About the role#
Draper is seeking a student for a Space Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GN&C) Co-Op position during the Fall 2026 term. This role focuses on the design of GN&C algorithms and software for civilian or commercial space applications. You will join a team responsible for developing simulation models and analysis tools to evaluate GN&C functionality and performance.
What you'll do#
- Design, develop, and enhance engineering solutions for complex technical problems.
- Develop and maintain high-fidelity, 6-Degree-of-Freedom (6-DOF) dynamic simulation models of vehicles.
- Implement non-real-time simulations and perform simulation-based analysis to define GN&C system requirements.
- Conduct stability analysis, guidance and control law development, navigation accuracy assessments, and robustness analysis.
- Support GN&C software development and testing.
- Generate and present test reports, including plots, tables, evaluation criteria, and conclusions.
- Complete assignments designed to build practical knowledge of engineering processes, procedures, and systems.
What you'll need#
- Enrollment in an accredited full-time undergraduate or graduate degree program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Industrial Engineering.
- Familiarity with C/C++, Python, MATLAB, and/or Simulink.
- Familiarity with 6-DOF Spacecraft Dynamic Modeling and Simulation.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Must be a US citizen.
Location & details#
- Location: Houston, Texas.
- Term: Fall 2026.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment type: Full-time.
- Compensation: This position is paid.
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.
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