Principal Digital Signal Processing System 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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As Principal Signal Processing System Engineer you will work directly with customers and program managers to create innovative, multidisciplinary technical solutions for a broad range of highly‑complicated mission needs.

You will perform highly‑competent analysis of the core system at a post‑graduate level, consistently exhibiting good judgement for which problems must be solved and which may be delegated or deferred.

You will have hands‑on engagement with prototype development, which may include software or firmware coding, test equipment operation and programming, integration and validation, and field tests and customer demonstrations.

As a leader in the signal processing organization your advice will be sought for business development, IR&D strategy, hiring strategy and execution, and university engagements.

Due to the nature of our customers' missions, this position is necessarily performed onsite in our recently‑renovated Cambridge facility and laboratories. Typical candidates have ten years of relevant experience beyond the doctorate, or 15 years of relevant experience post‑master's degree.

Aligned with our goal of developing long‑term relationships with key staff, we offer the best benefits package and retirement plan in our industry.

• Designs RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Manages complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Develops and maintains effective internal/external relationships.
• Performs analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in RF and Communications systems.
• Independently drives solutions to complex problems—develops requirements, proposes ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Able to analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capabilities in key areas to help sustain business growth.
• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Focuses on advancing State of the Art (SOA) solutions and techniques in their field.
• Contributes to capability expansion, talent acquisition and mentoring graduate students.
• Assembles and delivers customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and our work.
• Able to provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrates strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams.
• Supports business development activities including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.
• Skills with RF and Communications software tools.
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability and willingness to work in highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills: proven ability to meet deadlines, task prioritization and attention to details.

Requires bachelor's degree in electrical engineering…