Senior GNC Systems 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.

For more information about Draper, visit

The Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Senior Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Systems Engineer to work within and lead multi‑disciplinary teams to design next‑generation weapon system concepts for the warfighter. This role will attract applicants who desire to participate in the conceptualization and development of new U.S. military capabilities in strategic mission domains, as well as enabling guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem technology.

Ideal candidate for this role would match the following description:

• Systems engineer with experience in defense/missile applications.
• Desire to shape/innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance.
• Prior experience specifically with hypersonic weapon systems would be valued.
• GNC technologist with strong foundational understanding of guidance and navigation.
• Practitioner of modern systems engineering/architecting techniques.
• Proven technical leader who can manage small engineering teams.
• Experienced in proposing and planning R&D engineering projects.
• Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence.

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

• Architect novel weapon system solutions for complex mission problems.
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements.
• Work within multi‑disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction.
• Lead small teams and align team toward program goals.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Highly organized, capable of approaching problems with a system‑level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation‑based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g., SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GNC, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, communications/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies as required.

Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Master’s degree or higher highly preferred.

5-10 years experience as systems engineer or related role.

Cambridge, Massachusetts,

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $82,300.00 – $.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. 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. For more information, visit

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