Principal Simulation Engineer
Listed on 2026-07-18
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Software Development
Software Engineer, C++ Developer, 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.
For more information about Draper, visit
A Principal System Modeling & Simulation Engineer designs, develops, validates, and maintains dynamic simulations and infrastructure for rapid assessment, integration, and test of complex systems. Simulation applications range from high-level behavioral simulations for visualization and evaluation of system concepts to high-fidelity real-time simulations and Hardware-in-the-Loop infrastructure to support development, integration, test, and sustainment of systems and software.
Duties / Responsibilities- Architect, integrate, verify and validate system-level simulations in the context of a larger aerospace project life cycle.
- May working independently or lead a small team of engineers.
- Develop simulation CONOPs, use cases, and requirements.
- Design a simulation architecture, including internal and external interfaces, facilities, infrastructure, and models, to satisfy requirements.
- Write and automate test plans.
- Develop real-time hardware interfaces, integrate legacy software models, and develop new software models.
- Acts as a subject matter expert in System Modeling and Simulation engineering.
- Integrate 3D visualization tools, and
- Development and maintain an in house real-time software framework.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with analytical methods, approaches, and data visualization.
- Excellent mathematical skills.
- Ability to collaborate within a diverse and multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Ability to quickly understand and integrate new software APIs.
- Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software and hardware integration issues.
- Ability to develop systems with human factors, UI/UX, usability requirements.
- Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences.
Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field. PhD. preferred..
Experience- 7-10 years of Systems Engineering or related experience.
- Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting.
- Significant experience with C/C++ and MATLAB/Simulink.
- Professional software development experience in a multi-disciplinary, team setting.
- Significant experience with C/C++ and Matlab/Simulink.
- Ability to quickly understand and integrate new software APIs.
- Ability to efficiently triage, debug, and fix software/hardware integration issues.
- Experience developing systems where human factors, UI/UX, and usability trade off with engineering and business demands.
- Knowledge and familiarity with aerospace systems and related sciences.
- Proficient in C/C++ development in a Linux environment (Bash, GCC, GNU Make, GDB, etc.).
- Experience with communications protocols and hardware drivers.
- Familiarity with Matlab/Simulink.
- Familiarity with GNC systems and 6
DOF dynamics. - Experience in presenting test results to customers.
- Experience with engineering team leadership.
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Job LocationCambridge, Massachusetts,
Salary RangeThe US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $
EEO StatementDraper 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
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