Lead GNC Research Engineer — Defense R&D

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, Massachusetts, seeks a skilled GNC Research Engineer to design and analyze next-generation weapon system concepts within a multi-disciplinary team. The role focuses on enabling guidance, navigation, and control subsystem technology for national security applications.

Ideal candidates have MS thesis or related R&D experience, strong system thinking, and ability to lead research efforts while communicating results effectively. requires eligibility for government clearance.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Experience in defense/missile applications is preferred.
• Ability to lead research efforts and communicate results.

Responsibilities

• Execute system engineering lifecycle assignments from requirements to deployment.
• Develop content for technical reports and presentations.
• Adapt to changing program priorities and requirements.
• Define and perform engineering analyses and design trades.
• Contribute high quality content for reports with minimal guidance.

Skills

System engineering

Simulation analysis

Modeling

SysML

STPA

GN&C

Avionics architectures

Fault tolerance

Cyber/security

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/math

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SysML

Simulation tools

Modeling tools

Job description

Draper in Cambridge, Massachusetts, seeks a skilled GNC Research Engineer to design and analyze next-generation weapon system concepts within a multi-disciplinary team. The role focuses on enabling guidance, navigation, and control subsystem technology for national security applications.

Ideal candidates have MS thesis or related R&D experience, strong system thinking, and ability to lead research efforts while communicating results effectively. requires eligibility for government clearance.