Principal hardware design engineer

Draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper, a leading R&D innovation company in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Principal Hardware Design Engineer. This role focuses on developing high-reliability optomechanical systems for extreme environments. The engineer will collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to tackle complex problems, contributing significantly to critical applications in military defense and biomedical engineering. Applicants should hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and possess 10-15 years of relevant experience.

Benefits

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs (e.g., photography, yoga)

Health and finance workshops

Discounts to local museums and cultural activities

Qualifications

• Requires 10-15 years of experience in mechanical design.
• Bachelor's degree required, Master's preferred.
• Expertise in optomechanical design crucial.

Responsibilities

• Perform mechanical design concept exploration and testing.
• Drive solutions to complex problems and develop requirements.
• Identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

CAD software

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

Draper is seeking a highly experienced Principal Hardware Design Engineer to support the design and development of high-reliability optomechanical systems for use in extreme environments, including high-G, vibration, and wide temperature ranges.

This role is focused on hands-on technical work, with a particular emphasis on strategic-grade hardware. You’ll apply deep expertise in optomechanical design to develop creative solutions to complex problems, define system requirements, and support the full engineering lifecycle, from early concept through prototype build, testing, and delivery of fully released Technical Data Packages.

As a senior individual contributor, you’ll work closely with multidisciplinary teams to execute detailed tolerance analyses, evaluate design performance, and troubleshoot issues when they arise. Your ability to work independently, manage technical risks, and communicate clearly with engineering peers and stakeholders will be essential.

This is an opportunity to focus on impactful, technical challenges that push the boundaries of performance and reliability in critical applications.

Duties/Responsibilities

Job Description:

• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down-selection, prototyping, and testing independently.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to plan and execute complex electro-mechanical designs and provide insight into design for manufacture (DFM), design for assembly (DFA), etc...
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers; Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Skills/Abilities

• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Team player able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer-aided design (CAD) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.
  
  

Education

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field. Master's degree is preferred.

Experience

Requires 10-15 years with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or full cycle of mechanical design experience.

Additional Job Description

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

Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don't find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City:

Cambridge

Job Location - State:

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

02139-3563

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. 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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

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].