Computational Design Engineer Co-op - Spring 2027

Role Summary

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Computational Design Engineer Co-Op (4-6+ month cycle) to support the design and analysis of high-speed airbreathing testbed vehicles. A successful candidate for this position will be driven and passionate about computational design.

About Specter Aerospace

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our Computational Design Engineer Co-Op will be based in our Peabody office. 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 making reusable computational geometry models to take hypersonic vehicles from requirements to design

• Support design and analysis tool development to aid in the succesful development of high-speed systems

• Collaborate with mechanical, design, aerodynamics, propulsion, and software engineers to define I/O and create parametric geometry models that connect to analysis tools

Required Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering, Math, Computer Science, Physics, or other related discipline

• Prior experience using any computational design software (Rhino/Grasshopper, nTop, PicoGK, NX Implicit Modeling, Altair Implicit Modeling etc.)

• Familiary with implicit modeling concepts (signed distance functions, level sets, Boolean operations, inversions, differential geometry)

• Previous CAD/design 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

• Strong communication skills to clarify scope and requirements when working with other engineers.

• Familiarity with mechanical engineering and physics 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

• Experience with at least one programming language

• Prior experience with additive manufacturing

• Amateur rocketry or model aircraft experience

• Prior FEA/CFD experience

• Prior topology optimization experience

• Prior DFAM/DFM experience

• Experience with large and complex models in a computational design software

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.