Propulsion Design Engineering Co-op Spring 2027

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $23-$30hr

Role Summary:

Specter Aerospace is seeking aPropulsion Engineer Co-op(4-6+ month cycle) to be a significant contributor to the development and testing of hypersonic propulsion systems. Those in this role will have the opportunity to take ownership in the design, manufacturing, and test of advanced ramjet/scramjet engine hardware. A successful candidate will have a passion for both hands-on work and the analysis ofthermofluidsystems.

Note: Specter hires both Propulsion DesignEngineerCo-ops and Propulsion TestEngineerCo-ops from this application, depending on an applicants interestand experience. Pleasesubmitan application to this posting if you are interested in either position.

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 itleveragesits 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:

• Take ownership in propulsion subsystem/component development from ideation to first-article test and characterization

• Design and manufacture engine components, test stand hardware, and piping/tubing systemsleveragingin -house machining capabilities

• Conduct engine and propulsioncomponenttesting in a direct-connect hypersonic testing facility

• Developthermofluidsand propulsion performance analysiscode(Python/MATLAB)

• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions across multidisciplinary vehicle sub-system groups

Required Qualifications:

• Pursuing a bachelors degree in mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or equivalent

• Experience with CAD software (SolidWorks preferred)

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

• Comfort with project autonomy, fast-paced work environments, and design ownership

• Fundamental understanding of core mechanical engineering principles, especially those relating tothermofluids(Fluid mechanics, heat transfer, gas dynamics)

• Eligible to obtain andmaintaina U.S. Secret security clearance (U.S. Citizenshiprequired)

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

PreferredQualifications:

• Previousprofessional OR student team (FSAE, SEDS, AIAA, etc.)project experiencerelevant to the requirements for this position

• Previousexperience in positions that involve fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, gasdynamicsand/or combustion

• MATLAB or Python experience, especiallyin the development ofthermofluidsanalysis tools

• Hardware designand buildexperience in rocket enginesor ram/scramjet engine platforms

• Experience in the manufacture and troubleshooting of fluid systems consisting of valves, pumps, tubing, piping, etc.

• Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot issues relating to data acquisition systems (LabView, PLCs) and test stand sensors (pressure transducers, thermocouples, load cells)

• Experience with creating plumbing and instrumentation diagrams (P&IDs)

• Previousexperience with manual machining, CAM, design for manufacture, and design for additive manufacture

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.