Principal Systems Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to advance next‑gen requirements and MBSE across multiple domains. You will shape architecture concepts, develop digital capabilities like digital twins, and guide cross‑domain solutions throughout the lifecycle.

On‑site collaboration is essential due to the role's nature. Ideal candidates have 7–10+ years in systems engineering, strong SysML and modeling experience, and a willingness to pursue a US government security clearance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 7-10+ years of experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• OMG SysML Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently drive complex solutions; develop requirements and adapt to changing customer needs.
• Lead medium-sized teams (5–10 people) and align them with program goals.
• Provide SME guidance in Systems Engineering and analyze cross-domain challenges.
• Mentor engineers, document best practices, and ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain strong organization, planning, and time management to achieve goals.

Skills

SysML

Modeling & simulation

Requirements engineering

Team leadership

Education

Bachelors in engineering/physics/math

Masters degree preferred

Tools

SysML 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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain solutions for domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Our multi-disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle in areas of importance for national security. Draper has adopted an integrated, model-driven digital mindset in solving Systems Engineering problems spanning the entire lifecycle. From early-lifecycle conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model-driven customer reviews, verification and validation, integration and testing, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper has a suite of Model Based Systems Engineering solution needs across our projects. Our thinking spans the entire gamut, from "as-designed" to "as-deployed" lifecycle phases in supporting uncompromised delivery of solutions.

Job Description

For this role, the ideal candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will support the development of requirements, systems concepts, interface concepts along with digital capabilities like digital twins and digital threads. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be able to maintain a consistent on-site presence.

Duties / Responsibilities

• 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.
• Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identify risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium-sized teams (5‑10 people). Reliably align team towards program goals and build trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and disciplines.
• Identify program / system‑level 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.
• Actively mentor. Recognize strengths and weaknesses in others and provide thoughtful constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills / Abilities

• Highly‑organized, capable of approaching problems with a system‑level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation‑based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Experience

7‑10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience in GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies preferred.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), and/or other engineering analysis methods.
• Expert‑level proficiency in SysML.
• OMG SysML Certification.

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

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

EEO Statement

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].