Propulsion Engineer Intern (3-4 mths)

Propulsion Engineering Internship - Fall 2025

Job Description:

This posting is for a 3-4 mth Internship (All candidates must have a secret clearance)

·       Work in a rapidly growing startup company developing plasma-assisted combustion technologies for system-wide integration in vehicles using advanced propulsion systems

·       Take ownership of projects in parts and systems design, analysis, and manufacturing

·       Design mechanical engineering hardware, conduct structural and thermal analysis, rapidly iterate designs

·       Assist in custom mechanical hardware fabrication and testing.

·       Take active role in planning, preparing, executing, and troubleshooting experiments in a state-of-the-art combustion testing facility

·       Contribute to the development of plasma-based technologies for improved combustion in scramjets

·       Participate in technical meetings, engage in technical discussions, and contribute perspectives

·       Actively participate in bringing the company closer to its goal of achieving hypersonic flight with plasma assisted combustion technology

Job Requirements:

For this position, it is required that applicants have:

·       U.S. Citizenship

·       Must have a secret clearance

·       Majoring in an engineering/sciences field. Interest in propulsion, combustion, plasmas, and aerospace

·       Technical Requirements

o   CAD experience, Solidworks strongly preferred

o   MATLAB or Python scripting experience for creating analysis tools

o   Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization

·       Soft-Skill Requirements

o   Comfort with project autonomy, uncertainty, and fast-paced work environment

o   Strong collaborative spirit, working well with team members in addition to other companies, laboratories, and universities

o   Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization

·       Willingness to work on both venture and defense funded projects

Desired Skills:

For this position, it is desired that applicants have:

·       Hardware design experience for fluid systems

·       Prior experience with fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, gas dynamics, combustion, and/or plasma sciences

·       Prior experience with experimental design, diagnostics, and post-processing

·       CAM, Design for manufacture and Design for additive manufacture experience

·       Machining and additive manufacturing experience

·       LabView data acquisition, sensors, and controls experience

·       Background in numerical methods/FEA/CFD

 About Specter Aero:

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

At Specter Aerospace we can offer a wide diversity of work tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all the while granting the interns the same resources, responsibilities, and level of project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our interns work closely with experienced engineers and scientists and complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company. We also strive to produce an innovative and inclusive staff culture that helps all our employees grow their technical depth and professional careers. We look forward to working with you!

More About Specter Aero:

·       https://specteraerospace.com/

·       https://www.linkedin.com/company/specteraerospace/mycompany/

·       https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/specter-aerospace-reveals-plasma-ignited-hypersonic-missile

·       https://www.kairosventures.com/specter-aerospace/

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.