Principal Systems Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge; On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative research and development firm is seeking a Systems Concepts Engineer to tackle complex challenges in mission engineering and systems integration. This role involves leading teams, developing requirements, and applying advanced simulation techniques to ensure successful project outcomes. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in systems engineering and a passion for collaborative problem-solving. Join a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact national challenges in defense, space exploration, and biomedical engineering. If you're ready to make a difference, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Workplace Flexibility

Employee Clubs

Health and Finance Workshops

Off-site Social Events

Discounts to Local Museums

Qualifications

• 7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Demonstrated strong organization and planning skills.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex problems.
• Lead medium-sized teams and align towards program goals.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Simulation-based Performance Analysis

Oral and Written Communication

Modeling and Simulation

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree or higher

Tools

SysML

STPA

Job description

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary:

The Systems Concepts Engineer (PMTS) is responsible for the elucidation of mission needs, mission engineering, architecture/design trade space exploration for integrated hardware/software systems, simulation-based performance analysis for complex systems and system-of-systems, architecture definition using digital engineering (DE) and/or model-based system engineering (MBSE) frameworks, briefing of results to leadership or government sponsors, and development of research and development (R&D) proposals.

Overview:

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Reliably align team towards program goals and build trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and disciplines.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Actively mentor. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g., SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, communications/encryption, threat modeling, or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master's degree or higher preferred.

Experience

7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Additional Job Description:

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Active Secret Clearance Required

Location:

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139-3563

Work Environment and Benefits:

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off-site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now at www.draper.com/careers.

Inclusivity Statement:

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. We understand the value of inclusivity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail].

Application Process:

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