Senior Systems Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Employee clubs

Workshops

Off-site events

Museum discounts

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA seeks a Senior Systems Engineer to apply systems-thinking and MBSE approaches to complex, enterprise-level problems across Navy, Air Force, and Missile Defense domains.

You will work within an interdisciplinary team, mentor engineers, and drive risk mitigation while expanding expertise in modeling, simulation, and tools such as MagicDraw, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field.
• 5–10 years experience as systems engineer or related role.
• Security clearance capability is required or must be able to obtain U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments.
• Adapt to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Lead small teams and mentor engineers.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Contribute to design modifications based on analysis outcomes.
• Ensure adherence to Quality Management System processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Systems thinking

Systems engineering

Simulation-based analysis

Modeling & simulation

Programming

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics

Masters degree preferred

Tools

MagicDraw

DOORs

MATLAB/Simulink

Python

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 Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Senior Systems Engineer to apply systems‑thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions to complex system‑and enterprise‑level problems. The Division works across multiple domains such as Navy, Air Force, and Missile Defense Agency, Strategic deterrence systems; Electronic systems; Space systems; and Biotechnology systems. Draper has adopted an integrated, model‑based, and data‑driven mindset in solving complex engineering problems spanning the entire product lifecycle. From early‑lifecycle problem definition and requirement management, conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model‑driven customer reviews, integration and testing, verification and validation, deployment, to surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper applies a suite of Digital Engineering solutions to meet the needs of our customers. For this role, we are seeking candidates with broad multidisciplinary interests in Tradespace Exploration, Multi‑Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization, Model‑based Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Software development and Integration, and Advanced Algorithms. The ideal candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will have the ability to become knowledgeable in various problem domains, identify relevant modeling and analysis techniques, develop or integrate multi-domain models of required fidelity, conduct analysis, present results that support system‑level analysis, performance trade‑offs, and decision‑making. The ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders of all relevant disciplines is a must.

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

Required: Knowledge and interest in interdisciplinary work spanning Systems Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Trade Space Exploration (TSE), Machine Learning and Data Engineering. Relevant experience in model development, digital linking and integration of models of required fidelity to answer the question at hand. Experience with methodologies for analysis of alternatives under uncertainty. Experience one or more tools such as MagicDraw, DOORs, MATLAB/Simulink, Python. Experience in data visualization and story boarding. A self‑motivated individual with a can‑do attitude that can bring structure to highly complex and ambiguously defined problems. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Desired: Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools is a plus. Prior experience in technical leadership, stakeholder engagement and management. Expertise with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, Department of Defense Acquisition Framework, or other government or industry Systems Engineering standards. Current Secret Clearance is desired. Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.

Location

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.

Benefits and Work‑Life Balance

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.

Diversity & Inclusion

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 Culture

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.