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
