Senior Flight Software Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Employee clubs (photography, yoga)

Health and finance workshops

Local museum discounts

Social events

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. is seeking a Software Engineer (SMTS) to design and develop high-performance embedded software for various mission environments. The role requires expertise in C/C++ and Rust, along with strong development skills.

Ideal candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and have 5–10 years of experience. Benefits include flexible work arrangements and various work-life balance programs, such as health workshops and employee clubs.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of experience in Software Engineering or related fields.
• Experience with software configuration management tools.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements and propose solutions.
• Design algorithms and develop embedded software.
• Lead solutions to complex problems with guidance.

Skills

Development and troubleshooting on embedded targets

OS coding techniques

IP protocols

Expertise in real-time systems

C/C++ and Rust programming

Organizational skills

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Software configuration management

Excellent communication skills

Experience with UML and SysML

Laboratory test equipment use

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering

Tools

JTAG debuggers

In-circuit emulators

Job description

Job Summary

The Software Engineer (SMTS) designs and develops high-performance, resilient, and fault-tolerant embedded software for resource-constrained targets in undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics, and space mission environments.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements and propose solutions, exploring design trade-offs.
• Design algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develop embedded software based on prototype algorithms under supervision.
• Analyze designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develop and execute software tests to verify compliance with requirements.
• Investigate test results to identify causes and develop fixes for inefficiencies.
• Prepare technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other documentation.
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders to define requirements and describe design and deliverables.
• Lead solutions to complex problems with limited guidance, contributing to requirements development and architectural ideation.
• Take responsibility for a subset of engineering scope.
• Identify program or system-level technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Strong knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems.
• Expertise in software development for real-time systems.
• Mastery of high-level development languages such as C/C++ and Rust.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer-review processes.
• Excellent time-management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with UML and SysML.
• Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Experience

5–10 years of experience in Software Engineering or related fields.

Additional Requirements

Applicants selected for this position must obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred.

Benefits

Work-life balance programs including flexible work arrangements, employee clubs (photography, yoga, etc.), health and finance workshops, local museum discounts, and social events.

Compensation

Base salary range: $82,300 to $220,000 (determined by role, level, and location). This figure reflects base salary only.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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.