Senior Hardware Instrument Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. Draper tackles important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions across a wide range of domains, from military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross‑fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

A Hardware Instrument Engineer (SMTS) applies scientific analysis and experimental methods to design, develop, and evolve sensor instrument technology to meet the changing demands of our customers. Hardware Instrument Engineers are expected to follow the full lifecycle of instruments from concept through manufacturing. Devices include, but are not limited to electro‑mechanical, electro‑optical, and MEMS sensor systems.

• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction to design and develop precision instruments.
• Actively mentor less experienced Hardware Instrument engineers.
• Design experiments and experimental precision instruments to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
• Collaborate with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
• Collaborate with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Develop initial processes for the fabrication of custom‑designed instruments.
• Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval.
• Provide training related to devices to employees, sub‑contractors, and/or customers.
• Perform independent research when needed for solving problems.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
• Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, CAD software, FEA software, and other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical, or Computer Engineering. Master’s or PhD degree preferred.

Requires 5–10 years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.

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

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

$82,300.00 – $ (US base salary range for this full‑time position)

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