Embedded Software Co-Op - Spring 2027

Role Summary 

Specter Aerospace is seeking an Embedded Software Co-op (4-6+ month cycle) to contribute to the development, integration, and testing of embedded software for hypersonic flight vehicles. This role offers hands-on experience across the embedded software development lifecycle, including requirements development, software design, implementation, hardware integration, debugging, and testing. A successful candidate will work closely with electrical, embedded software, GNC, mechanical, and test engineers to develop systems that support Specter’s experimental and flight vehicle programs. 

About Specter Aerospace 

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for U.S. Forces and Allies. With offices in Boston and Peabody, MA, Specter leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Our Embedded Software Co-op will be based in our Boston (Seaport) office. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations and private funding, Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

Specter offers a wide diversity of tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all while providing co-ops with the same resources and project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists to complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company. 

Role Responsibilities 

• Develop, integrate, and test embedded software for avionics systems, vehicle controllers, and ground-support equipment. 

• Apply software engineering fundamentals to design reliable and maintainable embedded systems. 

• Interface with electrical, embedded software, GNC, mechanical, and test engineering teams to refine requirements and define technical scope. 

• Implement software for ARM-based microcontrollers and other embedded computing platforms. 

• Support software integration with electrical hardware, sensors, actuators, communications systems, and other vehicle components. 

• Develop test plans and procedures for software shakedown, debugging, characterization, and verification. 

• Use laboratory equipment and software tools to diagnose hardware and software integration issues. 

• Interpret system requirements, interface definitions, and existing software documentation as systems evolve. 

• Participate in code reviews, technical meetings, design reviews, and cross-functional discussions. 

• Take ownership of assigned projects from initial concept through testing and documentation. 

Required Qualifications 

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. 

• Familiarity with software engineering fundamentals and object-oriented programming. 

• Experience programming in C, C++, or a similar embedded systems language. 

• Experience developing or deploying software on ARM-based microcontrollers or comparable embedded platforms. 

• Familiarity with embedded systems, hardware interfaces, or basic electrical schematics. 

• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, changing environment. 

• Strong communication and collaboration skills, with a commitment to producing high-quality work. 

• Eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required. 

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Previous applicable professional, research, or student-team experience. 

• Familiarity with Python, MATLAB, Rust, or other scripting or programming languages. 

• Experience with real-time operating systems. 

• Experience with embedded communication protocols such as CAN, UART, SPI, I²C, Ethernet, or similar. 

• Experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, function generators, or power supplies. 

• Experience with software-in-the-loop, hardware-in-the-loop, or automated testing. 

• Familiarity with FPGA-based systems or multicore embedded processors. 

• Experience with version-control systems such as Git. 

• Familiarity with embedded Linux or other operating systems used in engineering systems. 

EEO Statement  

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.