Find jobs
Pricing
Free Resume Checker
Blog
Sign in
Sign up
FIND JOBSPRICINGFREE RESUME CHECKERBLOGSIGN INSIGN UP
Draper

Principal Systems Engineer

Salary$95k – $245k
LocationCambridge, MA; Huntsville, AL
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience7+ yrs
DepartmentDigital Engineering and Enabling Technologies
Company size1,001–5,000 people
First seenOct 4, 2026 · 1w ago
Verified live1d ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have17
7-10+ years experience as systems engineer or related role
Bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, mathematics, or related field
Independently drive solutions to complex problems
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
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
Nice to have12
Experience with methodologies for Trade space exploration and analysis of alternatives under uncertainty
Experience in data visualization and story boarding
Solid understanding of data-driven algorithmic disciplines such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Numerical optimization, Statistical and Probabilistic modeling etc. for systems with underlying physics and sparse multidimensional data
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
Experience in leading or involvement in organizational transformations
Expertise with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, Department of Defense Acquisition Framework, or other government or industry Systems Engineering standards
Experience modeling DoD weapons, navigation, or communications systems
Experience with new business development, generating white papers and new proposal content
Masters degree or higher preferred
Eligibility1
Candidates selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
SysML
STPA
GN&C
Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence
Numerical optimization
Statistical and Probabilistic modeling
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 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.
Hiring process
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 interests in Multi-Disciplinary Analysis and Optimization, Model-based Engineering, Modeling and Simulation, Software development and Integration, and Advanced Algorithms. The ability to communicate complex and abstract technical ideas to a broad profile of stakeholders is essential…
Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities will include:
•Work with senior leaders across Draper to analyze and capture customer and stakeholder 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 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 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
• 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:
•
Experience with methodologies for Trade space exploration and analysis of alternatives under uncertainty. Experience in data visualization and story boarding
•
Solid understanding of data-driven algorithmic disciplines such as Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Numerical optimization, Statistical and Probabilistic modeling etc. for systems with underlying physics and sparse multidimensional data. 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:
• Experience in leading or involvement in organizational transformations
• Expertise with INCOSE Systems Engineering Handbook, Department of Defense Acquisition Framework, or other government or industry Systems Engineering standards
• Experience modeling DoD weapons, navigation, or communications systems
• Experience with new business development, generating white papers and new proposal content
Candidates 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].
More roles at Draper
NPI Manufacturing EngineerProduction Support CoordinatorDirector 3 – Senior Director of Systems EngineeringCorporate and Community Engagement Intern (Summer 2027)Program Security Manager
Seekless
Seek less: one search across companies' own career pages, instead of a dozen job boards.
Product
Find jobsCompaniesPricingFree Resume Checker
Company
AboutBlog
Legal
PrivacyTermsCookies
© 2026 SEEKLESS. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.BUILT WITH CARE