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Draper

GNC Research Engineer

Salary$75k – $156k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityMid
Experience3–5 yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
First seenOct 4, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have14
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
3-5 years experience as systems engineer or related role
Systems analyst or research engineer with experience in defense/missile applications
Desire to shape/innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance
GNC technologist with strong foundational understanding of both hardware and algorithms
Demonstrated ability to independently propose, plan, and lead research efforts
Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence
Demonstrated ability for system and mission level thinking; highly motivated to find the technology that solves the problem, not the problem that fits the technology
Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective
Strong oral and written communication skills
Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis
Practical experience with the systems engineering process
Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary
Nice to have2
Relevant MS thesis (or PhD dissertation) or prior professional R&D experience
Masters degree or higher preferred
Eligibility1
Applicants selected for this opportunity will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
SysML
STPA
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 Hypersonic and Advanced Weapons group at Draper is seeking a Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) Research Engineer to work within multi-disciplinary teams to design and analyze next-generation weapon system concepts for the war fighter. This role will be of high interest to applicants that desire to participate in the research and development (R&D) of new US military capabilities in both strategic and tactical mission domains, with specific focus on the design of enabling guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) subsystem technology.
An ideal candidate for this role would match the following description:
a) Systems analyst or research engineer with experience in defense/missile applications.
b) Desire to shape/innovate solutions to complex problems of national importance.
c) GNC technologist with strong foundational understanding of both hardware and algorithms.
d) Demonstrated ability to independently propose, plan, and lead research efforts.
e) Relevant MS thesis (or PhD dissertation) or prior professional R&D experience.
f) Highly motivated to support the maintenance of our national strategic deterrence.
g) Demonstrated ability for system and mission level thinking; highly motivated to find the technology that solves the problem, not the problem that fits the technology.
Working in a dynamic team environment developing state-of-the-art weapon/GN&C systems will provide exposure to a wide range of advanced technologies as well as afford opportunities for increased leadership/impact on the development of new war-fighter capability.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Independently execute system engineering full development lifecycle assignments, from requirements capture to deployment with some oversight.
• Provide content for technical reports and presentations with appropriate guidance
• Adapt appropriately to changes in program priorities and requirements
• Identify challenges associated with assigned work and communicate them to project leadership
• Adheres to existing best practices and Quality Management System processes.
• Continues to expand their depth/knowledge in their technical discipline through formal and informal learning.
• Work within multi-disciplinary teams and independently execute assignments
• Help define, plan, and execute engineering analyses/design trades
• Contribute high quality content for technical reports and presentations with minimal guidance
• Proactively identify needs and concerns associated with design decisions and communicate them to project leadership.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Highly-organized, capable of approaching problems with a system-level perspective.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Practical experience with simulation-based performance analysis.
• Practical experience with the systems engineering process.
• Roles may require proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), STPA, and/or other engineering analysis tools
• Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies may be required as defined in the summary.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field. Masters degree or higher preferred.
Experience
3-5 years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this opportunity 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
$75,000.00 - $156,000.00
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.
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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