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Systems Concepts & Design Intern

Draper
Cambridge, MA Intern
POSTED ON 1/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 2/6/2026
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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

Do you want to help innovate solutions to some of our nation’s most pressing technological challenges?

The Systems Engineering Concepts and Design Engineering Division of Draper is looking to fill multiple undergraduate and graduate summer intern positions on several exciting programs that serve the national interest. Successful candidates are self-starters and team-players with a desire to learn new things and advance critical technologies. In this position you will have the opportunity to work with Draper’s world class technical staff to support all aspects of the systems engineering lifecycle including requirements, MBSE, simulation, architecture development, and mission analysis. Successful candidates will be matched with an appropriate project team based on their skill, interests, and experience.

Duties/Responsibilities

Job Description:

  • 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

Candidates are encouraged to include a cover letter describing their interest in this position.

Required Qualifications

  • US Citizen
  • Current enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program in engineering, math, or physics

Duties And Responsibilities

The student will have specific duties and responsibilities depending on the project(s) they support. These may include:

  • Working closely with systems engineers to develop and implement new model-based processes and methods
  • Performing model development and/or enhancing usability of existing models via integration of new features and capabilities
  • Supporting use case and requirements development
  • Understanding stakeholder needs and concerns and generating data from modeling tools to address them
  • Presenting progress and technical artifacts to the team
  • Performing other duties as assigned

Minimum Candidate Expectations

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Excellent work ethic with the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment
  • Strong computer skills using basic engineering tools and software packages
  • Strong interest in working on programs that support national security and defense
  • Is familiar with Draper’s core business areas and technologies and understands concepts of systems engineering and engineering design

A Preferred Candidate Will Have

  • An active national security clearance
  • Familiarity with Model-Based Systems Engineering and tools
  • Demonstrated experience using SysML, Java, C , MATLAB or Python languages
  • Coursework and/or experience related to Guidance, Navigation, and /or Control technologies

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

$15.00 - $225.00

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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.

Salary : $15 - $225

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