Senior Model-Based Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible work arrangements

Professional development programs

Employee clubs and wellness activities

Discounts to local museums and events

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Systems Concepts Engineer (SMTS) to elucidate mission needs, architecture design trade space, and perform MBSE-based analysis for complex systems. This role involves leading small teams, mentoring engineers, and driving risk mitigation in a national-security-focused R&D environment.

Ideal candidates have 5–10 years of systems engineering experience, strong modeling and simulation skills (SysML, MBSE), and willingness to obtain/maintain a government security

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 5–10 years of experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Experience with MBSE, SysML, and modeling tools is preferred.
• Familiarity with system engineering processes and lifecycle stages.
• Ability to lead small teams and mentor junior engineers.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments.
• Adapt to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and provide constructive feedback.
• Lead small teams (fewer than five people) and align team toward program goals.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Provide insights and design modifications based on analysis results.
• Ensure compliance with Quality Management System processes.
• Collaborate within multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems.

Skills

Systems engineering lifecycle

MBSE / SysML modeling

Simulation-based performance analysis

Team leadership / mentoring

Security clearance awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/math

Master's degree preferred

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 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.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Adheres to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continues to expand depth and knowledge in their 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 toward program goals.
• Provides insight and suggests design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and applies 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.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills and 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.
• Roles may require 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. Masters 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

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139-3563

Salary Range

US base salary range: $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

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. If this job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now at https://www.draper.com/careers

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].