familiarity with MBSE tools and object-oriented programming languages e.g. MagicDraw, SysML, MATLAB, Java, C++, Python, etc.
• Has experience working with complex systems throughout each phase of the engineering lifecycle.
• Has experience relevant to Guidance, Navigation and/or Control technologies.
• Has an understanding of systems engineering activities across a system development lifecycle

• Applicants selected for this position may be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
• Candidates are encouraged to include a cover letter that describes their interest in this position.
• 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

Pay and benefits

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.