Principal Digital Signal Processing System Engineer

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health workshops

Off-site social events

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Principal Signal Processing System Engineer to tackle mission‑critical challenges with customers and program managers, including hands‑on prototype development, software or firmware coding, testing, and field demonstrations. The role requires post‑graduate level analysis, strong judgement, and leadership to guide cross‑functional teams and strategic initiatives.

The position offers opportunities to influence business development, IR&D strategy, and mentoring

Qualifications

• Requires 10+ years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering.
• Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering; advanced degree preferred.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Designs RF and Communications systems.
• Manages complex engineering projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Leads cross-functional teams and supports business development.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex RF systems.

Skills

RF systems

Electrical engineering

RF software tools

RF instrumentation

Problem solving

Communication skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree preferred

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

As Principal Signal Processing System Engineer you will work directly with customers and program managers to create innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions, for a broad range of highly-complicated mission needs. You will perform highly-competent analysis of the core system at a post-graduate level, consistently exhibiting good judgement for which problems must be solved, and which may be delegated or deferred. You will have hands‑on engagement with prototype development, which may include software or firmware coding, test equipment operation and programming, integration and validation, and field tests and customer demonstrations. As a leader in the signal processing organization your advice will be sought for business development, IR&D strategy, hiring strategy and execution, and university engagements. Due to the nature of our customers’ missions, this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently-renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories. Typical candidates have ten years of relevant experience beyond the doctorate, or 15 years of relevant experience post masters degree. Aligned with our goal of developing long-term relationships with key staff, we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry.

Job Description

Duties / Responsibilities

• Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Manages complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF and Communications systems.
• Independently drives solutions to complex problems—develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capabilities in key areas to help sustain business growth.
• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Focuses on advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field.
• Contributes to capability expansion, talent acquisition and mentoring graduate students.
• Assembles and delivers customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work.
• Able to provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Ability to lead cross functional teams.
• Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills / Abilities

• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamental of electrical engineering.
• Skills with RF and Communications software tools.
• Hands on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.
• Strong problem solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willing to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Education

Requires bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 10+ years experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location

City: Cambridge
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 - $245,000.00. 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity & Inclusive Environment

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]. We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.