Senior Navigation and Advanced Sensing Engineer

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

Job summary

Draper, an independent nonprofit R&D company in Cambridge, MA, seeks a Systems Analysis Engineer (SMTS) to advance Digital Engineering capabilities for complex systems spanning strategic deterrence to autonomy. You will contribute across the full lifecycle from trade studies to design, integration, testing, and operation.

The role emphasizes leading small teams, mentoring engineers, and translating requirements into technical and architectural decisions, with a focus on GNC, GPS, and PNT domains.

Qualifications

• Requires 5–7 years of systems analysis experience.
• Proficiency with MBSE tools, SysML, and MATLAB/Simulink.
• Experience integrating descriptive modeling tools with simulation tools.
• Ability to lead small teams and mentor engineers.

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

Mathematics

Engineering fundamentals

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

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

• 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 analysis of blended navigation performance data
  • Prior experience with GPS/INS integrated systems
  • Technical leadership experience
  • Strong Python, MATLAB, C/C++ skills
• Preferred:
  • Be able to discuss the varying types of navigation architectures and speak to the pros/cons of different models for a given CONOPS
  • Collaboration both in person and remotely (e.g. Teams, Git, Confluence, etc.)
  • Experience with Model Based Systems Engineering, and formal requirements management tools
  • Experience with multi-objective optimization techniques
  • Knowledge of modern software development lifecycles, standards, processes, and tools
  • Review and analysis of requirements - understanding which requirements are testable (or not) and how to advise on revisions
  • Values the dedicated workspace and atmosphere of an in-person development environment

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

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - 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 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].