Sr. Electro-Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Draper Labs in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Sr. Electro-Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer to design and develop high-precision inertial instruments. Candidates should have 5–10 years of experience in hardware engineering.

The position involves mentoring junior engineers, collaborating on prototypes, and integrating complex systems. A bachelor's degree in relevant engineering fields is required. Enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters innovation and creativity.

Qualifications

• Requires 5–10 years of experience in hardware instrument engineering or closely related field.
• Experience in designing and developing electro-mechanical systems preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Drive solutions to complex problems in designing and developing precision instruments.
• Collaborate to develop prototype and production hardware.
• Integrate precision instruments into larger systems.

Skills

Deep understanding of design and application of instruments

Knowledge of fabrication processes for precision instruments

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Proficiency with MATLAB and CAD tools

Excellent organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

FEA software

Job description

Sr. Electro-Mechanical Instrumentation Engineer

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: As Draper continues to grow, we are hiring experienced engineers with expertise in sensor and instrumentation technology to support programs from early concept development through manufacturing and deployment. In this role, you will design, develop, integrate, and produce high‑precision inertial instruments for advanced guidance applications, collaborating closely with cross‑functional teams of engineers and physicists.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction to design and develop precision instruments.
• Actively mentor less experienced hardware instrument engineers.
• Design experiments and precision instruments to validate design concepts.
• Collaborate with other engineers to develop prototype and production hardware that meets application needs.
• Integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Develop initial processes for the fabrication of custom‑designed instruments.
• Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to management for approval.
• Provide training related to devices to employees, sub‑contractors, or customers.
• Perform independent research when needed for solving problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities

• Deep understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
• Knowledge of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, FEA software, and other design & analysis tools relevant to the discipline.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

Education

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering; master’s or PhD degree preferred.

Experience

Requires 5–10 years of experience in hardware instrument engineering or a closely related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing and developing electro‑mechanical or electromagnetic instrumentation systems.
• Working knowledge of control system electronics and mechanical design principles; FEA experience preferred.
• Exposure to optical displacement sensing technologies.
• Demonstrated experience with novel or emerging technologies that advance fabrication, assembly, miniaturization, or system integration.
• Highly self‑motivated with the ability to thrive in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Interest in mentoring students and junior engineers.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven track record of technical leadership, creativity, and inventiveness.

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

Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

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].