Role Summary
Specter Aerospace is seeking an Electrical Engineer Co-op (4-6+ month cycle) to contribute to the development of electrical, avionics, ignition, and control systems for hypersonic flight vehicles. This role offers hands-on experience across the electrical engineering lifecycle, including requirements development, circuit design, fabrication, integration, and testing. A successful candidate will work closely with electrical, embedded software, GNC, mechanical, and test engineers to develop systems that support Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs.
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 Electrical Engineering Co-Op will be based in our Boston (Seaport) 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
- Design, fabricate, integrate, and test custom electrical and embedded systems for hypersonic flight vehicles and ground-support equipment.
- Apply circuit theory and engineering fundamentals to analyze and develop electrical systems.
- Interface with electrical, embedded software, GNC, mechanical, and test engineering teams to refine requirements and define technical scope.
- Develop test plans and procedures for system shakedown, debugging, characterization, and verification.
- Use laboratory equipment to complete PCB bring-up, evaluate electrical system performance, and diagnose issues.
- Interpret existing schematics and update design documentation as systems evolve.
- Support hand assembly, rework, and modification of printed circuit boards and other electrical hardware.
- Participate in technical meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions.
- Take ownership of assigned projects from initial concept through testing and documentation.
Required Qualifications
- Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related field.
- Familiarity with circuit theory and the analysis and design of electrical systems.
- Experience using ECAD tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD, or similar.
- Experience with circuit simulation tools such as SPICE, PLECS, Simulink, or similar.
- Experience bringing up and testing custom PCBs or other electrical systems.
- Ability to interpret circuit schematics and produce clear technical documentation.
- Experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, or signal analyzers.
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, changing environment.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
- Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous applicable professional, research, or student-team experience.
- Familiarity with scripting languages (Python, MATLAB) or relevant embedded languages (C, C++, or similar).
- Advanced experience with ECAD and PCB design tools; Altium Designer experience is preferred.
- Experience with mechanical CAD tools; SolidWorks experience is preferred.
- Ability to hand-assemble and rework PCBs with small or complex components.
- Knowledge of electric fields, magnetism, gas discharges, or plasma systems.
- Practical understanding of semiconductor devices, filtering, impedance matching, or signal integrity.
- Experience with high-voltage or power electronics design and electrical safety practices.
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.