Distinguished Optical Instrument Engineer

Job Description Summary

As a Optical Instrument Engineer in the Electro‑Mechanical Instruments Group, you will play a leadership role in the development of Electro‑Mechanical inertial instruments for cutting‑edge guidance applications. You will work closely with a team of engineers and physicists to build next‑generation gyroscope, accelerometer and guidance‑aiding sensor prototypes, characterize their performance, develop production roll‑out and ultimately deliver production hardened sensors meeting some of the world’s most stringent requirements.

You will also be a key leader in the development of our junior engineering staff as a mentor and technical leader in a fast‑paced, technically challenging environment.

• Independently formulate hardware instrument solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer’s strategic priorities.
• Capable of helping customers shape their needs and develop hardware instrument requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Subject Matter Expert in hardware instrument device development with broad knowledge across related technical disciplines.
• Lead large, technically diverse Hardware Instrument projects.
• Design experiments and experimental hardware to prove which design concepts are viable and optimal.
• Collaborate with other engineers to design and develop prototype and production hardware to meet the application needs.
• Collaborate with other groups to integrate precision instruments into larger systems, delivering on performance metrics.
• Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Understanding of the design, development, and application of a wide variety of instruments.
• Understanding of the processes used in the fabrication of precision instrument hardware.
• Thorough understanding of applied math and physics.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficient with general modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB, computer‑aided design (CAD) software, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software, and/or other design & analysis tools relevant to your discipline.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering; master’s or PhD degree preferred.

Requires 15+ years of experience in Hardware Instrument Engineering or related.

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

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 orientation, national origin, veteran status or genetic information. Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.

To request reasonable accommodation, please contact