Principal Hardware Electronic Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Off-site social events

Discounts to museums

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. seeks a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead avionics hardware design across multiple programs in Cambridge, MA.

You will architect complex circuits, validate designs, and mentor junior engineers while coordinating with cross-functional teams. Responsibilities include translating requirements into hardware architectures, performing simulations, supporting manufacturing, and advancing innovative power and signal integrity solutions for high-reliability

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electrical engineering or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred for deeper design leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication; mentorship ability.

Responsibilities

• Translate requirements into hardware architectures with cross-functional teams.
• Build, debug, and test prototypes and deliverables.
• Prepare manufacturing documentation and provide ongoing support.
• Research and enable innovative avionics solutions for complex designs.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and manage technical risks and schedules.

Skills

Electronic design

Design specifications

Communication skills

Organization

Time management

Analytical skills

Prioritization

Engineering theory

Education

B.S. in Electrical Eng

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

We are seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to support our growing demand for the design of avionics solutions across numerous programs. This position will require extensive knowledge and experience designing complex electronic solutions that are integrated into large-scale systems. The engineer develops the architecture, designs circuits, performs simulations, assists ECAD with layout, verifies and tests the designs. The engineer also performs a variety of engineering activities throughout the life cycle to support planning, requirements development, documentation, test, and deployment. Example designs performed under this position may include single-slot flight computers including FPGAs and processors, memory support modules, communication interface designs, backplane interconnect designs, along with common power and timing circuits used in these scenarios. Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity are extremely valuable in these types of complex, multi-card avionics systems, especially as designs move toward miniaturization. While flexible based upon project timelines, the nature of this role will require being able to support in-office work most days. As a principal engineer, it is expected that some level of leadership and mentorship will be provided toward junior staff earlier in their careers.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Translates project and system requirements into well-defined hardware architectures working with cross-functional teams.
• Innovatively solves issues, drives completion of the project to schedule, and collaboratively works with other technical contributors.
• Builds, debugs, and tests prototypes and deliverable hardware.
• Prepares documentation for manufacturing, and provides continuous support.
• Researches and enables innovative solutions for cutting-edge designs.
• Builds collaborative and multidisciplinary teams to develop reliable, cost effective end solutions.
• 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.
• Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
• Identifies program/system-level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Manages multi-disciplinary tasks with a cross functional team and effectively communicates status to project leadership and customers.
• Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced teammates.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in electronic design.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• Strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Advanced Degree preferred.

Experience

• Experience 10+ years experience in electrical engineering or related field.

Location

Job Location - City: Cambridge Job Location - State: Massachusetts Job Location - 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

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.

Eligibility

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

EEO / DEI

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].