Principal Digital Signal Processing System 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.

Draper seeks a DSP system engineer to perform waveform analysis and digital receiver design as a member of a stable, long‑term program. This position requires an existing TS, and may be based at either Reston, VA or Cambridge, MA.

• Design RF and Communications systems that solve challenging problems.
• Manage complex engineering projects in a fast‑paced environment.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Perform analysis and modeling of complex radio frequency systems.
• Act as a subject matter expert (SME) in RF and Communications systems.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems—develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Analyze Draper strategy and work with management to build capabilities in key areas to help sustain business growth.
• Help customers shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Focus on advancing state‑of‑the‑art (SOA) solutions and techniques in the field.
• Contribute to capability expansion, talent acquisition and mentoring of graduate students.
• Assemble and deliver customer presentations that inspire a high degree of confidence in Draper and its work.
• Provide insights and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.
• Lead cross‑functional teams.
• Support business development activities, including leading the development of proposals and engaging with sponsors.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Knowledge of RF systems and architectures.
• Knowledge of fundamentals of electrical engineering.
• Skills with RF and Communications software tools.
• Hands‑on experience with instrumentation for RF measurements.
• Strong problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and willingness to work in a highly collaborative team environment.
• Excellent management and organizational skills, proven ability to meet deadlines, prioritize tasks, and pay attention to detail.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or related field.
• Advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in Radio Frequency or Communications Engineering or related field.

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139‑3563

US base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00–$. The range displayed reflects minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations.

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.