Electrical Engineering Co-op

About SpaceRake, Inc.

SpaceRake is pioneering the development of cutting-edge optical communication hardware, designed to connect platforms of any size and make data more accessible to all. SpaceRake’s optical communications hardware is set to revolutionize data transport, offering high volumes of data transmission with low latency on small platforms across domains from orbit to the ground. We are headquartered in Watertown, MA.

What we offer

• Hourly range for undergraduate students: $24 - $32 per hour based on experience
• Hourly range for graduate students: $30 - $45 per hour based on experience
• On-site, state-of-the-art fitness facility membership
• Shuttle access and secure bike storage
• Flexible work schedule
• Mentorship with experienced engineers
• Dynamic startup work environment where you will work on critical projects

Electrical Engineering Co-op Student

SpaceRake, Inc. is currently looking for a motivated electrical engineering co-op student (minimum Junior or Senior standing) to join our team for a full-time co-op term. Working closely under the mentorship of our experienced engineers, you will support the design, prototyping, and testing of next-generation laser communications hardware. We are looking for an enthusiastic student eager to learn in a highly cross-disciplinary environment and gain hands-on hardware engineering experience.

Responsibilities

• Assist engineers in developing, prototyping, and testing electrical hardware and systems for laser communications
• Support board bring-up, schematic design, and PCB layout for sensor, power, or control circuits
• Gain hands-on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, power supplies, etc.) for electrical testing and troubleshooting
• Perform simulations and analyses to verify the functionality of electrical designs using tools like SPICE or MATLAB
• Assist with the integration of electrical components with firmware/software and optical/mechanical systems
• Collaborate across disciplines to learn how mechanical, optical, electrical, and software components integrate
• Set up and execute testing and validation plans for prototype boards and hardware
• Help us build a positive and inclusive culture

Required Skills and Experiences

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's degree program (minimum Junior or Senior standing) in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with engineering projects, student teams, coursework, or lab work building physical prototypes
• Familiarity with circuit design and schematic entry tools (such as Altium, KiCad, or SPICE)
• Hands-on experience with soldering, circuit debugging, and electronic test equipment
• Creative thinker and problem solver with an ability to break down complex problems into simple, implementable solutions
• Multidisciplinary curiosity and a willingness to learn or contribute to optics, electronics, firmware, software, or systems engineering
• High-quality verbal and written communication skills
• Due to ITAR/CUI requirements, applicants must be U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)

Nice-to-Haves

• Experience with low-level programming or embedded firmware design in C, C++, or Python
• Basic knowledge of control systems (such as PID loops, digital filters) or signal processing
• Familiarity with FPGA development or hardware description languages like SystemVerilog
• Familiarity with UAV hardware, gimbal stabilization, or SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization
• Part 107 FAA License