Navigation & Tracking Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Employee clubs and cultural activitys

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Navigation and Tracking Engineer to develop software for space and defense systems. You will design and deploy advanced navigation and tracking algorithms for operation in underwater, ground, air, and space environments, collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include evaluating requirements, designing and testing real-time embedded software, and communicating results to customers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace or electrical engineering or related field; masters/PhD preferred.
• 3–5 years of software engineering or related experience.
• Proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and C/C++.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with clear communication.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC).
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• 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.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe design and deliverables.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Written and verbal communication

GNC technology knowledge

Real-time software development tools

Control systems theory

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace or Electrical Eng

Masters or PhD preferred

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

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 Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops software for cutting-edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced Navigation and Tracking algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.

Duties/Responsibilities

Job Description:

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• 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 content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Independently contributes high quality content for technical reports and presentations which shows an understanding of their task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real-time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real-time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
• Participates in tag-ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task-level or component-level requirements from system requirements.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is

$75,000.00 - $156,000.00

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 does not include bonuses or 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.

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].