Fall CO-OP Student (Mechanical Engineering, 07-71)

Position Description

The group seeks a CO-OP to assist technical staff members with cutting-edge research and program execution in the Mechanical/Aerospace engineering field. Duties could include:

• Engineering design including concept development using CAD software (SolidWorks) to make part models, generating drawings, managing assemblies, and ensuring proper fabrication of parts.
• Structural analysis including creating and running finite element models, analyzing model results, structural or thermal testing, and creating databases.
• Hands-on work including prototyping, 3D printing, assembly, integration and testing of mechanical, opto-mechanical, and electro-mechanical systems. Testing duties may include test design, execution, and data analysis.

Employment Experience

In addition to specific technical tasks, an employment experience at Lincoln Laboratory offers:

• The opportunity to generate real-world impact to national security and broader society through your work on challenging technology problems.
• Exposure to a broad and deep range of technologies, expertise, and senior government stakeholders.
• A strong culture of team success through individual growth. This includes technical and professional development courses, and mentorship opportunities to continue your career journey.
• A diverse workplace with an emphasis on work-life balance, employee resource groups, and other exciting opportunities.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in an undergraduate degree program of study in Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics/Astronautics, Aerospace Engineering, or Physics.
• Completed Mechanics of Materials or equivalent class.
• CAD, finite element analysis or prototyping experience is preferred, but not required.
• A GPA 3.5/4.0 or higher.

Pay & Benefits

Compensation for 2026: $25 – $32 per hour (based on year in school).

Eligibility Requirement

• Must be currently enrolled at a college or university that offers a formal co-op program and be eligible to participate in that program.
• Candidates whose schools do not offer a co-op program are not eligible for this position.

Background Investigation & Security Clearance

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

About the Role

The Mechanical Engineering Group provides innovative mechanical solutions for a wide range of advanced technologies. Our work has been in the areas of laser communication, high-energy lasers, telescopes, biomechanical materials, hypersonics, and radars, for systems deployed on ground, maritime, air- and space-borne platforms. We have expertise in precision engineering, opto-mechanisms, electronics packaging, large structures, composite materials, and additive manufacturing. We are the Engineering Division's center for 3D design and data management, and are involved in every step of a program's execution from conceptual design to system integration and test.