Distinguished Systems Engineer Embedded Microsystems Architecture and Design

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.

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The Embedded Microsystems and Sensors Group at Draper is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop and manage requirements, architecture, interface documentation, and system specifications for systems in mission domains such as embedded secure communications, advanced electronics miniaturization, edge processing and computing, trustworthy secure platforms, and autonomous air/sea vehicles.

This role will involve working across a multi‑disciplinary team (including external and internal stakeholders) innovating new microelectronics system solutions over the full system development lifecycle.

The group has multidisciplinary proficiencies in secure systems architecture, hardware security and resilience, software security and resilience, system validation and accreditation, sensor development and validation, and cryptography.

• Independently drive solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead large multidisciplinary teams (greater than 10 people). Align team toward program goals and build trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert in Systems Engineering.
• Contribute to advancing State of the Art solutions and techniques in their field.
• Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capability in key areas to help sustain business growth.
• Identify risks common among multiple programs/technology areas/etc. and develop and execute mitigation strategies for them.
• Work to improve operations at the enterprise level. Identify areas for improvement within the organization and use positive collaboration practices to achieve change.
• Actively mentor and seek opportunities to build depth for their area of expertise. Recognize strengths and weaknesses in others and give thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Highly organized, capable of approaching problems with a system‑level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation‑based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree or higher preferred.

10–15+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

A successful candidate will be motivated to build deeper expertise in both the core mission domains and underlying microsystems technology. This position will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies (including inertial sensors, imagers, precision electronics, and advanced algorithms) as well as provide growth opportunities in the development of capabilities to address challenges in national security. Additionally, a successful candidate will be able to seamlessly join project teams that collaborate by sharing thoughts and opinions of individuals from a diverse set of experience and viewpoints in order to create the best possible technical solution.

• Experience maintaining traceability between requirements and system…