Front-End Software Co-op - Spring 2026

Front-End Software Engineering Intern/Co-op

Job Summary:

Specter Aerospace is seeking a Front-End Software Engineering Intern/Co-op to help build data pipelines and improve the usability and feature sets of current front-end GUIs as well as build new ones.  You will have the exciting opportunity to break into the aerospace industry and work with cutting edge engine technologies from ideation to flight at Specter. A successful candidate will have prior experience interfacing databases with Python as well as front-end frameworks such as React.

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.

Role & Responsibilities

• Coordinate with test operators to develop new features for existing facility control GUIs


• Participate in design and usability decisions regarding data dashboards and facility HMIs


• Work with propulsion and test engineers in choosing charts and figures to generate and display


• Manage database systems for the PLC to data server pipelines

• Engage with the controls and test engineering teams to coordinate integration of new interfaces


• 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 science, computer engineering, or equivalent


• Previous experience with fundamental coding principles in one or more languages

• Experience with time-based databases (Influx/SCADA) and/or Scheme based databases (SQL)


• Understanding of Python and object-oriented programming

• 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 creation of associated HMIs


• Previous experience with storing, processing, and generally handling large datasets


• Comfortable writing comprehensive documentation regarding internal code development as well as user-facing guides