Mixed-Signal Electronic Design 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.

A Mixed‑Signal Electronic Design Engineer designs, develops, tests, and oversees the manufacturing of electrical printed circuit boards (PCBs), analog and digital circuits, electronic equipment, sensors, motors, radar and navigation systems. In addition, the engineer develops architecture, performs simulations, physical layout, verifies and tests designs, and supports engineering activities throughout the life cycle.

The Tailored Systems Business Area within Electronics Program Office delivers microelectronics solutions in support of National Security missions. This role supports a large multi‑disciplinary team as part of an ongoing contract.

• Support system architecture design and trade studies.
• Review and support proposal development and project execution.
• Perform detailed electrical analysis and design for mixed‑signal electronics.
• Capture schematics, simulate, design PCB layout, oversee prototype bring‑up, debugging, functional verification and performance characterization.
• Translate project and system requirements into well‑defined hardware architectures working with cross‑functional teams.
• Design and/or complete instruments including microprocessors, power, and analog components.
• Innovatively solve issues, drive completion of the project to schedule, and collaborate with other technical contributors.
• Build and test prototypes, debug, and prepare documentation for manufacturing and support.
• Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting‑edge designs.
• Engage other engineers and partners to develop reliable, cost‑effective solutions.
• Collaborate and communicate with management, internal, and developmental partners regarding design status, project progress, and issue resolution.
• Execute assignments independently with minimal oversight.
• Apply technical knowledge to solve problems.
• Contribute high‑quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in electronic design, microprocessor or embedded computing.
• Understanding of design and general computer architecture.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Computer programming and coding abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills with proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.

Bachelor's degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related field;
Master's Degree preferred.

3–5 years experience in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related.

• Technical capability with strong electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Experience leading teams of engineers and a background in developing new products/business.
• Experience in miniature low‑power embedded systems, sensor integration, wireless communication interfaces, battery conditioning and maintenance.
• Basic experience with microcontroller software (using C/C++/assembly) and FPGA firmware (VHDL or Verilog). Ability to develop code for bring‑up tests or simple demos.
• Familiarity with signal and power integrity analysis tools (Hyperlinx, Ansys).
• Experience with miniature electronic packaging and design using bare die or chip‑scale packages; ability to understand and influence packaging design constraints and requirements for custom designs.

Requir…