Sr. Product Engineer (Systems Assembly)

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc.; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 63,000 - 238,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance programs

Job summary

The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. in Cambridge, MA is seeking a Product Manufacturing Engineer who can bridge prototype development and low-rate production.

You will translate product specs into production capabilities, apply DfX principles, and guide hardware from concept to manufacturing transition. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, vendor management, and ensuring manufacturability and reliability.

Qualifications

• Experience turning prototypes into manufacturable, low-rate production.
• Familiarity with the DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level process.
• Experience with ISO9001 or AS9100 quality management systems.
• Strong cross-functional collaboration and vendor management skills.

Responsibilities

• Use 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 and adapt to changes in requirements.
• Provide insights and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data.
• Identify program/system-level risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Mentor less experienced engineers with constructive feedback.

Skills

DfX principles

Cross-functional collaboration

Vendor management

ISO 9001 / AS9100

Security clearance

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD

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.

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 7-15 years experience in Product Engineering or related.

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.

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.

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].

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.