Senior Product Manufacturing Engineer; Microelectronics

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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Draper is seeking Product Manufacturing Engineers who can bridge the gap between advanced prototype development and low-rate production. This role applies a system-level perspective to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and readiness for scaled production, rather than focusing on day-to-day builds. The candidate should understand and interpret product specifications and requirements, then define the production capabilities and processes needed to consistently meet them.

The ideal candidate brings experience with DFx principles, cross-functional collaboration, and vendor management to guide cutting edge hardware from concept through manufacturing transition. Familiarity with the DoD Manufacturing Readiness Level process is highly desirable.

Experience with quality management systems such as ISO
9001 or AS9100.

What success looks like here:

• Partner with cross-functional design teams to embed DFx activities early in the hardware development cycle.
• Define and support the transition path from prototype to low-rate production, ensuring technical feasibility and reliability.
• Collaborate with external vendors and internal services to align requirements, capabilities, and program deliverables.
• Translate product specifications into clear production capability requirements.
• Communicate DFx study findings and recommend design updates to engineering and leadership.
• Apply strong organizational and planning skills to balance technical, programmatic, and vendor needs.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Use Computer Aided Design (CAD) programs to create product concepts.
• Gather materials or resources needed to design the product.
• Test the product for usability and safety.
• Oversee the manufacturing and production process to set standards.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction — contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Provide insight and suggest design or process modifications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.

Skills/Abilities

• Curiosity-driven approach to solving complex, customer-driven problems as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multi-disciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non-technical personnel.
• Be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or other relevant field.

5-7 years experience in Product Engineering or related.

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

Connect with Draper for future opportunities. If you don’t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.

Job Location - City: Cambridge

Job Location - State: Massachusetts

Job Location - Postal Code:

Salary

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $62,500.00 - $. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. 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.

Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. The compensation details listed reflect the base salary only and do not include bonuses or benefits.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs, health and finance workshops, off-site events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this opportunity appeals to you, apply now at

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…