Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 62,500 - 237,500; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking experienced Mechanical Engineers to design ruggedized electro‑mechanical systems for harsh environments, including high‑g, high temperature, and high vibration. You will work on autonomous and dynamic mechanisms within multidisciplinary teams.

The role emphasizes concept exploration, prototyping, testing, and documenting results, with opportunities to influence design approaches and contribute to technical reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Master’s degree is preferred.
• 15+ years of mechanical engineering design experience or full‑cycle mechanical design experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down‑selection, prototyping, and testing with minimal guidance from group leader.
• Help define the design approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high‑quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Curiosity-driven

Team collaboration

Fast-paced environment

Multitasking

Applied math & physics

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

MATLAB

CAD software

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

MATLAB

CAD software

Design & analysis tools

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.

Job Description Summary:

Draper Mechanical Engineers develop novel solutions to customer‑driven problems including ruggedized miniature electro‑mechanical systems, systems for harsh environments (e.g., high‑g, high temperature, high vibration), dynamic mechanisms, and autonomous systems.

Job Description:

• Performs mechanical design concept exploration, trade study analysis, down‑selection, prototyping, and testing with minimal guidance from group leader.
• Help define the design approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Contribute high‑quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• 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 other design & analysis tools relevant to the discipline.

Education:

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

Experience:

• Requires 15+ years with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or full‑cycle mechanical design experience.

Security Clearance:

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

Job Location:

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

Salary:

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $62,500.00 – $237,500.00.

Benefits and Work‑Life Balance:

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.

EEO Statement:

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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].