Senior Mission Critical Software Engineer

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

Job summary

A prominent nonprofit research organization in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Mission Critical Software Engineer to develop high-performance, fault-tolerant software solutions across various applications including defense and space exploration. The ideal candidate should possess substantial experience in software engineering and embedment, thriving in collaborative settings and mentoring junior engineers. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and an active security clearance are essential for this role. The position offers a competitive salary range between $82,300 – $220,000.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years experience in Software Engineering or related.
• Requires a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements and propose solutions.
• Design algorithms and develop embedded software.
• Communicate with stakeholders to establish requirements.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Skills

Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets

Expertise in software development for real-time systems

Mastery of high level development languages (C/C++, Rust)

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail

Knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces

Experience with UML/SysML

Excellent verbal and written communications skills

Experience with in-circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers

Education

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

Job description

Senior Mission Critical Software Engineer

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

Draper is looking for a highly skilled senior software engineer to join the Mission Software Architectures and Applications group. The Senior Mission Critical Software Engineer develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. They design and develop next‑generation resilient, fault tolerant, real‑time, highly reliable software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. The Engineer is well‑versed in the full mission‑critical software development life cycle, from architecture conceptualization, requirements analysis, design and documentation through development, testing and release. They collaborate across multiple interdisciplinary teams to plan, build and test new functionality. They work on developing and debugging embedded software as well as executing software and system‑level tests in various engineering environments, including complex software‑in‑the‑loop simulations and real‑time hardware‑in‑the‑loop environments. The candidate will be expected to follow and push for continuous improvement of software development best practices on complex projects. They will also be expected to provide mentorship to more junior software engineers.

Job Description

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 with supervision.
• 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.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.
• Ability to take responsibility for subset of engineering scope.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Excellent 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 (e.g. C/C++, 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 the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Experience with UML/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

Requires 5–10 years experience in Software Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description

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

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 $82,300.00 – $220,000.00

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. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

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].