Flight Software Engineer

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees 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 Software Engineer 2 develops high performance solutions for resource constrained targets. They develop next‑generation resilient and fault tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics, and space. The engineer is involved in the full software development life cycle.

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design with some guidance.
• 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 inefficiencies.
• 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 to the system design based on demonstrated expertise and applicable experience.
• Contributes content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance.
• Proactively identifies needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicates them to project leadership.
• Adapts appropriately to changes in program requirements.
• Identifies challenges associated with assigned work and communicates them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Excellent knowledge of OS coding techniques, IP protocols, interfaces and hardware subsystems.
• Expertise in software development for real‑time systems.
• Mastery of high-level development languages (e.g., C/C++, Rust).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of software configuration management tools, defect tracking tools, and peer review processes.
• Excellent time‑management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Experience with UML/SysML.
• Experience with in‑circuit emulators, JTAG debuggers and laboratory test equipment.

Requires a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.

Requires 3–5 years of experience in software engineering or a related field.

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

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $75,000.00 – $.

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