Principal Optical 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.

We are seeking an innovative and driven Principal Optical Engineer (PMTS) to lead the charge in developing next-generation optical sensors and corresponding processing algorithms. In this role, you will bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application. You will be responsible for architecting novel sensor technologies, driving technical maturation, and securing the funding required to bring these innovations to life.

A candidate will ideally have a diverse range of skills in areas such as optical physics, electronics, coding, digital signal processing, and product engineering. As a technical leader, you will also build, mentor, and manage diverse, cross-functional teams of engineers to turn complex concepts into market‑ready solutions.

• Designing, analyzing, integrating components with optical devices, and demonstrating device prototypes.
• Developing, building, and testing systems and products based on optic, photonic and laser technologies.
• Interacting with device, hardware, and software design teams to develop optical systems; specifying, selecting, and qualifying active and passive optical components, developing and benchmarking system performance models.
• Developing and implementing test procedures and evaluating and selecting appropriate test instrumentation.
• Providing multi‑discipline support to instrumentation production by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, products, or systems.
• Testing new and existing designs and documenting changes through a formal engineering change notification process.
• Providing recommendations for cost‑reduction efforts.
• Applying quantitative analysis to determine the root cause of highly technical problems and proposing, developing, and implementing solutions for corrective action.
• Developing and maintaining effective internal and external relationships.
• Independently driving solutions to complex problems—developing requirements, proposing ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapting appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Acting as a Subject Matter Expert in cyber security, capable of planning, designing, and executing large‑scale technical software and hardware solutions.
• Providing insight and suggesting design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and applying analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identifying program/system‑level technical risks and developing and executing mitigation strategies for them.
• Developing, documenting, and teaching best practices to less experienced engineers; demonstrating strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.
• Performing other related duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in digital and analog electronics circuit design, high‑performance, real‑time embedded firmware development.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong mathematical and mechanical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time‑management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Requires a bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. Masters or PhD preferred.

10-15 years of experience in Optical Engineering or a related field required.

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

City:
Cambridge
State:
Massachusetts
Postal…