Senior Model-Based Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Workplace flexibility

Employee clubs and workshops

Discounts to local museums and cultural activities

Job summary

Draper is seeking a Systems Concepts Engineer (SMTS) in Cambridge, MA. This role involves defining mission needs, engineering architecture, and developing R&D proposals. Candidates should have strong communication skills and practical analysis experience.

A Bachelor's degree in relevant fields is required, along with 5–10 years in systems engineering. Benefits include workplace flexibility and various employee programs.

Qualifications

• 5–10 years experience as systems engineer or related role
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills
• Proficiency in modeling, simulation, and analysis techniques

Responsibilities

• Execute system engineering lifecycle assignments independently
• Adapt to program priorities and requirements changes
• Lead small teams and align them towards goals
• Identify and mitigate program/system-level technical risks

Skills

System-level perspective

Strong oral and written communication

Simulation-based performance analysis

Systems engineering process

Modeling and simulation

Engineering analysis tools

Knowledge of GN&C and avionics

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or related field

Master’s degree or higher preferred

Tools

SysML

STPA

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

The Systems Concepts Engineer (SMTS) is responsible for the elucidation of mission needs, mission engineering, architecture/design trade space exploration for integrated hardware/software systems, simulation‑based performance analysis for complex systems and system‑of‑systems, architecture definition using digital engineering (DE) and/or model‑based system engineering (MBSE) frameworks, briefing of results to leadership or government sponsors, and development of research and development (R&D) proposals.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Adhere to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continue to expand depth/knowledge in technical discipline through formal and informal learning.
• Work within multi‑disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.
• Lead small teams (fewer than five people) and align team towards program goals.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, applying analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Highly‑organized, capable of approaching problems with a system‑level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation‑based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g., SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

Experience

5–10 years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Additional Job Requirements

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

Job Location

City: Cambridge
State: Massachusetts
Postal Code: 02139-3563

Salary

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 do not include bonuses or benefits.

Benefits

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].