Distinguished Embedded Software 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 Software Engineer (DMTS) 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.

• Evaluate requirements, propose solutions, and explore design trades to support a design.
• Design algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develop embedded software based on prototype algorithms with supervision.
• Analyze designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develop and execute software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• Evaluate results to establish problem causes and develop solutions for inefficiencies.
• Prepare technical data, procedures, reports, drawings, manuals, and other required documentation.
• Independently formulate solutions to complex, multidisciplinary problems with a deep understanding of a customer's strategic priorities.
• Assist customers to shape their needs and develop requirements for programs that solve their most challenging technical problems.
• Act as a subject‑matter expert in embedded systems development with broad knowledge across related technical disciplines.
• Lead large, technically diverse software projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Proficient 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 15+ years of experience in Software Engineering or related fields.

• Expertise in embedded systems, multi‑core operating systems, and modifying or writing kernel code.
• Experience with machine code, C & C++.
• Knowledge of multi‑core processing, scheduling, and RISC‑V architecture.
• Familiarity with designing and implementing a real‑time operating system.
• Knowledge of low‑level processor peripherals such as UART, SPI, DMA controller, memory controller.
• Ability to debug and isolate hardware issues from a software/user perspective.
• Preferred:
  Python experience.
• Strong desire to learn Rust.

Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is required.

Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139‑3563, United States.

$ – $ per year, based on role, level, and location. This range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations.

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. 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