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Draper

Principal Systems Engineer

Salary$95k – $245k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience7–10 yrs
DepartmentDigital Engineering and Enabling Technologies Division
Company size1,001–5,000 people
First seenOct 4, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have16
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role
Independently drive solutions to complex problems - develop requirements, propose ways forward when customer requirements are unclear or incomplete
Sustained record of successful task leadership
Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people)
Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering
Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes
Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies
Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers
Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills
Actively mentors - recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback
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
Nice to have4
Masters degree or higher preferred
Knowledge of GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies
Expert-level proficiency in SysML
OMG SysML Certification
Eligibility1
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US government security clearance
Skills
SysML
STPA
GN&C
Modeling and simulation
Computer language coding
Descriptive modeling
Benefits
Workplace flexibility
Employee clubs
Health and finance workshops
Off site social events
Discounts to local museums and cultural activities
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 Systems Engineer to develop next generation requirements, model-based systems engineering concepts, and cross-domain solutions for domains such as strategic deterrent systems, missile defense systems, hypersonic missiles, space systems, precision guided munitions, and autonomous air/sea vehicles. Our multi-disciplinary teams innovate and develop solutions for full system development lifecycle in areas of importance for national security.
Draper has adopted an integrated, model-driven digital mindset in solving Systems Engineering problems spanning the entire lifecycle. From early-lifecycle conceptual system design and architecture, detailed modeling, model-driven customer reviews, verification and validation, integration and testing, to deployment, surveillance and performance monitoring, Draper has a suite of Model Based Systems Engineering solution needs across our projects. Our thinking spans the entire gamut, from “as-designed” to “as-deployed” lifecycle phases in supporting uncompromised delivery of solutions.
For this role, the ideal candidate will work as part of an interdisciplinary team. The candidate will support the development of requirements, systems concepts, interface concepts along with digital capabilities like digital twins and digital threads.
Due to the nature of the work, candidates must be able to maintain a consistent on-site presence.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• 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
• Sustained record of successful task leadership. Identifies risks and develops and executes mitigation strategies for them.
• Lead medium-sized teams (5-10 people). Reliably aligns team towards program goals and builds trust within the team.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Systems Engineering
• Provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical challenges and disciplines
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Develop, document, and teach best practices to less experienced engineers
• Demonstrate strong organization, planning, and time management skills to achieve program goals
• Actively mentors. Recognizes strengths and weaknesses in others and provides thoughtful constructive feedback.
• 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
7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role.
Additional Job Description:
Preferred Qualifications
•
Knowledge and experience in GN&C, avionics architectures, fault tolerance, cyber/security, comms/encryption, threat modeling or other technologies preferred
•
Proficiency with modeling and simulation, computer language coding, descriptive modeling (e.g. SysML), and/or other engineering analysis methods
•
Expert-level proficiency in SysML
•
OMG SysML Certification
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a US 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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