Space and Strategic Navigation Engineer

Draper; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 156,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Employee clubs

Health and finance workshops

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper is hiring a Space and Strategic Navigation Engineer 2 in Cambridge, MA, to develop software for advanced space and defense systems. This role entails evaluating design solutions, developing embedded software, and implementing navigation algorithms in complex environments.

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace or Electrical Engineering and possess 3-5 years of relevant experience. Skills in MATLAB, Python, and real-time software tools are essential. A competitive salary range of $75,000 - $156,000 is offered along with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience required.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements and propose design solutions.
• Develop embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Develop and execute software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Track priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.

Skills

MATLAB

Simulink

Python

C/C++

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Control systems theory

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering or related field

Master's or PhD in related field

Tools

Real-time software development 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.

Job Description Summary

The Space and Strategic Navigation Engineer 2 develops software for cutting‑edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. The role focuses on developing, integrating, and deploying advanced navigation algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Evaluate requirements, propose solutions, and explore design trades to support a design.
• Design algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develop embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyze designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develop and execute software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluate results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficiencies.
• Prepare technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicate with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Contribute content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participate in tag‑ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derive task‑level or component‑level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations that shows an understanding of the task and awareness of the intended audience.
• Track priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills/Abilities

• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real‑time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real‑time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Clear communication of work assignments to team members.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Master's or PhD in a related field is preferred.

Experience

3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

Salary

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 - $156,000.00.

Benefits

Draper supports 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.

EEO Statement

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].