Senior Solid-State Sensor 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 Solid‑State Sensor Engineer in the instruments group, you will play a critical role in the development of 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.

• Enjoy designing and developing high‑precision sensors or systems
• Have experience (or strong interest) in MEMS, solid‑state physics, or control systems
• Like owning or contributing to system architecture and instrument development
• Thrive in hands‑on environments—prototyping, testing, iterating
• Want to collaborate with SMEs to solve complex, real‑world problems

• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction to design and develop precision instruments.
• Actively mentor less experienced Hardware Instrument engineers.
• Design experiments, and experimental precision instruments 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.
• Develop initial processes for the fabrication of custom designed instruments.
• Draft and present formal technical documents, reports, and testing results to manager for approval.
• Provide training related to devices to employees, sub‑contractors and/or customers.
• Perform independent research when needed for solving problems.
• 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.

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Applied Physics, Electrical or Computer Engineering required;
Master’s or PhD degree preferred.

5–10 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.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563.

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

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