Distinguished Astronomical Instrument Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Employee clubs

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a seasoned scientist/engineer with deep expertise in astronomy-related optics, optomechanics, and data analysis.

You will lead hardware instrument programs, design innovative observing instruments, and mentor engineering teams on complex technology development efforts. Ideal candidates will have a proven track record in engineering excellence, proposal development, and external vendor management, with the ability to learn

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required.
• 15+ years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Independently formulate hardware instrument solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
• Lead large, technically diverse Hardware Instrument projects.
• Designs experiments and experimental hardware to prove viable and optimal concepts.
• Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet application needs.
• Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results.

Skills

Verbal & written communication

Instrumentation design & development

Mathematics & physics

Analytical problem solving

Modeling & simulation tools

MATLAB

CAD

FEA software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering / Applied Physics / Electrical or Computer Engineering

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

CAD

FEA software

Job description

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 Summary:

Draper is conducting a nationwide search for a scientist/engineer with background and deep experience in astronomy, optical engineering, optomechanics, or astrophysics and hands‑on technical experience with optics‑based celestial imaging instruments and astronomy‑based data reduction and analysis. The successful applicant can expect to be a part of complex technology development efforts, with important responsibilities including: proposing, capturing, and leading large‑scale astronomical instrumentation projects; conceptualizing, designing, and modeling novel and complex observing instruments; and training, building, and mentoring engineering teams and team members. It expected that a successful candidate will have a proven track record in (a) engineering excellence and achievement, (b) proposal development and business capture, (c) external business and vendor management; (d) technical directorship, and (e) team leadership and mentorship. In addition, the ability to quickly learn on‑the‑job skills is expected.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Independently formulate hardware instrument solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop hardware instrument requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Subject Matter Expert in hardware instrument device development with broad knowledge across related technical disciplines.
• Lead large, technically diverse Hardware Instrument projects
• Designs experiments and experimental hardware to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
• Collaborates with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
• Collaborates with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Drafts and presents formal technical documents, reports, and testing results.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
• Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer‑aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Education Requires

a bachelors degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required; Masters or PhD degree preferred.

Experience Requires

15+ years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description:

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

Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 - $220,000.00. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement's approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

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.

Inclusive Environment

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].

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.