Machine Perception Researcher

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.

Draper's Perception and Embedded Machine Learning Group seeks an engineer to help develop, integrate, and deploy advanced perception systems, including for autonomous vehicles and robots able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space. Examples of previous systems developed by our group include vision‑based Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) for guided parafoils or spacecraft landing, vision‑aided inertial navigation for UAVs, localization systems for teams of soldiers, and real‑time 3‑D mapping.

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluates results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficient or problems.
• Prepares technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Communicates with customers and stakeholders to establish requirements and describe the design and deliverables.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag‑ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task‑level or component‑level requirements from system requirements.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real‑time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real‑time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.

• Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Masters or PhD in a related field is preferred.

3‑5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

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

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $75,000.00 – $. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Draper is committed to creating an inclusive environment. 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