Distinguished Systems Engineer for Embedded Microsystems Architecture and Design

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 275,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper, an independent nonprofit R&D organization in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Principal Systems Engineer to design and manage the requirements, architecture, and interface documentation for embedded microsystems. You will lead large cross-functional teams and advance secure, miniaturized electronics across defense and space domains.

The role emphasizes lifecycle system engineering, modeling (SysML), and collaboration with cryptography and security teams, with opportunities to influence broadly

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or math required.
• 10–15+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Experience with security technologies in cyber-physical systems and government standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary teams (>10 people) toward program goals.
• Develop requirements, architecture, and system specifications for mission-domain systems.
• Mentor and foster collaboration across functions to deliver solutions.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies across programs.
• Prepare System Security documentation per Government requirements.

Skills

Systems Engineering

Team Leadership

Oral & Written Communication

SysML Modeling

Cyber/Security

FPGA/ASIC

Key Management / Crypto

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/math

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SysML tools

FPGA/ASIC design

Real-time 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:The Embedded Microsystems and Sensors Group at Draper is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and manage requirements, architecture, interface documentation, and system specifications for systems in mission domains such as: embedded secure communications, advanced electronics miniaturization, edge processing and computing, trustworthy secure platforms, and autonomous air/sea vehicles.This role will involve working across a multi-disciplinary team (including external and internal stakeholders) innovating new microelectronics system solutions over the full system development lifecycle.The group has multidisciplinary proficiencies in secure systems architecture, hardware security and resilience, software security and resilience, system validation and accreditation, sensor development and validation, and cryptography.Job Description:Duties/Responsibilities• Independently drive solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.• Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams (greater than 10 people). Aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.• Contributes to advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field• Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas to help sustain business growth.• Identifies risks common among multiple programs/technology areas/etc. and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.• Works to improve operations at the enterprise level. Identifies areas for improvement within the organization and uses positive collaboration practices to achieve change.• Actively mentors and seeks opportunities to build depth for their area of expertise. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and gives 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, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.EducationBachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.Experience10-15+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.Additional Job Description:A successful candidate will be motivated to build deeper expertise in both the core mission domains and underlying microsystems technology. This position will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies (including inertial sensors, imagers, precision electronics, and advanced algorithms) as well as provide growth opportunities in the development of capabilities to address challenges in national security. Additionally, a successful candidate will be able to seamlessly join project teams that collaborate by sharing thoughts and opinions of individuals from a diverse set of experience and viewpoints in order to create the best possible technical solution.Experience maintaining traceability between requirements and system architecture & design work productsTechnical depth in fields relevant to electronics development, embedded systems, embedded software, or packaging miniaturization such as:Possess a broad understanding of microprocessors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and real-time software & firmware needed to enable solutions.Have experience with serial digital data interfaces (e.g. SPI, RS422, Ethernet) used to interconnect distributed and modular avionics.Understand power electronics, A/D, D/A, clock and timing electronics that support and interface with the digital electronics.Be able to work with thermal analysis and reliability experts in developing solutions.Expertise in full life-cycle systems engineering (architecture, design, development, integration, approval, and deployment) of security technologies and components within cyber-physical systems and systems-of-systemsStrong presentation skills and the ability to articulate complex technical ideas to both internal and external stakeholdersStrong set of interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience of fostering a culture of inclusion in the workplaceExperience in the development of System Security documentation per Government requirementsExperience planning and leading Systems Engineering Technical ReviewsExperience working with modern data bus / electrical interfaces for flight/space systemsExperience in writing innovative R&D proposals to commercial and government sponsorsAn understanding of the fundamentals of cryptographic key management, public key infrastructure, and NSA’s Key Management Infrastructure, and the applications of cryptologyBe familiar with the unique aspects of space avionics: environmental testing (MIL-STD-810), radiation hardening, and EMI/EMC considerations (MIL-STD-461).Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.Secret Clearance is preferred.Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.Job Location - City:CambridgeJob Location - State:MassachusettsJob Location - Postal Code:02139-3563The US base salary range for this full-time position is$100,000.00 - $275,000.00Our 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.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 www.draper.com/careers.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].