Principal Integration and Test Engineer

The Rinks Foundation; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 245,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper Laboratory in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Principal Systems Test Engineer to lead a major integration and test effort for MEMS IMU systems. You will oversee test development, execution, and reporting, coordinating with facilities and software teams while guiding a 10–15 person group through ESS, ATP, and qualification activities.

The role requires 7–10 years in systems engineering, a relevant engineering degree, and the ability to obtain/maintain government security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• 7–10 years in Systems Engineering or a related role.
• Experience leading test operations in a production environment.
• Experience interfacing with, operating, and troubleshooting environmental test equipment.
• Experience automating and optimizing test infrastructure and processes.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and/or Python.
• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead a large integration and test task of 10–15 engineers.
• Manage all test development and execution activities for MEMS IMU system testing (ESS, ATP, System Qualification).
• Run morning meetings and provide daily status to program management and leadership.
• Coordinate equipment and personnel with test facilities.
• Own detailed test plans and procedures.
• Oversee onboarding and training of new operators.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and guide other engineers.
• Plan and present TRRs for internal/external stakeholders.
• Model long‑term test needs with facilities and teams.
• Coordinate with test equipment and test software teams.
• Manage test data processing software and test artifacts per program policies.
• Develop and deliver test reports for ATP and Qualification activities.

Skills

Curiosity-driven

Effective communication

Team player

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

MATLAB

Python

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 Laboratory is seeking talented and motivated individuals to tackle challenging engineering problems related to the verification and validation of advanced microelectronics.

As a Principal Systems Test Engineer, you will be responsible for leading a large integration and test task of 10-15 engineers, managing all test development and execution activities associated with MEMS IMU system testing. Activities you will manage include ESS, ATP, and System Qualification.

As part of the role, you will:

• Run morning meetings, direct daily test activities
• Provide daily status to program management for reporting to program management and executive leadership
• Coordinate equipment and personnel with test facilities
• Own several deliverable documents, including detailed test plans and procedures
• Oversee onboarding and training of new operators
• Troubleshoot technical issues and provide guidance to other engineers
• Plan and present TRRs for internal and external stakeholders
• Model and plan long‑term test needs for internal and external test facilities
• Coordinate closely with test equipment and test software teams
• Manage test data processing software and test artifacts in accordance with program policies and procedures
• Develop and deliver test reports associated with ATP and Qualification activities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Manage and control priorities, scope, schedule, and cost to baselines by proactively monitoring program/task performance across larger activities.
• Independently derive system‑level I&T requirements based on mission requirements and defines plans, approaches, and detailed test procedures to solve complex I&T problems.
• Helps customers understand and adequately mitigate and resolve I&T risks and issues.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to develop and implement I&T approaches through a program lifecycle.
• Identify program/system‑level I&T technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• 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, industry and 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
• Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.

Experience

Requires 7-10 years in Systems Engineering or relevant role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Skilled interdisciplinary communicator for both technical and non-technical audiences, capable of briefing executives and senior leadership
• Experience leading test operations in a production environment
• Experience interfacing with, operating, and troubleshooting environmental test equipment (rate tables, shakers, thermal, humidity, and pressure chambers)
• Experience automating and optimizing test infrastructure and processes
• Previous experience with MATLAB and/or python

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

Current in scope Secret security clearance is required.

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

$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.

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].