About the role#
This internship focuses on the research and development of precision inertial guidance and imaging instruments. You will join a multidisciplinary team to contribute to projects that span the entire development cycle, from initial design to final hardware testing.
What you'll do#
- Support electro-optical design and optical or thermal model development.
- Conduct materials testing and electrical system design.
- Perform hardware assembly, testing, and debugging.
- Design and build custom optical evaluation setups.
- Assemble optical systems, including micro-scale components.
- Use software tools such as LabVIEW, MATLAB, SolidWorks, COMSOL, ANSYS, Mentor Graphics, Python, and GitLab.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a Physics, Materials Science, or Electrical Engineering program.
- A minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Demonstrated hands-on experience.
- US Citizenship is required. We cannot provide visa sponsorship or hire individuals on student visas, including those with dual citizenship.
- Familiarity with optical design, thermal control, circuit theory, and technical assembly is preferred.
- Experience with machine shop interaction is a plus.
Location & details#
- Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: Full-time, on-site.
- Compensation: Paid position.
About Draper
Draper is a nonprofit engineering firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company provides engineering services to government, industry, and academic partners. Its work spans domains from undersea environments to space systems. With a staff of nearly 3,000 employees, the company focuses on technical challenges in national security and health.
How to get in at Draper
Applying early is a significant advantage when pursuing a role at Draper, as recruiters often review candidates before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you stay ahead of the crowd. This timing ensures your application is among the first seen by the team. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the people actually managing the hiring process. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles, allowing you to ask direct questions or request a referral. Connecting with the right person often provides the clarity you need to stand out in a competitive field.



