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Draper

Principal Hardware in the Loop Simulation Engineer

Salary$95k – $245k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience7–10 yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedJun 3, 2026 · 4mo ago
Verified live3h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have4
Master's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related field
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
Nice to have7
PhD preferred
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science
Experience with Aerospace Avionics development
Experience with Hardware in the Loop simulation
Knowledge of common Embedded Computing communication interfaces, including serial communications, Ethernet, AXI, RS-422, etc.
Experience with Linux operating systems
Experience with RISC-V computer architectures
Eligibility1
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
C/C++
MATLAB/Simulink
Linux
RISC-V
Ethernet
RS-422
AXI
Benefits
Workplace flexibility
Employee clubs
Health and finance workshops
Social events
Discounts
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 www.draper.com.
Job Description Summary:
The Digital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division is seeking a Principal Digital Engineering Hardware in the Loop (HWIL) simulation Architect to apply systems-thinking and advanced methodologies to developing solutions to complex system- and enterprise-level problems. The Division works across multiple domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles.
Draper has adopted an integrated, model-based, and data-driven mindset in solving complex Engineering problems spanning the entire product lifecycle. From early-lifecycle problem definition and requirement management, conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model-driven customer reviews, integration and testing, verification and validation, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper applies a suite of Digital Engineering solutions to meet the needs of our projects.
For this role, we are seeking candidates with broad multidisciplinary interest in aerospace electronics, avionics, software development, and simulation. The hardware-in the loop simulators that we develop and utilize will largely be utilized for testing avionics components and systems, and therefore experience and degrees in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science will be an advantage in this position.
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will include:
• Work with senior leaders across Draper to analyze and capture customer and stakeholder HWIL and simulation needs, understand and evaluate relevant technology options, and apply advanced decision-making strategies to develop innovative system solutions.
• Maintain strong external presence in the Digital Engineering and simulation world as a thought leader and innovative thinker, understand external trends and map back to Draper needs and new business development.
• Conceptualize and lead the development of the appropriate HWIL solution for each project depending on the lifecycle needs, with a “Product Owner” hat.
• Bridge the knowledge gaps and across Draper. Build and promote cross-functional teams to meet customer and internal needs.
• Lead complex assignments with minimal management direction and evolving task priorities. Mentor technical staff and development teams to successfully work to deadlines, often while successfully managing to multiple competing priorities.
Job Description:
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.
Skills/Abilities
• 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.
Education
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.
Additional Job Description:
Additional Job Description:
•
A passion to build quick turn-around prototypes, demonstrate proof-of-concept, and drive to productization
•
Prior experience in technical leadership, stakeholder engagement and management
•
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with other leading national experts in science and technology from academia, national laboratories, and industry who may have ongoing competing priorities and viewpoints.
•
Ability to create and present senior level communications for internal and external customers.
Desired Qualifications:
•
Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and/or Computer Science
•
Experience with Aerospace Avionics development
•
Experience with Hardware in the Loop simulation
•
Knowledge of common Embedded Computing communication interfaces, including serial communications, Ethernet, AXI, RS-422, etc.
•
Experience with Linux operating systems
•
Experience with RISC-V computer architectures
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance.
Connect With Draper for Future Opportunities! If you don’t find the right posting in our Career Opportunities, you may submit your resume for future consideration.
Job Location - City:
Cambridge
Job Location - State:
Massachusetts
Job Location - Postal Code:
02139-3563
The US base salary range for this full-time position is
$95,000.00 - $245,000.00
Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Union ranges will be in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement’s approved rates by location and role. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and does not include bonuses or benefits.
Benefits
Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.
Legal
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 [email protected].
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