Embedded Software Engineer

Socket.dev; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work‑life balance

Employee clubs

Offsite events

Discounts to local activities

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA seeks a Software Engineer 2 to develop high performance, next‑generation software for resource constrained targets. You will work across embedded systems, ARM processors, RTOS, and embedded Linux, contributing from design through deployment.

Role emphasizes embedded development, hardware interfaces, CI with Docker, and system testing. Requires 3–5 years in software engineering and a bachelor’s in CS/CE/EE; on-site work with security clearance.

Qualifications

• Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
• 3–5 years of software engineering experience or related.
• Must be eligible for government security clearance; on-site work required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements and proposes solutions with some guidance.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to verify requirements.

Skills

Embedded software

ARM processors

C/C++

RTOS

Embedded Linux

Driver development

CAN I2C SPI

CI with Docker

JTAG debugging

UML SysML

Education

Bachelor's degree in CS/CE/EE

Tools

Docker

JTAG debuggers

Lab equipment

Makefiles

Oscilloscopes

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 Software Engineer 2 develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. Develops next-generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. The Engineer is involved in the full software development life cycle. As a part of the Software Engineering Team, developers will build out software solutions and see a project through from the design and requirements stage all the way to testing and deployment in the field. We seek applicants who are experienced in the areas:

• Embedded software development on ARM processors, low power microcontrollers, C/C++, RTOS, and embedded Linux
• Hardware interfaces and driver development
• Communication protocols such as CAN, I2C, SPI, Serial, USB, Bluetooth Low Energy, TCP/IP and Wi‑Fi
• C#, Java or Android development experience is an added plus
• Continuous Integration utilizing Docker, unit testing framework, system testing framework and static analysis tools
• Compilers, make files, linker scripts, in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and oscilloscopes

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design with some guidance
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables
• Contributes to the system design based on demonstrated expertise and applicable experience
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program requirement
• Identifies challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets
• Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems
• Expertise in software development for real‑time systems
• Mastery of high level development languages (e.g. C/C++, Rust)
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Experience with UML/SysML
• Experience with in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience

Requires 3-5 years experience in Software Engineering or related.

Additional Requirements

Applicant selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred. Classified work will be performed exclusively onsite.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139-3563

Compensation

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 - $150,000.00. 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.

Other Information

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].