Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer
Job in
Cambridge, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, 02140, USA
Listed on 2026-05-16
Listing for:
Draper
Full Time
position Listed on 2026-05-16
Job specializations:
-
Engineering
Systems Engineer, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineer
Job Description & How to Apply Below
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.
For more information about Draper, visit Description
Summary:
Draper's Acoustic and Vibration Technologies group is seeking a Principal Acoustic Systems Engineer to serve as a development lead for novel sound and vibration technology. This key role requires you to concept, define and execute novel programs for sensing and communications systems. You will also direct the shaping and capture of new business through the development of customer relationships, proposals, presentations, and whitepapers.
This is a technical leadership position that will ultimately deliver timely, high-performance technology to national security customers.
The ideal candidate has a technology background in the architecture and design of acoustic sensor systems, including the hardware, software, and algorithms related to:infrasound to ultrasound signal acquisitionacoustic transducer system designtransducer modeling and simulationtransducer arrays and signal processingpassive and/or active noise and vibration controlsystem integration and deploymenttest and measurement of acoustic systemsinterfacing with government customers
In addition, candidates should have experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams of physicists, engineers, and technicians. Presenting and publishing documentation to internal and external customers is required.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
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.
Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.
Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements
Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems
Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers;
Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities Proficiency in programming language.
Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Education Requires a master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred.
Experience5-10 years experience in…
To View & Apply for jobs on this site that accept applications from your location or country, tap the button below to make a Search.
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
(If this job is in fact in your jurisdiction, then you may be using a Proxy or VPN to access this site, and to progress further, you should change your connectivity to another mobile device or PC).
Search for further Jobs Here:
×