Senior Navigation System Engineer

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 Strategic Weapon Systems division at Draper is seeking a Navigation and Global Positioning System (GPS) System Engineer to work within multidisciplinary teams to conceptualize and prototype advanced guidance technologies to enable new system capabilities that are of strategic importance to the nation. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to develop expertise in both hardware and software GNC GPS technologies while remaining focused on delivering mission-level capability solutions to the warfighter.

Relevant mission domains may include global strike and/or strategic deterrent systems, hypersonics, missile defense systems, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles.

• GPS test data and performance analysis
• Conceptualization of GPS Hardware designs
• Analysis of designs to demonstrate performance and functionality of GPS Hardware
• Identification of customer mission needs and development of use cases
• Analysis of mission use cases to derive subsystem requirements
• Conceptualization of novel GNC GPS hardware, software, and system solutions
• Requirements development for simulation-based performance analysis
• Development and execution of tests to check compliance with requirements
• Development of research proposals and plans
• Development of test strategies/plans for prototype technology
• Performs analysis approaches for a particular problem and independently execute assignments
• Independently execute system engineering lifecycle assignments; concept and architecture design, integration, testing and operation
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to task planning and test development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in program requirements
• Demonstrated ability to lead small teams (fewer than five people) and build trust within the team
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop & execute mitigation strategies
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback
• Work in a collaborative multidisciplinary environment including stakeholders and external partners
• Contribute to translation of requirements into technical and architectural decisions

• Excellent mathematical skills
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent time management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated knowledge of multiple problem domains and ability to quickly become knowledgeable in new domains
• Ability to present results that support system‑level analysis, performance trade‑offs, and decision‑making
• Ability to communicate technical concepts effectively with customers, engineers, managers, and other stakeholders
• Flexibility to multi‑task and adapt to evolving priorities

• Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Mechanical, or other relevant Engineering field
• Master’s degree preferred

• 5‑7 years experience in systems analysis or related
• Experience with MBSE tools such as SysML, knowledge in MATLAB/Simulink
• Experience in integrating descriptive modeling tools with other simulation tools

Applicants must have the following key qualifications:

• Foundational knowledge of guidance, navigation, and…