{"id":1576647,"url":"https://alion.io/job/spacerake-mechanical-engineering-co-op","title":"Mechanical Engineering Co-op","company":{"id":3791581,"name":"SpaceRake","domain":"spacerake.net","url":"https://alion.io/company/spacerake","size_band":"11-50","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Rippling","truth_index":null},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":null,"employment_type":"internship","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Watertown, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":24,"max":32,"currency":"USD","period":"hour","gross":null,"usd_annual":64000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"C++","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-11T15:25:13Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-11","last_verified_at":"2026-10-12T22:24:15Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":31,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":31},"description":"About SpaceRake, Inc.\nSpaceRake 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.\nWhat we offer\nHourly range for undergraduate students: $24 - $32 per hour based on experience\nHourly range for graduate students: $30 - $45 per hour based on experience \nOn-site, state-of-the-art fitness facility membership\nShuttle access and secure bike storage\nFlexible work schedule\nMentorship with experienced engineers\nDynamic startup work environment where you will work on critical projects\nMechanical/Optomechanical Engineering Co-op Student\nSpaceRake, Inc. is currently looking for a motivated mechanical or optomechanical 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.\nResponsibilities\nAssist engineers in developing and prototyping our laser communications systems\nSupport design iterations on optomechanical assemblies for mobile platforms and ground stations\nGain hands-on experience in rapid prototyping using 3D printing, machining, and standard components\nContribute to CAD modeling and documentation within Onshape\nAssist with optical alignment, assembly, and testing alongside our engineering team\nCollaborate across disciplines to learn how mechanical, optical, electrical, and software components integrate\nSet up and execute environmental and field tests for lasercom systems\nHelp us build a positive and inclusive culture\nRequired Skills and Experiences\nCurrently enrolled in an accredited Bachelor's degree program (minimum Junior or Senior standing) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field\nDemonstrated hands-on experience with engineering projects, student teams, coursework, or lab work building physical prototypes\nProficiency in CAD (Onshape preferred)\nProficiency in 3D printing, machining, and other fabrication methods\nCreative thinker and problem solver with an ability to break down complex problems into simple, implementable solutions\nMultidisciplinary curiosity and a willingness to learn or contribute to optics, electronics, firmware, software, or systems engineering\nHigh-quality verbal and written communication skills\nDue to ITAR/CUI requirements, applicants must be U.S. Persons (U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident)\nNice-to-Haves\nHands-on experience building, aligning, and characterizing free-space optical (FSO) systems, including precision mounting of mirrors, lenses, and lasers\nExperience with Zemax\nExperience with Python, C, C++, or ROS for controlling actuators, sensors, or automated test rigs\nFamiliarity with UAV hardware, gimbal stabilization, or SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) optimization\nPart 107 FAA License","description_format":"text","description_chars":3331,"description_truncated":false,"requirements":{"experience_years_min":null,"management_years_min":null,"team_size_min":null,"manages_managers":false,"education":{"level":"bachelor","optional":false},"security_clearance":false,"languages":[]},"benefits":["Flexible schedule"],"hiring_locations":[],"hiring_excludes":[],"relocation_offered":false,"industries":[],"lifecycle":[{"event":"open","at":"2026-10-01T10:30:57Z"}],"visa":[],"liveness":{"score":51,"band":"ok","label":"Likely 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