Distinguished Systems Engineer for Embedded Microsystems Architecture and Design

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

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Health and finance workshops

Employee clubs and social events

Job summary

Draper Labs, located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and manage specifications for systems in advanced electronics and secure communications. This position demands experienced leadership in multidisciplinary settings and a deep understanding of systems engineering principles.

With 10-15+ years of relevant experience, candidates will collaborate across teams, driving solutions in national security projects with a focus on innovation and efficiency. Competitive salary based on experience, location, and education offered.

Qualifications

• 10-15+ years experience as a systems engineer or related role.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex multidisciplinary problems.
• Experience planning and leading Systems Engineering Technical Reviews.

Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex multidisciplinary problems.
• Lead large multidisciplinary teams toward program goals.
• Mentor and provide constructive feedback to team members.

Skills

Systems engineering process

Strong oral and written communication skills

Simulation-based performance analysis

Modeling and simulation proficiency

Knowledge in avionics architectures

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or a related field

Master's degree or higher preferred

Tools

SysML

Embedded systems

FPGAs and ASICs knowledge

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 and Responsibilities

• Independently drive solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
• Help customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Lead large multidisciplinary teams (greater than 10 people), aligning them toward program goals and building trust within the team.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in systems engineering.
• Contribute to advancing state of the art (SOA) solutions and techniques in the field.
• Analyze Draper's strategy and collaborate with management to build capability in key areas to sustain business growth.
• Identify risks common among multiple programs or technology areas and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Improve operations at the enterprise level by identifying areas for improvement and using positive collaboration practices to achieve change.
• Mentor and build depth for the expertise area, recognizing strengths and weaknesses in others and giving thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Highly organized and 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.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g., SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools may be required as defined in the summary.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, communications/encryption, threat modeling, or other technologies may be required.

Education

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

Experience

10-15+ years experience as a 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) and 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 to create the best possible technical solution.

• Experience maintaining traceability between requirements and system architecture & design work products.
• Technical depth in fields relevant to electronics development, embedded systems, embedded software, or packaging miniaturization such as:
  • Broad understanding of microprocessors, Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), and real‑time software & firmware needed to enable solutions.
  • Experience with serial digital data interfaces (e.g., SPI, RS422, Ethernet) used to interconnect distributed and modular avionics.
  • Understanding of power electronics, A/D, D/A, clock and timing electronics that support and interface with the digital electronics.
• Ability 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 systems.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to articulate complex technical ideas to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience fostering a culture of inclusion in the workplace.
• Experience in the development of System Security documentation per Government requirements.
• Experience planning and leading Systems Engineering Technical Reviews.
• Experience working with modern data bus/electrical interfaces for flight/space systems.
• Experience writing innovative R&D proposals to commercial and government sponsors.
• Understanding of the fundamentals of cryptographic key management, public key infrastructure, and NSA's Key Management Infrastructure, and their applications.
• Familiarity 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.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $100,000.00 - $275,000.00. 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 do not include bonuses or benefits.

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. 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.

Equal Opportunity 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].