Vehicle Design Co-Op Spring 2027

Role Summary: Specter Aerospace is seeking a Vehicle Design Co-Op (4-6+ month cycle) to be a contributor to the vehicle design team. This position will assist the vehicle design team in designing components and systems for hypersonic flight vehicles, owning components and subsystems. A successful candidate for this position will be driven and passionate about design work.

About Specter Aerospace: Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. Specter is headquartered just north of Boston in Peabody, MA where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production. Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company.

Role Responsibilities

Work in a fast-paced environment, designing systems and parts for hypersonic flight vehicles

Create drawings for manufacturing release

Own vehicle subsystems

Analyze components within a flight vehicle

Work between disciplines to efficiently design and optimize novel flight systems to meet internal and customer performance requirement

Integrate subsystems into bigger systems ensuring fit and functionality

Required Qualifications:

Pursuing a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent

Prior experience using CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)

Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization

Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments

Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work

Fundamental understanding of mechanical engineering principles (statics, materials, thermo/fluids, etc…)

Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)

Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check

Preferred Qualifications:

Previous professional or student team leadership experience relevant to the requirements for this position

Familiarity with GD&T

Amateur rocketry experience

Prior FEA/CFD experience

Prior DFAM/DFM experience

Experience with large assembly/builds

EEO Statement: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.