PLC/Software Controls Co-op - Fall 2026

PLC/Software Controls Co-op

Job Summary:

Specter Aerospace is seeking a PLC/Software Controls Co-op (4-6+ month cycle) to be a primary contributor to the development of various systems within the Specter engine test facility. This position will take direct ownership of the design and test of critical systems required for the development of hypersonic flight vehicles. You will be a part of a rapidly growing team and will have the opportunity to experience many areas across the controls engineering discipline.

About Specter Aerospace:

Specter Aerospace is building the next generation of hypersonic vehicles for defense and commercial applications. Specter is headquartered in Peabody, MA, just north of Boston, where it leverages its advanced propulsion technologies, manufacturing, and testing capabilities to rapidly develop supersonic and hypersonic systems. Funded by a mix of government R&D organizations, commercial customers, and private funding, Specter is a growing aerospace and defense startup. Close relationships with MIT, Notre Dame, AFRL, NRL, ANL, and other research organizations provide access to cutting-edge developments, facilities, and personnel. Specter is expanding its team in preparation for flight testing and full-scale production.

At Specter Aerospace we can offer a wide diversity of work tasks, projects, and technical exposure, all the while granting the Northeastern co-ops the same resources, responsibilities, and level of project ownership as our full-time staff members. Our co-ops work closely with experienced engineers and scientists and complete projects that are critical to the mission of the company. We also strive to produce an innovative and inclusive staff culture that helps all our employees grow their technical depth and professional careers. We look forward to working with you!

Role & Responsibilities

Develop and test software for facility control systems using the Beckhoff PLC ecosystem

Design and build electrical control panels to facilitate implementation of new sensing and control capabilities within the engine testing facility

Contribute to the integration of custom HMI software for test engineers using the facility to configure parameters, execute testing, and record data

Develop testing protocols to conduct shakedowns, debug, and validate control system designs

Participate in technical meetings, engage in technical discussions, and contribute perspectives

Job Requirements

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or computer science

Previous experience with fundamental coding principles in one or more languages

Experience with debugging and wiring COTs embedded hardware such as a PLC, Arduino, or Raspberry PI

Previous hands-on experience in a technical shop, lab, or a student organization

Collaborative spirit, comfort with project autonomy and self-management amidst changing requirements

Comfort with project autonomy and fast-paced work environments

Strong collaborative skills and a drive to produce quality work

Ability to obtain a DoD security clearance (U.S. Citizenship required)

Desired Skills

Previous professional OR student team leadership experience relevant to the requirements for this position

Experience with PLC development and coding using state machine structures

Knowledge of data scripting languages such as MATLAB or Python

Familiarity with mechanical CAD software such as SolidWorks

Previous work with microcontrollers, e.g. Arduino, and/or FPGAs; ability to write code in an IDE

Previous experience with lab equipment, such as function generators and scopes, and soldering tools