Principal 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.

The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Systems Engineer to develop next‑generation requirements, model‑based systems engineering concepts, and cross‑domain solutions for domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Our multi‑disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for the full system development lifecycle in areas of importance for national security.

Draper has adopted an integrated, model‑driven digital mindset in solving Systems Engineering problems spanning the entire lifecycle—from early‑lifecycle conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model‑driven customer reviews, verification and validation, integration and testing, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring. our thinking spans the entire gamut, from “as‑designed” to “as‑deployed” lifecycle phases in supporting uncompromised delivery of solutions. For this role, the ideal candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team.

The candidate will support the development of requirements, systems concepts, interface concepts along with digital capabilities like digital twins and digital threads. Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be able to maintain a consistent on‑site presence.

• 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.
• Sustained record of successful task leadership: identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium‑sized teams (5‑10 people). Reliably align team toward program goals and build trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering.
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and 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.
• Actively mentor—recognize strengths and weaknesses in others 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.
• Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools.
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling, or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.

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

7‑10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.

• Knowledge and experience in GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling, or other technologies preferred.
• Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), and/or other engineering analysis methods.
• Expert‑level proficiency in SysML (OMG SysML…