Flight Computer Software-in-the-Loop Simulation Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs (photography, yoga)

Health and finance workshops

Discounts to local museums and cultural activities

Job summary

Draper Labs in Cambridge, MA, is looking for a Flight Computer Software-in-the-Loop Simulation Engineer to design and develop dynamic models and computing infrastructure for flight computers and aerospace vehicles. With a focus on collaboration, this position requires strong skills in dynamic modeling, analytical methods, and software development.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field, with 5-7 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in C/C++, MATLAB, Linux bash scripting, and Docker. The salary range for this role is between $82,300 and $220,000.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of Systems Engineering or related experience.
• Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting.
• Significant experience with C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink.

Responsibilities

• Model operational environments and recommend alternative architectures.
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks.
• Architect, integrate, verify, and validate components of a simulation.
• Develop simulation requirements and automate test plans.
• Integrate legacy software models and develop real-time hardware interfaces.
• Integrate 3D visualization tools into software framework.

Skills

Dynamic modeling in Matlab and Simulink

Linux bash scripting

Container orchestration

Python software development

Analytical methods

Data visualization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field

Master’s degree

Tools

C/C++ programming

MATLAB

Docker

Kubernetes

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.

Job Description Summary

A Flight Computer Software-in-the-Loop Simulation Engineer designs, develops and refines dynamic models, simulations and computing infrastructure for rapid assessment, integration, and test of new flight computers and aerospace vehicles. Simulation applications range from high-level vehicle simulations to software unit testing.

The ideal applicant will have knowledge of dynamic modeling in Matlab and Simulink as well as high performance computing experience including Linux bash scripting and container orchestration. Python software development experience is needed as well.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Model operational environments, perform studies via computer simulation and recommend alternative architectures.
• Perform modeling, simulation, and analysis tasks to assess system survivability, system effectiveness, and overall system performance in engagement/mission‑level scenarios.
• Architect, integrate, verify, and validate components of a simulation in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.
• Develop simulation requirements, writing and automating test plans.
• Develop real‑time hardware interfaces and integrate legacy software models.
• Develop new software models with subject matter experts.
• Integrate 3D visualization tools, develop and maintain an in‑house real‑time software framework.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills / Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Experience with analytical methods, approaches, and data visualization.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to quickly understand and integrate new software APIs.
• Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software and hardware integration issues.
• Ability to develop systems with human factors, UI/UX, usability requirements.
• Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• 5–7 years of Systems Engineering or related experience.
• Professional software development experience in a multi‑disciplinary, team setting.
• Significant experience with C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink.

Additional Qualifications

• Experience with Real Time operating systems is a plus.
• Experience with the Linux operating system, including bash scripting, operating system administration.
• Experience with Docker, Kubernetes, containerization and virtualization.
• Ability to develop test plans, software development plans, and document test results.

Security Clearance

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

Current In‑Scope Top Secret Clearance Required.

Location

Onsite in Cambridge, MA only.

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $220,000.00.

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.

EEO 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].