Mechanical Engineering Co-op

Design, Build, and Test Advanced Hardware Systems

Location: Hauppauge, NY (In-Person)

Type: Spring Semester Co-op

Duration: January–May 2027

Compensation: $25.00/hr

We Are Looking for Builders — Not Just Engineers!

This opportunity is for college students pursuing engineering degrees who want to work at the intersection of mechanical design, hardware development, prototyping, and advanced technology systems.

If you want to design mechanical components, develop hardware assemblies, build prototypes, or understand how mechanical systems integrate with electronics and real-world computing platforms, this role is designed for you.

You will work directly with engineers and technical architects helping develop advanced technologies for defense and aerospace platforms, and related capabilities for environments where performance, reliability, security, and deployment constraints matter.

You will create and evaluate mechanical designs, develop 3D CAD models, support prototype fabrication and assembly, and help validate hardware systems for real-world deployment.

This is mechanical engineering with real-world stakes.

You Will Be Responsible For

• Developing and improving mechanical designs for hardware components, assemblies, and embedded systems applications.
• Creating and modifying 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Supporting the design and development of mechanical enclosures, mounting systems, and hardware packaging.
• Building prototypes and assisting with mechanical assembly, fabrication, and testing.
• Evaluating materials, manufacturing methods, tolerances, and mechanical design tradeoffs.
• Identifying and troubleshooting issues involving mechanical integration, structural performance, thermal management, or manufacturing constraints.
• Supporting mechanical system design for devices and infrastructure that must operate with reliability, performance, and durability.
• Assisting with mechanical testing, design validation, and performance evaluation.
• Collaborating with electrical, embedded systems, and hardware engineers on multidisciplinary product development and system integration.
• Documenting technical findings, test results, design modifications, and engineering improvements.

You Will Gain Hands-On Exposure To

• Mechanical design and 3D CAD modeling.
• Hardware development, prototyping, and mechanical assembly.
• Design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Mechanical integration with electronics, embedded systems, and processing hardware.
• Materials selection, engineering drawings, and dimensional tolerances.
• Rapid prototyping, 3D printing, machining, and fabrication techniques.
• Thermal management, structural considerations, and hardware packaging.
• Mechanical testing, validation workflows, and design optimization.
• Product development from initial concept through implementation.
• Startup-style execution, collaboration, and ownership.

You will work directly with experienced engineers who will provide technical guidance, mentorship, and opportunities to contribute to real-world engineering projects.

You will see firsthand how mechanical systems move from concept to design, prototyping, testing, and implementation.

You'll help turn engineering requirements into practical mechanical designs and technical tradeoffs while contributing to technologies that work in demanding real-world environments.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360, or similar engineering design tools.
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including mechanics, materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical design principles.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and mechanical assembly documentation.
• Familiarity with mechanical components, assemblies, tolerances, and basic design considerations.
• Interest in hands-on prototyping, fabrication, mechanical testing, and hardware development.
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to read technical documentation, component specifications, and engineering reference materials.
• Comfortable working on ambiguous technical problems and learning new tools, manufacturing methods, and engineering concepts quickly.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, especially when explaining technical findings, design tradeoffs, or implementation details.
• Availability to work in person in Hauppauge, NY during the Spring 2027 semester.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on mechanical design experience through coursework, internships, research, senior design, engineering clubs, or personal projects.
• Experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, fabrication, or rapid prototypin