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Draper

Hardware Physics Engr PMTS

Salary$95k – $245k
LocationCambridge, MA
Work modehybrid
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
ExperienceUp to 10 yrs
Company size1,001–5,000 people
PostedOct 7, 2026 · 5d ago
Verified live2h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
Must have6
Master's degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar
5-10 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master's degree
0-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a PhD degree
Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities
Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements
Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills
Nice to have2
Proficiency in programming language
Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction
Eligibility1
Obtain and maintain a government security clearance
Skills
Comsol
Ansys
Matlab/Simulink
Solidworks
TCAD
MCNP
CEPXS
Geant
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:
A Principal Hardware Physics Engineer is a physicist, applied physicist, optical engineer, electrical engineer or similar who works at the intersection of physics and engineering. Someone in this role designs, develops, modifies, and tests hardware and produces prototype designs. Diagnoses malfunctions and makes modifications to produce desired results. Compiles and evaluates design and test data and prepares technical specifications and is responsible for planning and conducting projects or phases of projects.
The new hire will work on one or more projects to deliver innovative solutions to complex problems by developing novel multi-physics systems that may integrate nuclear engineering, MEMS sensors, optics, electronics, and actuators into aerospace systems which address critical national needs. The person will need to work across organizations to technically contribute to existing programs and help propose future concepts. Candidates should be interested in novel nuclear systems and precision sensors while being willing to venture into new and unexplored areas. Experience in application areas such as inertial guidance, spacecraft development, nuclear power and propulsion, radiochemistry, radiation hardened aerospace systems, hypersonic vehicles/modeling, and high-power optics/lasers are beneficial but not required. The candidate will be expected to work effectively in a team environment and communicate progress through reports and presentations.
Nice to have
The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in physics, nuclear engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, or a related field. Desired skills include:
• A strong background in computational analysis using modeling tools such as Comsol, Ansys, Matlab/Simulink, Solidworks, TCAD, MCNP, CEPXS and/or Geant.
• Ability to develop creative solutions to complex systems problems by leveraging novel nuclear physics, MEMS technology, fluid modeling, advanced optics and related technologies.
• Willingness to occasionally travel (< 1/quarter) for testing or to visit sponsors.
• Ability to work with program managers and customers to define needs/requirements, help write proposals and eventually lead technical efforts.
Job Description:
Duties/Responsibilities
• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• Analyzes, develops, and recommends design approaches to meet prototype or production requirements.
• Responsible for planning and conducting hardware projects or phases of projects.
• Develops and applies advanced design methods, theories, and research techniques.
• May provide technical consultation and work leadership to other team members.
• Development of quantum, optical, and/or photonic sensors and instruments.
• Provide recommendations for performance improvements and cost reduction efforts.
• Apply quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and propose, develop and implement solutions for corrective action.
• Develop and maintain effective internal/external relationships.
• Help define the analysis approach for a particular problem and independently execute assignments.
• 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.
• Drive solutions to complex problems with limited direction – contribute to requirements development, propose ways forward, and adapt appropriately to changes in requirements.
• Perform analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems.
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical disciplines
• Identify program/system-level technical risks and develop and execute mitigation strategies.
• Actively mentor less experienced engineers and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback.
• 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
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) able to perform advanced analytical modeling and finite element analysis of complex electro-mechanical systems
• Able to provide insight and suggest design modifications based on analysis outcomes, and to apply analysis techniques across a range of technical 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.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
Skills/Abilities
• Proficiency in programming language.
• Ability to write software routines to run laboratory experiments including data collection, storage, and basic data reduction.
• Demonstrated consistency, accountability and flexibility managing multiple and competing priorities.
• Proven ability to lead technical solutions to complex user requirements.
• Excellent communication, technical writing, oral presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Education
Requires a master’s degree in physics, applied physics, electrical engineering, optics, or similar. PhD degree preferred.
Experience
5-10 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a master’s degree.
0-5 years experience in Physics Engineering or related with a PhD degree.
Additional Job Description:
Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. Secret Clearance is preferred.
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
Legal
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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