Optical Instrument Engineer

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper is seeking an Optical Instrument Engineer in Cambridge, MA. In this role, you will lead the development of Electro-Mechanical inertial instruments for advanced guidance applications. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or similar fields, along with over 15 years of relevant experience. Responsibilities include formulating instrument solutions, leading diverse projects, and collaborating on hardware design. A government security clearance is required. Salary range is $62,500 – $250,000, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related fields.
• Requires a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Independently formulate hardware instrument solutions.
• Help customers shape needs for hardware instrument requirements.
• Lead large, technically diverse Hardware Instrument projects.
• Design experiments and experimental hardware.
• Collaborate with engineers on prototype and production hardware.
• Draft and present formal technical documents.

Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Understanding of design and application of instruments

Understanding of fabrication processes for precision hardware

Applied math and physics knowledge

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficient with MATLAB and CAD software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Master’s or PhD preferred

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

As an Optical Instrument Engineer in the Electro‑Mechanical Instruments Group, you will play a leadership role in the development of Electro‑Mechanical inertial instruments for cutting‑edge guidance applications. You will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to build next‑generation gyroscope, accelerometer, and guidance‑aiding sensor prototypes, characterize their performance, develop production roll‑out, and ultimately deliver production‑hardened sensors meeting some of the world’s most stringent requirements. You will also be a key leader in the development of our junior engineering staff as a mentor and technical leader in a fast‑paced, technically challenging environment.

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.
• Act as a subject matter expert in hardware instrument device development with broad knowledge across related technical disciplines.
• Lead large, technically diverse Hardware Instrument projects.
• Design experiments and experimental hardware to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
• Collaborate with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
• Collaborate with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results.
• Perform 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, CAD software, FEA software, and other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; master’s or PhD preferred.

Experience

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

Security Clearance

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary

US base salary range: $62,500.00 – $250,000.00.

EEO Statement

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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].