Senior GNC Systems Engineer

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 Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi-disciplinary teams to design next‑generation weapon system concepts for the war fighter. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to participate in the conceptualization and development of new U.S. military capabilities in strategic mission domains, as well as for enabling guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem technology.

Ideal candidates:

• Systems engineer with experience in defense/missile applications.
• Desire to shape and innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance.
• Prior experience specifically with hypersonic weapon systems would be valued.
• GNC technologist with a strong foundational understanding of guidance and navigation.
• Practitioner of modern systems engineering and architecting techniques.
• Proven technical leader who can manage small engineering teams.
• Experienced in proposing and planning R&D engineering projects.
• Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence.

• Architect novel weapon system solutions for complex mission problems.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Work within multi‑disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.
• Lead small teams and align them toward program goals.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes; apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

• 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 other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, communications/encryption, threat modeling, or other technologies as defined in the summary.

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

5–10 years of experience as a systems engineer or related role.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139‑3563

US base salary range: $82,300.00 – $. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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