Project Tech (Destructive Physical Analysis/Metrology )

Draper; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Discounts to local museums and events

Employee clubs (photography, yoga)

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Project Tech who disassembles components, analyzes failures, and measures features using advanced metrology. The role operates in a cleanroom and supports engineers to improve design reliability through data-driven insights.

The role requires a technical degree or certificates with substantial experience. Strong documentation, communication, and teamwork are essential, with a focus on safety and precision.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with Microsoft Applications (Windows, Word, Excel) and basic software literacy.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
• High attention to detail and precise documentation.
• Solid technical foundation with hands-on lab or manufacturing experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform destructive physical analysis on critical components to uncover build quality and failure modes.
• Apply advanced metrology techniques to measure features and document details.
• Collaborate with engineers to provide data-driven insights for design and reliability improvements.
• Operate in a cleanroom environment following strict safety protocols and using specialized equipment.
• Mentor or train junior technicians as needed and support supervisor with task delegation.

Skills

MS Windows

MS Word

MS Excel

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

2 Year Technical Degree

4 Year Degree

Relevant Technical Certificate

15+ Years experience

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

Are you the kind of Technician who enjoys seeing beneath the surface, literally? We’re looking for a skilled Project Tech who thrives on taking components apart, examining them under microscopes to uncover the success/failures inside.

In This Role You Will

• Perform destructive physical analysis on critical components to uncover how they’re built and why they succeed or fail by carefully dismantling or stressing components, then preparing samples for inspection.
• Apply advanced metrology techniques to measure features and document every detail.
• Work with engineers to deliver insights that shape designs, improve reliability, and ensure mission critical performance. Your failure analysis provides them with the necessary data and visuals that help guide improvements.
• This role is in a cleanroom environment handling delicate parts, following strict safety protocols, and using a variety of specialized equipment.
• If you’re an expert with microscopes, measurement tools, and lab techniques, and you enjoy the challenge of uncovering the hidden story behind every part, this is the place where your skills will directly impact innovation.

Job Description

• With limited or no supervision, carefully documents their own work consistent with work unit policy in handwritten form or using common computer-based software.
• Performs scientific experiments and/or tests with complex laboratory equipment independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Applies analytic and test experience in the execution of acceptance procedures independently or in collaboration with senior technical personnel.
• Programs computer controlled automated and semi-automated equipment.
• At the discretion of the supervisor, performs focused training to grow and enhance skills for betterment of the department or the Laboratory as a whole.
• As needed, mentor, train or supervise more junior technicians.
• Other temporary assignments at the discretion of the supervisor.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Applications; MS Windows, Word, Excel etc.
• Ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing.
• Possess highly specialized skills for production for assigned work area.
• Possess a high degree of attention to detail.

Experience / Education

• 2 Year Technical Degree + 10 Years experience, OR
• 4 Year Degree + 10 Years experience, OR
• Relevant Technical Certificate(s) + 10 Years experience, OR
• 15+ Years experience

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

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 $53.92 - $53.92

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. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or 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. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you.

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].