Research Associate SPRING (January - May) 2026 Engineering Co-op

Now hiring aerospace, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and materials engineering majors for SPRING (January - May) 2026 successful candidates must attend schools that support non-summer work rotations. To apply to this position ALL applicants MUST complete application process via our website at www.CrgDefense.com/careers/ AND Handshake. Posting is open September 2-21, 2025, to accept applications.

Be part of something different

• Hands-on applied research & development
• Collaborative
• Multi-disciplinary engineering in multiple technology areas
• Entrepreneurial mindset
• Working in a fast-paced, creative, team-oriented environment.

CRG Defense is an Aerospace and Defense company located in Dayton, Ohio. Our multidisciplinary team has successfully tackled our customers’ most challenging problems with discipline, creativity and flexibility. This has resulted in CRG Defense being recognized as a leader in innovation, in technology commercialization, and in providing a work environment that is deeply rewarding. To learn more about us, please visit: www.CrgDefense.com.

When you join our dynamic and rapidly-growing organization, you will collaborate closely within our multi-disciplinary team of Engineers and Scientists to rapidly develop and demonstrate innovation across a broad range of technology areas, including our core business areas:

Aerospace Systems

quiet electric propulsion; electric aircraft systems; design-build-fly prototypes

Power and Energy

portable power systems; power conversion, management, and distribution; battery technology; vehicle electrification

Advanced Materials and Manufacturing

composite design and fabrication; high temperature material and process development

Medical & Sensor Technology

health & wellness products; patient care; wearables; environment monitoring and protection

CRG Defense's corporate culture creates a climate of “accelerated experience” for its Research Associates (engineering co-ops). Research Associates work alongside full-time professional staff in a hands-on laboratory environment on Government projects. This accelerated work experience gives college students graduate-level challenges and real-world work experience while undergraduates.

OUR VALUES

Our employees are our most important assets. Our team mentality is key to our success. We value:

-Honesty and Integrity

-Respect and Dedication

-Innovation and Collaboration

-Humility, Agility and Will

We run fast but value work-life balance and flexibility. Our entrepreneurial / intrapreneurial mindset fosters our growth.

Experience a CRG Defense co-op/internship:

• Innovative, entrepreneurial corporate culture
• Hands-on experience
• Team-oriented atmosphere
• Freedom to create and take risks
• Competitive pay

What to expect as a CRG Defense co-op/intern:

• Fast-paced work environment
• Responsibilities normally assigned to college graduates
• Challenges to solve on a regular basis
• Mentoring from professional staff
• Essential career skill development

Successful CRG Defense co-op/interns exhibit:

• Self-motivation with a team-oriented mentality
• Creativity and enthusiasm
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills
• Ability to apply knowledge base to support development efforts in a broad range of technology areas
• Willingness and ability to quickly develop basic understanding in new technology areas to support customer needs

• Exclusive US citizenship is required
• Able to work Monday-Friday, 40 hours/per week
• Enrollment in a qualified engineering program for the duration of this Co-Op is required
• 40 hours/week co-op positions in a hands-on research laboratory environment (no remote work)
• No summer-only internships; successful candidates must attend schools that support non-summer work rotations

• Casual, flexible work environment
• Fun company events

Salary Range: $23-$29 per hour depending on experience

CRG Defense is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.