Principal Avionics Electrical 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 a Principal Electrical Engineer to support our growing demand for the design of avionics solutions across numerous programs. This position will require extensive knowledge and experience designing complex electronic solutions that are integrated into large‑scale systems. The engineer develops the architecture, designs circuits, performs simulations, assists ECAD with layout, verifies and tests the designs. The engineer also performs a variety of engineering activities throughout the life cycle to support planning, requirements development, documentation, test, and deployment.

Example designs performed under this position may include single‑slot flight computers including FPGAs and processors, memory support modules, communication interface designs, backplane interconnect designs, along with common power and timing circuits used in these scenarios. Understanding of signal integrity and power integrity are extremely valuable in these types of complex, multi‑card avionics systems, especially as designs move toward miniaturization. While flexible based upon project timelines, the nature of this role will require being able to support in‑office work most days.

As a principal engineer, it is expected that some level of leadership and mentorship will be provided toward junior staff earlier in their careers.

• Translates project and system requirements into well‑defined hardware architectures working with cross‑functional teams.
• Innovatively solves issues, drives completion of the project to schedule, and collaboratively works with other technical contributors.
• Builds, debugs, and tests prototypes and deliverable hardware.
• Prepares documentation for manufacturing, and provides continuous support.
• Researches and enables innovative solutions for cutting‑edge designs.
• Builds collaborative and multidisciplinary teams to develop reliable, cost effective end solutions.
• 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.
• Supports business development activities, including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Manages multi‑disciplinary tasks with a cross‑functional team and effectively communicates status to project leadership and customers.
• Develops, documents, and teaches best practices to less experienced teammates.

• Proficiency in electronic design.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent 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.
• Strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field. Advanced Degree preferred.

10+ years experience in electrical engineering or related field.

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

City:
Cambridge

State:
Massachusetts

Postal Code:

$95,000.00 - $

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