Senior System Concepts Engineer

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 82,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA, is seeking a Systems Concepts Engineer (SMTS) to lead mission engineering, architecture design, and MBSE-driven analysis for complex, system-of-systems solutions.

The role requires a strong systems mindset, ability to guide teams, and a security clearance with priority for candidates holding one at Secret level or higher. Responsibilities include lifecycle execution, trade space exploration, and mentoring engineers while collaborating

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field; MS preferred.
• 5–10 years of systems engineering experience.
• Security clearance required or ability to obtain at least Secret-level clearance.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments.
• Lead small teams and align them to program goals.
• Perform architecture/ design trade space exploration for integrated hardware/software systems.
• Provide analysis results to leadership and sponsors.

Skills

SysML modeling

Systems engineering

Modeling & simulation

Coding / programming

Communication skills

Team leadership

Threat modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/physics/mathematics

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SysML

Modeling & simulation tools

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. An ideal candidate for this position is a well‑rounded individual who can draw on broad experience to mature customer needs. It is expected that the candidate should be capable of directing teams and technical solutions with limited information. Due to the nature of the work, candidates should expect to be on premises as tasks dictate. A security clearance is necessary for this position. Candidates with existing clearances will be given priority; candidates without clearances must be capable of attaining at least a Secret‑level clearance.

Job Description

Duties/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 their depth/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 (few than five people) and align team towards program goals.
• Provides insight and suggests 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.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Performs 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.
• 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 Description

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.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

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.

Company Culture

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].

Company Information

We are in the business of redefining what is possible. Join our inclusive, multidisciplinary team to engineer the groundbreaking solutions of tomorrow. Explore life at Draper with our unique culture and benefits at draper.com.

If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you.