Navigation & Tracking 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 Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops software for cutting‑edge space and defense systems used by the US Government and commercial customers as well as internal R&D projects. A Navigation and Tracking Engineer develops, integrates, and deploys advanced Navigation and Tracking algorithms and software for systems able to operate in complex environments such as underwater, ground, air, and space.

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, explores design trades to support a design.
• 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 content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance.
• Participates in tag‑ups and informal meetings with group leads and colleagues.
• Derives task‑level or component‑level requirements from system requirements.
• Independently contributes high‑quality content for technical reports and presentations that shows an understanding of the task and an awareness of the intended audience.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule, and cost.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Proficient in MATLAB, Simulink, Python, C/C++ or other related tools.
• Proficient in basic software development standards.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Foundational knowledge of autonomy, guidance, navigation and control (GNC) technology.
• Knowledge of real‑time software development tools.
• Knowledge of project execution, designing, developing, and validating real‑time algorithms and software.
• Strong background in control systems theory.
• Written and verbal communication is clear and concise.
• Clearly communicates work assignments to team members.
• Tracks priorities, scope, schedule and cost.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Master’s or PhD in a related field is preferred.

3-5 years of Software Engineering or related experience is required.

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

Cambridge, Massachusetts

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

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