Principal Digital Electronics 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.

In this position you will work closely with multi‑disciplinary teams designing, developing, and verifying high‑reliability digital electronics for use in a wide array of avionics applications. As a principal member of the Harsh Environments Electronics Group, you will help shape digital hardware architectures and lead electronics development activities by applying sound engineering and project management principles.

• Translate project and system requirements into well‑defined hardware architectures working with cross‑functional teams.
• Design and/or complete instruments including microprocessors, power, and analog components.
• Innovatively solve issues, drive completion of the project to schedule, and collaboratively work with other technical contributors.
• Build and test prototypes, debug, and prepare documentation for manufacturing and support.
• Research and enable innovative solutions for cutting‑edge designs.
• Engage other engineers and partners to develop reliable, cost‑effective solutions for products.
• Independently drive solutions to complex problems—develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced architectures and designs for complex ASICs.
• Involved in business development and proposal activities.
• Identify program/system‑level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Manage multi‑disciplinary tasks with multiple engineers and effectively communicate status to project leadership and customers.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Proficiency in electronic design, microprocessor or embedded computing.
• Understanding of design and general computer architecture.
• Ability to write detailed design specifications.
• Computer programming and coding abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent mathematical skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time‑management skills with the proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Thorough understanding of engineering theories and procedures.
• Strong organization, planning, and time‑management skills to achieve program goals.

Bachelor's degree in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related field. Master’s Degree preferred.

7‑10 years experience in Electronic or Electrical Engineering or related.

• Experience working with and knowledge of trade space for radiation‑hardened parts.
• Experience integrating and debugging embedded systems.
• Ability to perform circuit simulation using tools such as Hyper Lynx or Ansys.

• Experience in Mentor Graphics PCB design flow.
• Experience in design for harsh environments as embodied in common commercial and military standards (e.g. RTCA/DO-160, MIL-STD-810, etc.).
• Experience with design for production.

This position will be largely in person at Draper's Utah facility.

Clearfield, Utah 84015

US base salary range: $95,000.00 – $

Draper supports work–life balance through workplace flexibility, employee clubs, 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