Navigation and Advanced Sensing Research Engineer

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

Job summary

Draper is looking for a Systems Analysis Engineer 2 to develop advanced Digital Engineering capabilities. The role involves working on complex systems across various defense and aerospace sectors, ensuring collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field and 3–5 years of experience in systems analysis. The position offers a salary range from $75,000 to $156,000, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years experience in systems analysis or related.
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.
• Strong presentation and organization skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply advanced Digital Engineering capabilities.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.

Skills

Excellent mathematical skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to collaborate within a multidisciplinary team

Knowledge of Model Based Systems Engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MBSE tools such as SysML

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

Java

Job description

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 Systems Analysis Engineer 2 develops and applies advanced Digital Engineering capabilities for the analysis of complex systems in domains such as strategic deterrence, missile defense, hypersonics, space, precision guided munitions, autonomous air/sea vehicles, and biotechnology. Our multi‑disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle from trade studies, to concept and architecture design, to integration, to testing and operation.

Responsibilities

• Independent and collaborative engineering development
• Flexibility to adapt to changes in program priorities
• Adhering to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Work within multi‑disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction
• Lead small teams (few than five people) and align team towards program goals.
• Provide insight and suggestions for design modifications and program execution based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• 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 become knowledgeable in various problem domains, identify relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi‑domain qualitative models.
• Ability to present results that support system‑level analysis, performance trade‑offs, and decision‑making is critical, thus communications and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must.
• Flexibility to multi‑task and adapt to evolving priorities.
• Knowledge and interest in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Model based Systems Engineering (MBSE), Trade Space Exploration (TSE), Machine Learning and Data Science.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience

• Requires 3–5 years experience in systems analysis or related.
• Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.

Additional Job Description

Required:

• Demonstrated prior performance both academically and professionally
• Strong presentation skills
• Strong organization and resource tracking skills
• Bootstrapping, developing, and learning new skills independently
• Familiarity and interest in GPS hardware and software development
• Familiarity with Kalman filtering or other modern estimation methods
• Familiarity with requirements development and systems analysis
• Familiarity with modeling and simulation frameworks, Python/C++/Java, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), Matlab, and/or other engineering analysis tools

Desired:

• Hardware and software in the loop testing
• Prior experience with GPS/INS integrated systems
• Navigation algorithm development
• Covariance/accuracy analysis

Preferred:

• Curiosity and a genuine interest in developing familiarity with project needs, both programmatic and technical
• Willingness to learn, ask questions, and seek guidance
• Collaboration both in person and remotely (e.g. Teams, Git, Confluence, etc.)
• Ability to verbalize thought process and accept input
• Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering
• Values the dedicated workspace and atmosphere of an in‑person development environment

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 – $156,000.00.

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].