Sr. Product Engineer (Systems Assembly)

Draper Labs; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Employee clubs

Discounts to local museums

Job summary

Draper in Cambridge, MA seeks a Product Manufacturing Engineer to bridge prototype development and low-rate production, applying a system-level view to ensure manufacturability and reliability.

The role emphasizes translating product specifications into production capabilities, collaborating with vendors, and guiding hardware from concept to manufacturing transition; DoD MRD process familiarity and ISO9001/AS9100 experience preferred; security clearance desired.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 1-7 years of experience in Product Engineering or related field.
• Experience with DfX principles and cross-functional collaboration.
• Familiarity with DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level process and ISO9001/AS9100 is desirable.
• Current in-scope Secret or Top Secret clearance is strongly desired.

Responsibilities

• Use CAD programs to create product concepts and define production capabilities.
• Gather materials and resources for design and production.
• Oversee the manufacturing process to set standards and ensure quality.
• Guide transition from prototype to low-rate production with a focus on feasibility and reliability.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal services to align requirements and deliverables.
• Mentor junior engineers and communicate findings to leadership.

Skills

DfX principles

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

CAD

System-level thinking

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Masters in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

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 is seeking a Product Manufacturing Engineers who can bridge the gap between advanced prototype development and low-rate production. Unlike traditional production roles, this position is less about managing day-to-day builds and more about applying a system-level perspective to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and readiness for scaled production.

A key part of this role is the ability to understand and interpret product specifications and requirements, then define the production capabilities and processes needed to consistently meet them. The ideal candidate brings experience with DfX principles, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management to guide cutting edge hardware from concept through manufacturing transition.

Familiarity with the DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level process is highly desirable. Experience with quality management systems such as ISO9001 or AS9100.

Current in scope Secret or Top Secret security clearance is strongly desired.

WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE HERE:

• Partner with cross-functional design teams to embed DfX activities early in the hardware development cycle.
• Define and support the transition path from prototype to low-rate production, ensuring technical feasibility and reliability.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal services to align requirements, capabilities, and program deliverables.
• Translate product specifications into clear production capability requirements.
• Communicate DfX study findings and recommend design updates to engineering and leadership.
• Apply strong organizational and planning skills to balance technical, programmatic, and vendor needs.

Job Description:

Duties/Responsibilities

• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction - contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.

Skills/Abilities

• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.

Experience

1-7 years experience in Product Engineering or related.

Additional Job Description

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

Job Location - City

Cambridge

Job Location - State

Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code

02139-3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $62,500.00 - $237,500.00

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.

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

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].