Senior Navigation and Advanced Sensing Engineer

draper; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Systems Analysis Engineer to develop and apply advanced digital engineering for complex systems across domains like strategic deterrence, missile defense, hypersonics, space, and autonomous vehicles.

You will lead small teams, perform system lifecycle analyses, and translate requirements into technical decisions, using SysML and MATLAB/Simulink, with a background in GNC, GPS/PNT, and Kalman filtering.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or related engineering.
• 5-7 years in systems analysis or related field.
• Experience with MBSE tools such as SysML and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Knowledge of GPS/PNT, GNC, and CONOPS development.

Responsibilities

• Perform analysis approaches for specific problems and execute assignments.
• Lead small teams and align with program goals and build trust.
• Propose design modifications based on analysis results.
• Identify program/system-level risks and mitigate.
• Collaborate with stakeholders and external partners.

Skills

GNC knowledge

GPS/PNT

Kalman filtering

MBSE experience

Systems engineering

Communication skills

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or related Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SysML

MATLAB/Simulink

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

A Systems Analysis Engineer(SMTS) develops and applies advanced Digital Engineering capabilities for the analysis of complex systems in domains such as: strategic deterrence, missile defense, hypersonics, space, precision guided munitions, autonomous air/sea vehicles, and biotechnology. Our multi-disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle from trade studies, to concept and architecture design, to integration, to testing and operation.

Job Description

Duties/Responsibilities

• Performs analysis approaches for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments; concept and architecture design, integration, testing and operation.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to task planning and test development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams (fewer than five people). Seeks to align team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners.
• Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions.

Skills/Abilities

• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains, with ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains.
• Identify and develop relevant modeling and analysis techniques, and develop or integrate multi-domain qualitative models.
• Ability to present results that support system-level analysis, performance trade-offs, and decision-making is critical, thus communications and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this role.
• The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines.
• Flexibility to multi-task and adapt to evolving priorities.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience

• Requires 5-7 years experience in systems analysis or related.
• Experience in use of MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools.

Additional Job Description

Successful candidates will have all required, and most of the desired and preferred abilities listed below:

Required

• Foundational knowledge and hands-on experience with guidance, navigation, and control (GNC), GPS, and Position/Navigation/Timing (PNT) technology
• Direct experience relevant to enabling GNC or strategic missions, including CONOPS development
• Experience integrating GNC subsystems within larger systems
• Experience with developing structure program execution plans, and an interest in writing new proposals
• Understanding for GPS/PNT problem solving, such as being jammed or saturated
• Demonstrated ability to formulate and execute trade studies for technical approaches
• Hands-on work experience with GPS / INS integrated systems (military or commercial) - and understands the role GPS plays in a coupled GPS/INS system
• Fluent with Kalman filtering operations and how measurements and predicted errors are used within a basic filter
• Exceptional presentation skills and the ability to articulate complex technical ideas
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team

Desired

• 10+ years of professional experience in the development of
• Has worked with inertial only systems including an understanding of the constraints imposed by instrument drift over time
• Familiar with processing and ana