Senior DevSecOps 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.

Designs and operates secure, automated CI/CD pipelines using Git Lab CI/CD for mission‑critical embedded and flight software systems, enabling reproducible builds, integrated security controls, and compliant delivery in constrained and air‑gapped environments. Partners with software, systems, and cybersecurity teams to standardize tool chains, enforce policy‑as‑code, and meet defense standards (e.g., DO‑178C, NIST 800‑53, RMF, STIGs). Requires proficiency in Git Lab (pipelines, runners, package registry), scripting (Python, Bash), and systems languages (C/C++), along with experience in cross‑compilation (GCC/Clang, Yocto, Buildroot), RTOS platforms (VxWorks, FreeRTOS, Zephyr), containerization (Docker/Podman), Kubernetes, infrastructure‑as‑code (Terraform, Ansible), and software supply chain security (SAST/DAST/SCA tools, SBOMs, artifact signing).

Familiarity with Linux hardening, FIPS environments, PKI/TLS, and delivery to classified or disconnected systems is expected.

• Independently execute task assignments.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques, adhering to software best practices.
• Analyzes designs to demonstrate performance and functionality.
• Develops and executes software tests to check compliance with requirements.
• 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.
• Drives solutions to complex problems, actively participates in requirements development, proposes ways forward, and adapts appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Contributes to system architecture decisions and leads the architecture of sub‑systems.
• Provides insight and suggests adaptations or modifications to processes and/or applications based on quantitative data or results.
• Identifies project technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentors less experienced staff and provides thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• Lead a small team of software developers on projects.

• Curiosity‑driven approach to solving complex, customer‑driven problems as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Demonstrate an ability to learn new programming languages and technologies quickly.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively and openly with multidisciplinary program team members, program leadership, and non‑technical personnel.
• A team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment with the ability to balance multiple competing tasks and demands.

Requires a bachelor’s in Computer Science or other related field. Master’s degree is preferred.

5-10 years experience in Software Engineering or related field.

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

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 02139‑3563

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