Principal Software​/GPU Developer

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

The Software Engineer (PMTS) develops high‑performance solutions for resource‑constrained targets. The role involves creating next‑generation resilient and fault‑tolerant software solutions in the application domains of undersea, terrestrial, air, hypersonics and space. The engineer participates in the full software development life cycle and implements complex signal‑processing algorithms in C++ and/or CUDA or OpenCL, building on a background in digital communications theory and GPU software development.

• Evaluates requirements, proposes solutions, and explores design trades to support a design.
• Designs algorithms using modern theory and proven techniques.
• Develops embedded software based on prototype algorithms with supervision.
• 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.
• Drives solutions to complex problems with limited direction, contributing to requirements development and architecture solution ideation.
• Holds responsibility for a subset of engineering scope.
• Identifies program/system‑level technical risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies.
• Mentors less experienced engineers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Excellent development and troubleshooting skills on embedded targets.
• Excellent 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 a 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 10-15 years of experience in Software Engineering or related disciplines.

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

• City:
  Reston
• State:
  Virginia
• Postal Code: 20190

The U.S. base salary range for this full‑time position is $95,000.00 – $. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all U.S. locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Draper supports many programs to improve work‑life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs (photography to yoga), health and finance workshops, off‑site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. For more information:

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