System Concepts 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 Microsystems and Sensors Group at Draper is seeking a 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 execute system engineering full development lifecycle assignments, from requirements capture to deployment, under the oversight of program leadership.
• Provide content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership.
• Adhere to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continuously expand depth/knowledge in technical discipline through formal and informal learning.
• 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.
• Roles may require 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.

0–3 years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is preferred.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

$62,500.00 – $. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role.

The recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in U.S. role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

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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