Sensor Signal Processing Engineer-ALL LEVELS

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Sensor Signal Processing Engineer to design and deliver prototype sensing solutions for national security applications.

The role emphasizes sensor architecture, analog/digital signal processing, and closed-loop transducer systems, with exposure to MEMS sensors, acoustics, optics, and related technologies. Requirements include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, or optics; 0–3

Qualifications

• Requires bachelor’s or master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar.
• PhD degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
• Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
• May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
• Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
• Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
• Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Programming proficiency

Lab data collection

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in physics/EE/optics

PhD 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. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Job Description Summary

Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group develops sensor technology for critical national security applications. Core competencies include advanced sensor architecture, analog and digital signal processing, and feedback control of dynamic systems. The team applies these talents across Draper's broad S&T portfolio, which spans Biotechnology, Electronic, Strategic, and Space Systems. We are seeking Sensor Signal Processing Engineers to concept, develop, and deliver prototype sensing solutions for existing and new customer opportunities. Ideally, your experience and interests align with two or more of the following:

• Sound, vibration, and optical sensing: think APS, AVS, LDV, ANVC, SiPM, SONAR, and LiDAR. If these acronyms mean something, we want to speak with you!
• Low-noise analog signal conditioning: familiarity with JFETs, discrete pre- and power amplifiers, ADCs/DACs, and modulated sensor readout circuitry.
• Embedded digital signal processing: can you create working real-time filters and algorithms for rapid prototyping, low-power MCUs, or FPGAs?
• Closed-loop transducer systems: we develop novel acoustic MEMS sensors, accelerometers, and noise control systems. Closed-loop controls are critical to our success.
• Entrepreneurial: an interest in the shaping and capture of opportunities that solve urgent customer needs.

Our group is dynamic, engaging, and fun to work with. And we support Draper NXT by rapidly developing new business and capabilities in areas like acoustics, optics, and related technologies.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
• Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
• Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
• Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
• Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in programming language.
• Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
• Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
• Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.

Education

Requires a bachelor's or master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred.

Experience

0-3 years experience in Physics Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location

City: Cambridge

State: Massachusetts

Postal Code: 02139-3563

Compensation

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $62,500.00 - $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

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.

Equal Opportunity & EEO

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.