Senior Electronics Design Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work options

Employee clubs

Wellness workshops

Local museum discounts

Job summary

Draper is seeking a Senior Electronics Design Engineer to join the Embedded Electronics group in Cambridge, MA. The role focuses on next-generation processing, computing and sensor‑actuator hardware, with projects spanning sponsored programs and internal R&D.

This onsite position requires 5–10 years of electrical engineering experience, expertise in power integrity, DDR3/4, PCIe, and FPGA/C microcontroller work, and a track record of leading diverse engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field; MS preferred.
• 5–10 years of experience in electrical engineering.
• Experience leading teams of engineers with mixed skillsets.
• Experience with power integrity design and power conditioning circuitry for rails.
• Experience with DDR3/4 memory, PCIe, and G-bit serial interfaces.
• Basic experience with microcontroller software (C/C++/assembly) and FPGA firmware (VHDL/Verilog).
• Knowledge of packaging design constraints for custom designs.

Responsibilities

• Translate requirements into hardware architectures with cross-functional teams.
• Build, debug and test prototypes and deliverable hardware.
• Prepare manufacturing documentation and provide ongoing support.
• Research and enable innovative, cost-effective designs.
• Mentor less experienced teammates and communicate status to leadership.
• Support business development and proposal activities.

Skills

Electronic design

Design specifications

Communication (verbal & written)

Time management

Analytical/problem solving

Task prioritization

Packaging constraints

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

MS in Electrical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Siemens Designer & Layout

HyperLynx

Ansys

Spice

MATLAB

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

We are seeking a Senior Electronics Design Engineer to join the Embedded Electronics group. As a senior member of the technical staff, the candidate will play a critical role in the development of next‑generation processing, computing and sensor‑actuator hardware within the electronics division. Members of the Embedded Electronics group support a variety of multi‑disciplinary programs lasting an average of 12 to 18 months each. In addition to working on sponsored programs, group members are also encouraged to develop and participate in internally funded research and development programs.

In addition, this position requires onsite work in Cambridge, MA.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Translate project and system requirements into well‑defined hardware architectures working with cross‑functional teams.
• Innovatively solve issues, drive completion of projects to schedule, and collaborate with other technical contributors.
• Build, debug and test prototypes and deliverable hardware.
• Prepare documentation for manufacturing, and provide continuous support.
• Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting‑edge designs.
• Engage other engineers and partners to develop reliable, cost‑effective end solutions for products.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction, contributing to requirements development and proposing ways forward.
• Independently perform complex electronic architectures and designs.
• Manage tasks with multiple cross‑functional members and effectively communicate status to project leadership and customers.
• Actively mentor less experienced teammates and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Support business development and proposal activities.

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.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced degree preferred.

Experience

5-10 years of experience in electrical engineering or related field.

Additional Job Description

• MS in Electrical or Computer Engineering preferred.
• Experience leading teams of engineers with mixed skillsets and background in developing new products/business.
• Experience and understanding of power integrity design and design of power conditioning circuitry for power rails typically used on digital PCB designs.
• Experience designing systems that use DDR3/4 memory, PCIe, and G‑bit serial interfaces.
• Basic experience with microcontroller software (using C/C++/or assembly), and FPGA firmware (VHDL or Verilog). Understanding of basic functionality and how the circuit designs interface with SW and FW.
• Experience with the following design and simulation tools: Siemens Designer and Layout, Hyperlinx, Ansys, Spice, Matlab.
• Experience with miniature electronic packaging and design using bare die or chip‑scale packages. Ability to understand and influence packaging design constraints and requirements for custom designs.

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary

US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $220,000.00

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. 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].