Senior Digital Electronics 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.

As a Senior Digital Engineer, you will work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams designing, developing, and verifying high reliability digital electronics for use in a wide array of applications. These applications include processor/FPGA boards, low power electronics, and advanced packaging techniques. As a senior member of the Harsh Environments Electronics Group, you will help shape digital hardware architectures and lead electronics development activities by applying sound engineering and project management principles.

The Tailored Systems Business Area within Electronics Program Office directorate delivers first‑of‑kind field‑ready microelectronics solutions in support of National Security missions.

• 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 for products.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction—contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt to changes in requirements.
• Independently perform complex electronic architectures and designs.
• Provide design insights and suggest modifications based on simulation results.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Manage tasks with multiple engineers and communicate status to project leadership and customers.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Schematic capture and board layout experience.
• Experience integrating and debugging embedded systems.
• Ability to perform circuit simulation using Hyper Lynx and ANSYS.

• Experience in Mentor Graphics PCB design flow.
• Experience with Xilinx or Microchip FPGA/SOC design flow.

• 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.

5+ years experience in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related.

The ability to be in Draper facilities as needed is required. Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance.

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. 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…