Senior Guidance & Control Engineer

Draper; Reston (VA); On-site; USD 82,300 - 220,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs (photography, yoga)

Health and finance workshops

Off-site social events

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

A leading nonprofit R&D company is seeking a Senior Guidance and Control Engineer to develop software for advanced space and defense systems. This role requires strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, and C/C++, along with 5-10 years of relevant software engineering experience. The position involves algorithm design, embedded software development, and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure performance standards are met. The successful candidate will need to obtain a government security clearance and work in a dynamic team environment.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of Software Engineering or related experience required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, and explores design trades.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Skills

Strong programming skills in MATLAB

Strong programming skills in Simulink

Strong programming skills in Python

Strong programming skills in C/C++

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Knowledge of Autonomy and GNC algorithms

Knowledge of real-time software development tools

Familiarity with trajectory optimization

Significant knowledge in control systems design

Strong project execution and teamwork skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering

Master's or PhD in a related field

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

The Senior Guidance and Control Engineer develops software for cutting‑edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Senior Guidance and Control (G&C) Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced G&C algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Strong programming skills in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of Autonomy and GNC algorithms and technology.
• Knowledge of real‑time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real‑time algorithms and software.
• Familiarity with trajectory optimization, optimal control, and similar techniques.
• Significant knowledge in the design and analysis of control systems.
• Significant knowledge of design and implementation of trajectory design/optimization algorithms including optimal control techniques.
• Strong project execution and teamwork skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Ability to clearly communicate work assignments to team members.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

5-10 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Security Clearance

Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret clearance is preferred.

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary Range

$82,300.00 - $220,000.00

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.

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].