{"id":3471562,"url":"https://alion.io/job/diffraqtion-mechanical-engineering-co-op","title":"Mechanical Engineering Co-op","company":{"id":4391199,"name":"Diffraqtion","domain":"diffraqtion.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/diffraqtion","size_band":"1-10","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Kula","truth_index":null},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Somerville, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":73000,"max_usd":172000,"period":"year","method":"role_country_seniority_unknown","sample_n":15150},"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Edge AI","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"SolidWorks","optional":false}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-10-28T17:17:16Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-10-28","last_verified_at":"2026-11-01T14:17:43Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":3,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":3},"description":"Company\nDiffraqtion is developing the Quantum Vision System, a device that replaces a conventional camera and edge AI processor by computing at the speed of light. We are a small team founded by MIT and Harvard scientists with deep roots in AI, optics, and quantum sensing, and backed by DARPA, NASA, and leading venture investors. We are delivering orders-of-magnitude improvements in visual sensing, processing speed, and energy efficiency for machines and satellites that need to see and think at the edge.\nAbout This Role\nWe are hiring a Mechanical Engineering Co-op to help build and test the opto-mechanical hardware that integrates with ground-based and space-based camera systems. Working under our Senior Mechanical Engineer, you will design fixtures and mounts, assembly and align hardware, and run thermal and vibration tests on real program hardware. This is a lab-heavy role. We are looking for someone who is hands-on and loves building, developing, and testing things at the bench and in the shop.\nDuration: 6 months, full-time and on-site in Somerville, MA.\nNOTE: This position requires access to technical data subject to U.S. export control laws, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Applicants who are not U.S. persons may need an export license or other U.S. government authorization before receiving that access.\nResponsibilities\nAssemble, align, and integrate opto-mechanical hardware in the lab, including handling precision optics.\n\nDesign and fabricate mounts and test fixtures in CAD, using 3D printing, the machine shop, and outside vendors.\n\nSet up and run lab tests and collect and analyze the data.\n\nTroubleshoot and improve test setups and hardware as issues come up.\n\nDocument results and present findings to the team.\n\nQualification\nPursuing a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field (minimum 3.5 GPA).\n\nSignificant hands-on build experience with design teams, research labs, internships, or personal projects (e.g., rocketry, robotics, Formula SAE).\n\nProficiency in SolidWorks (or similar CAD) and MATLAB or Python.\n\nComfort in a machine shop and lab, with careful, safety-conscious habits.\n\nExposure to optics, controls, or space hardware (preferred).\n\nWhat You'll Gain\nDay-to-day mentorship from our world class engineering team and founding team.\n\nHands-on work on hardware headed to telescopes and space.\n\nOpportunity to be considered for future co-op terms or full-time roles.\n\nEqual Opportunity Employer:\nDiffraqtion is committed to fostering an inclusive and meritocratic workplace. We provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Diffraqtion is committed to equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process may contact .\nIt is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. 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